NBA IS ASSURED BY UNICAL VC OF AN OPEN INVESTIGATION OF DEAN’S SUSPENSION.

Tunji Wusu –

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has received assurances from Prof. Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, that the inquiry into Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the temporarily suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, will be open and impartial.

Obi provided the guarantee on Wednesday in Calabar during a courtesy visit from NBA representatives led by the first National Vice President, Mrs. Rose Bala.

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), who responded in response to accusations of sexual assault against female students and abuse of office against the troubled Dean, praised the NBA for its expression of concern.

“A committee has already been established to conduct an extensive inquiry to verify the accuracy of the charges; the problem won’t be handled lightly.

She insisted that fairness and transparency will be used during the probe because “the corporate image of the institution is at stake.”

She expressed shock over the horrific episode and said that her administration will do whatever it took to eradicate unethical behavior within the institution.

The VC further stated that anyone found guilty would be subjected to the full force of the law and that the University Management will focus its attention on the Faculty of Law in order to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Bala had earlier stated that the visit’s main goal was to provide the association with accurate information.

She praised the Vice-Chancellor and the administration of the university for their position on the matter while emphasizing the importance of providing counseling to the victims so they can speak up about their experiences without fear of retaliation.

Bala also asked the vice chancellor to include NBA players on the panel looking at the situation.