The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has officially received the report of the investigative panel tasked with examining the allegations of improprieties against Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Law Faculty. The ceremony took place in the VC’s office in Calabar.
Prof. Obi commended the panel for their dedicated efforts in producing a thorough and objective report within a short period of time. Two months ago, students from the Law Faculty, led by their president, staged a protest against Prof. Ndifon, citing various allegations, including sexual impropriety. As a result, an investigative panel was set up to look into the matter.
While Prof. Obi acknowledged that management had not yet reviewed the report, she expressed confidence that it would be instrumental in bringing closure to the issue. The report will be presented to the Ministers of Education and Women Affairs, as well as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC), exactly as delivered by the panel, without any alterations.
Prof. Obi recognized the diverse opinions expressed by the public regarding the incident. She emphasized that the report of the panel would serve as the university’s official statement on the matter. She also praised the credibility and integrity of the committee members, who were carefully chosen based on their positions and expertise.
In light of the sensitive nature of the allegations and the individuals involved, Prof. Obi acknowledged that it was uncommon to have external observers during university investigations. However, she noted that management had made an exception in this case.
Presenting the report, Prof. Dorothy Jacob, the Chairperson of the panel, stated that they had conducted a thorough fact-finding mission, basing their findings solely on verifiable evidence, rather than hearsay. She assured that every finding in the report could be independently verified.
The panel’s work was conducted objectively, providing all stakeholders with an opportunity to express their perspectives.
The report will now serve as the university’s official stance on the matter, ensuring transparency and accountability in addressing the alleged sexual harassment case.
NAN
