THE FATE OF PROF. NDIFON HANGS ON THE BALANCE, IT DANGLES LIKE BELLS

Introduction

Prof. Cyril Osim Ndifon is a Professor of Law, professing in the areas of Comparative Criminal Law, International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law. He also professes in female anatomy, if the allegations of the law students of the University of Calabar, Nigeria (UNICAL) are anything to go by.

Prof. Ndifon rose through the ranks to become the Dean, Faculty of Law, UNICAL. He has held many positions in the University. He has also served in various committees. These include Senate Examination Malpractice Committee, Senate Examination Results Vetting Committee, Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit and Committee of Deans.

More so, there are allegations that Prof. Ndifon is also a part of the obscure unit of indecent activities in the University. 

From the information available on the University website, Prof. Ndifon is described as a consummate researcher. However, from recent developments, it appears his research prowess appears to extend to in-depth enquiries into the coital capacities of the female law students of his Faculty.

The protest and allegations

Prof. Ndifon’s philosophy of life is said to be “hardwork and enduring courage.” The female law students of his Faculty must have bravely keyed into this enduring courage when they staged a protest at the Faculty of Law on 15 August 2023, telling the world that they no longer desire to keep enduring the excesses of the alleged “randy Dean.”

On their placards were the inscriptions: “Prof. Ndifon must go for our sanity”, “We’re tired of sucking dicks”, “Law Girls are not Bonanza”, “The Faculty of Law is not a brothel”, “Prof Ndifon must stop grabbing us”, “Enough of Law School List manipulation”, “Prof. Ndifon, let the girls with big breasts breathe, stop suffocating us!!” (So, it seems the girls with small apples are the only ones safe from suffocation.)

The implication

The inscriptions on those placards gave a lucid idea of the alleged tragic travails of some of these ladies. This is critical. The students argued that the Faculty of Law is a place where great minds are shaped with legal blades, and not a brothel. More terrifying is the declaration that they are “tired of sucking dicks”. Could it be that aside from the Dean, there are other male lecturers and other members of the academic staff involved? How often has the alleged sucking exercise been, and for how long? 

Prof. Ndifon has been accused of grabbing some of these ladies, perhaps, like Lagos omoniles grab land. Land is a treasure in the City of Excellence and so must be the treasurable bodies of the ladies in every department. Surely, “Law Girls are not bonanza.” Just like land-grabbing, girls-grabbing is a crime. The latter amounts to an assault—indecent assault.

Law School List

Let’s talk about the reference to Law School List. For those who don’t understand, to make a Law School list is a big deal in many Faculties of Law in Nigeria. This is due to the fact that the Nigerian Law School usually gives a quota to different universities annually. To make the list, a law student must endeavour to meet the requirements. These include ensuring you do not have any carry overs especially at the end of Year 4. In tight situations, you may miss the list if the number of qualified candidates is more than the approved quota. In a worst-case scenario, a person in position may mischievously ensure your name is omitted. The good news is that I understand law students/graduates with no academic blemish can actually apply directly to the Nigerian Law School for admission. (You may need to enquire more about how this works).

What the protesting law students seem to be saying is that Prof. Ndifon uses the Law School list as a manipulating tool to pressure some ladies to succumb to his advances. Reportedly, the Vice Chancellor of the University has recalled the Law School list. Hopefully, the intended clean-up process does not end up affecting the admission of the innocent students into the Nigerian Law School this session.

The students’ demand, UNICAL’s and NBA’s reactions

Ultimately, these law students are crying out, stating that their mental health is in jeopardy in the hands of Prof. Ndifon. Therefore, they want him out for their sanity. 

Prof. Ndifon has denied all the allegations, claiming he is a victim of an alleged set-up. But it appears his preliminary responses are less than compelling. Recent reports had it that UNICAL has positively reacted to the unfortunate development. This is by relieving Prof. Ndifon of his position as Dean. He has also been suspended, pending investigation by a panel to be set up. 

Meanwhile, this is the second time Prof. Ndifon will be suspended by the University over similar allegations relating to sexual harassment. 

By a press release published on 19 August 2023, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) announced that it has commenced investigation into the allegations of sexual assault leveled against Prof. Ndifon. 

Conclusion

Once again, the fate of Prof. Ndifon hangs on the balance. It dangles like bells, and awaits the supreme test. His alleged victims must now prepare to step forward for the real deal. Protests and placards have done only the basic job. The main assignment awaits them at the main bowl of the panels, and possibly the courts. From my experience participating in university panel investigations, both Prof. Ndifon and all the alleged victims are entitled to attend proceedings in the company of their legal representatives. 

I hope UNICAL will do a thorough job in order to protect the integrity of our higher institutions. The safety, intellectual, and moral well-being of our students need to be guaranteed.