Suspended Law Faculty Dean of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof Cyril Ndifon has sued the Institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi for character defamation and alleged sponsorship of protest against him just because she wanted him out from the position of Dean.
NOHR reported that the UNICAL authorities suspended Prof Ndifon through a letter dated August 14, 2023, over the alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the University. This was a few days after female students of the institution’s law faculty held a protest, demanding the sack of Ndifon over sexual harassment of female students.
In Suit No: NICN/CA/ 42/ 2023 between Prof. Cyril Ndifon (claimant), the Vice-Chancellor, University of Calabar, and three others as defendants, Ndifon expressed displeasure over what he described as dragging his image into the mud even when he did nothing wrong.
In an originating summons from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Calabar Judicial Division Holden at Calabar, the defendants who include; UNICAL Registrar, UNICAL, and Prof. Dorathy Oluwagbemi-Jacob to within eight days after service of the summon on them cause an appearance to be entered to this summon.
“If the defendants do not enter appearance within the time and at the place, a love mentioned such order will be made and proceedings taken as the judge may think just and expedient”. The summons maintained.
In exhibit 9 emanating from an affidavit attempting to set the facts relied upon, the embattled Prof. of Law, accused the Vice Chancellor of colluding with the LAWSAN president (Unical chapter), Mr. Obi Benedict Otu, with one of the VC’s nieces, one Destiny Omokiti, to stage manage a protest against him so as to pull him down.
“My right and freedom of movement to the University of Càlabar premises has been restricted and curtailed by order of the Vice Chancellor. I am gravely prejudiced on account thereof. Ndifon stated.
“To remove from office as Dean of Law Faculty without any prior vote taken at a meeting of faculty of law board for purpose constitutes a departure from the prescriptions of the University of Calabar Act”, he said.
