The management of the University of Calabar has directed the former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof.Cyril Ndifon to refund all illegal monies extorted from students under various sub-heads.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Obi, disclosed this yesterday while addressing Newsmen in her chambers on issues surrounding the alleged sexual harassment, extortion and other corrupt practices levelled against the embattled Dean by students.
She said the move was among some of the resolutions adopted by the management to address some of the issues raised and that various committees have been set up to look into all the allegations.
It will be recalled that on August 14, 2023, faculty of law students staged a protest in front of the V.C.’s office accusing the former Dean of sexual harassment, extortion and highhandedness, among others.
Following this, he was suspended by the institution’s management pending the outcome of the panel report.
She said, ” Today, I am before you with mixed feelings; feelings of sadness, that, we are on the headlines globally over a seemingly ignominious issue and on the other hand slightly glad that we have a glorious opportunity to set things right as it affects our work ethics and cherished values in the University.
“Management resolved with the staff on the need for some basic changes to be effected, to avoid the continuous overbearing influence and power of any Dean of Faculty of Law over the students.
“Some of the immediate actions taken were; the setting up of a Committee to take charge of students’ mobilization to Law School.
“The Dean to refund all illegal monies extorted from the students under various sub-heads, among other decisions.
“A review and possible recall of the students’ list sent to Law School Removal from the office of the two examination officers and the setting up of a Result Vetting Committee. Setting up Students’ Project Committee to assign Project supervisors to the undergraduates
“Setting up of Admission Committee to review Direct Entry Admissions.
Setting up of a Committee to update the existing Standard Operations Procedure(SOP) of the University to take care of the peculiarities of the Faculty of Law, for Senate approval.
“Appointment of a new interim Chairman of the Faculty’s Post-Graduate School Board.Setting up a Committee to review and assign courses for the semester in compliance with the University procedure on quality assurance
“The Dean and the Sub-Dean were directed to submit all the result scripts, question papers, marking guides and examination attendance lists for the past two sessions to the Director of Quality Assurance.” She stated.
The V.C. disclosed that aside from the few staff members of the University that would form the panel, Management has acceded to the request of UNICAL Alumni, the Federation of Female Lawyers, and the Federal Public Complaints Commission to be part of the investigation.
She said the institution decided to bring those bodies to be part of the process because their involvement speaks volumes in getting to the bottom of the alleged ugly incidents.
