Suspended Dean of the faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof Cyril Ndifon, is yet to honour the invitation extended to him by the investigative panel examining the petition filed against him by the students of his department.
The petition borders on sexual harassment and other matters relating to the violation of extant rules and regulations of the university.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Obi, revealed this yesterday while giving an update on the issue which she regretted has put the school under the media searchlight.
The Vice Chancellor said she learnt that the investigative panel invited Prof. Ndifon twice to appear before it without him honouring the dates. She also said the third invitation had been sent out and he was yet to honour it.
Prof Obi said the school management was following the right steps to investigate the matter, adding that the management had nothing personal against Prof. Ndifon other than her commitment to seeing that the university achieves her vision, mission and philosophy, which are cantered the production of quality graduate, contribution to development, pursuit of knowledge for enlightenment, freedom and service to humanity.”
She further disclosed that upon the request of the panel, the school management granted it a two-week extension because, according to the panel, many people came out to testify on the issues contained in the petition.
She said: “Let me again emphasise that sexual harassment is not the only issue being investigated by the university; although it has taken the centre stage with the public. There are equally serious matters which relate to violation of extant rules and regulations of the university being investigated as raised in the students’ petition.”
She added: “I can proudly state that aside imparting knowledge on the area of academic discipline, my interventions as a teacher, mother and administrator in the university has been mainly directed at nurturing, mentoring, inculcating ethical values and empowering students to hold their heads high and be counted anywhere in the world.
“In a society where ethical values are fast vanishing, we cannot afford to aim any less.
-Thenation
