- Cross River First Lady says sexual abuse has no place in our society, especially higher institutions
- NHRC calls for investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct at Unical’s Faculty of Law
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has approved the appointment of Dr (Mrs.) Rose Ohiama Ugbe, as the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law.
A statement issued by the Registrar of the University of Calabar on Tuesday, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, disclosed that the appointment takes effect from Tuesday, August 22, 2023, and will run till a substantive dean is elected for the faculty.
The release states that, as acting Dean, Dr. Rose Ugbe will take up the responsibilities and duties associated with the office and also oversee faculty’s academic programmes, foster a healthy relationship among staff and students, and create a positive environment for teaching and learning.
Other functions as contained in the release include supporting faculty members in their research activities and collaborating with the University Administration to ensure full implementation and actualization of the vision of the University.
Also. Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu has announced that says sexual abuse has no place in our society, especially in higher institutions.
A statement signed on behalf of Rev. Otu by her Press Secretary, Faith Okon reads:
“The Office of the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu is closely following the case of Professor Cyril Ndifon, a lecturer in the University of Calabar and Dean of the Faculty of Law, over allegations of sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation of female students spanning several years.
The plethora of allegations is worrying and should be concerning to any decent and God-fearing individual and institution.
As a person, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu and her office is committed to humanity first. These allegations are weighty and deserve thorough investigation and prosecution of the individual if a prima facie case is established against him.
The Wife of the Governor reiterates her commitment to continue to fight for the rights of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as create a culture of safety and respect for all women, youths, and children in Cross River State.
As an advocate against all forms of gender-based violence and molestation, she stands in solidarity with all survivors of sexual abuse in all institutions, especially in universities.
Sexual abuse is a serious crime that has devastating consequences on survivors, both personally and professionally. It causes physical and emotional torture and can have a lasting impact on a survivor’s academic and professional life.
We understand that sexual abuse is often under-reported and survivors are stigmatized. However, we would like to encourage survivors to speak up and come out to get the help they need.
The office of the Wife of the Governor is working assiduously to provide resources for help, including counselling, legal assistance, and support groups.
We, therefore, call on the management and students of institutions of higher learning to do more on advocacy to prevent sexual abuse.
We urge everyone to join the Wife of the Governor to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual abuse, and together, we can create a world where everyone is safe and respected.”
National Commissioner Human Rights Commission and The Special Rapporteur on The Right to Education in Nigeria, Sir Agabaidu Jideani has called for a thorough investigation into the allegation of sexual assault levelled against the Dean Faculty of Law – University of Calabar
Sir Agabaidu Jideani stated that a University Undergraduate is a precious asset to the nation and any violation of the rights of such precious assets is injurious to the Nation.
He described the University system as a platform for the promotion of the rights to education and enlightenment and should not be found to have become an engine for sexual violence.
The National Commissioner and Special Rapporteur on the right to Education in Nigeria called for the protection of the alleged victims and the provision of access to appropriate counselling for the young ladies.
Sir Agabaidu Jideani also requested the establishment of an institution-wide whistleblowing system to enable students to report incidents confidentially and anonymously as well as a proactive approach to dealing with reported incidents by the University authorities.
