In a move that has sparked intense debate, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has made the bold decision to probe into allegations of sexual assault against Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar. This contentious issue was brought to light after a viral video captured female students of the University of Calabar engaging in a protest on Monday, accusing Prof. Ndifon of sexual exploitation and harassment.
NBA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, revealed in a statement on Saturday that the decision to investigate was reached during a recent monthly meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC). This development has taken center stage as the committee established an ad hoc group comprising prominent figures like the 1st Vice President of the NBA, Mrs. Linda Rose Bala, the Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Daniel Kip, the Chairperson of the NBA Women’s Forum, and the Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch, to delve into the troubling allegations against Prof. Ndifon.
The NBA’s move follows the suspension of Prof. Ndifon by the University of Calabar’s management, a development that occurred on Thursday. The university’s action was prompted by the disturbing allegations that surfaced in the aforementioned viral video, where female students passionately demonstrated against him. The video exhibited placards bearing various inscriptions, each accusing Prof. Ndifon of crossing boundaries and harassing them.
Amidst the controversy, Prof. Ndifon has offered a staunch defense, vehemently denying the allegations of sexual harassment and asserting that he has been unfairly targeted by adversaries within the faculty. Prof. Ndifon, who emerged victorious in a closely contested election to become Dean, disclosed his belief that these allegations are part of a deliberate campaign to tarnish his reputation due to his electoral triumphs.
He stated, “Since I defeated some persons in an election that was keenly contested, to emerge as Dean of the faculty, it hasn’t been easy. I had skipped several booby traps. These allegations are baseless and masterminded by my detractors who had vowed to ensure that my image is dragged through the mud just because I won the faculty elections twice.”
Remarkably, Prof. Ndifon has also questioned the authenticity of the placards, noting that they all appear to have been written by the same person. Furthermore, he has raised concerns about the protesters’ awareness of an impending meeting with the Vice Chancellor, suggesting the presence of an insider influence.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Prof. SinemAbasi Ekong of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, has weighed in with a chilling narrative. She alleges that her own daughter, a 20-year-old, was raped not once, but twice, in Prof. Ndifon’s office. According to Prof. Ekong, the ordeal began with Prof. Ndifon tearing her daughter’s answer script during a test, using it as a pretext to lure her into his office. The shocking revelation has cast a darker shadow over the embattled Dean.
In response to mounting pressure, the University of Calabar suspended Prof. Ndifon, demanding the return of university property in his possession along with the relinquishment of his official duties. Gabriel Egbe, the varsity’s registrar, issued a letter on Thursday announcing the suspension. It was further emphasized that Prof. Ndifon is to remain off-campus except when summoned by the panel overseeing the ongoing investigation.
As the case continues to unfold, Nigeria’s educational landscape finds itself grappling with yet another instance of alleged sexual misconduct within its academic institutions. With the NBA’s investigation underway, all eyes are fixed on the outcome as society waits to see whether justice will prevail, and if this latest incident will finally bring about the change needed to combat such deeply-rooted issues.
