The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Banku Obi has assured the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) that the ongoing investigation of the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, for alleged sexual harassment will be transparent and devoid of bias NEGROIDHAVEN has learnt.
Prof. Obi gave the assurance when NBA officials led by the 1st National Vice President, Mrs Rose Bala paid her a courtesy visit to her office.
The Vice-Chancellor who spoke against the backdrop of allegations of sexual harassment of female students and abuse of office levelled against the embattled Dean applauded the NBA for the show of concern.
Prof. Obi said a committee has already been set- up to carry out a thorough investigation to authenticate the veracity of the allegations, stressing that, the matter will not be treated with kid gloves.
The Varsity Administrator stressed that the corporate image of the Institution is at stake, a cogent reason, she will ensure that fairness and transparency are deployed in the course of the investigation.
The Vice-Chancellor who expressed dismay with the ugly incident said her administration will stop at nothing to stamp- out unethical practices in the Institution, adding that, those found guilty will be made to face the full weight of the law.
She said the University Management will beam its searchlight on the Faculty of Law to forestall further occurrences.
Earlier, Mrs Linda Rose Bala, the first Vice-President, of NBA, who led the team said that the essence of the visit was for the association to get the right information.
The President commended the Vice-Chancellor and the University management for their stance on the issue, even as she stressed the need for the victims to be counselled to be able to speak up about their experiences without fear of victimization.
She requested the Vice Chancellor to integrate NBA members into the panel investigating the matter.
The National Assistant Secretary of the NBA, Mr Daniel Kip and Chairman, NBA, Calabar Branch were in the entourage.
