In a powerful display of courage and determination, female law students at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) took to the streets to protest against the alleged rampant demand for sexual favors by some of their lecturers in exchange for grades. The protest, labeled #Unical, seeks to shed light on the long-standing issue of sexual harassment within the faculty.
The peaceful protest, held earlier today, aimed to draw attention to the distressing experiences that female students have endured due to inappropriate behavior by certain lecturers. The female law students, holding placards with slogans condemning sexual harassment (“let the girl with big breast breath. stop suffocating us”), voiced their concerns about the toxic atmosphere that has reportedly persisted within the faculty.
Tensions flared during the protest as reports emerged about the faculty’s inability to meet deadlines, resulting in graduate students not being mobilized for Nigerian Law School. This context seemingly provided the female students with an opportunity to voice their grievances about sexual harassment and gender-based misconduct that they claim have plagued the academic environment.
Despite their peaceful demonstration, the protesting students alleged that they are facing threats and intimidation from the university establishment. Instead of addressing their concerns and allegations, they claimed that efforts have been made to silence them.
Specifically, the students have singled out Prof Cyril Ndifon, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, as a central figure in the alleged misconduct. The protesters accuse him of engaging in the practice of demanding sexual favors from female students in exchange for higher grades. The accusations against Prof Ndifon have sparked outrage and demands for accountability.
Some of the protesters highlighted the urgent need for the university to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students. They called for a thorough investigation into the allegations and a comprehensive overhaul of the institutional framework to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all.
The protest has garnered attention on social media platforms, with the hashtag #Unical trending as individuals express their solidarity with the female students and call for justice. The outcry highlights the broader issue of sexual harassment within academic institutions and the urgent need for authorities to address such allegations responsibly.
Amid the turmoil, the university administration has announced a rescheduled timetable for the University of Calabar Post UTME 2023. The deadline for registration has been extended to August 20, 2023, while the screening test is set to take place from August 28 to September 2, 2023. Prospective students are encouraged to complete their registrations within this timeframe.
As the Unical female law students continue their protest against alleged sexual harassment, their voices resonate not only within their campus but across the nation. The protest serves as a reminder that the fight against sexual harassment and for a safe educational environment requires collective effort, unwavering determination, and a commitment to upholding justice and equality.
