By Godwin Otang
The Nigerian University Commission (NUC), the University of Calabar (UNICAL), its Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, and the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Cyril Osim Ndifon, are currently embroiled in a challenging legal battle at the Federal High Court in Calabar.
The case has been brought forward by Gender and Development Action (GADA), a non-governmental organization, which is urging the court to mandate the establishment of stricter laws for Nigerian universities.
The matter with suit number FHC/CA/FHR/10/2024, names NUC, UNICAL, Professor Obi, and Professor Ndifon as the first, second, third, and fourth respondents, respectively. The case arises in response to incidents of sexual harassment, gender abuse, and human rights violations across Nigerian university campuses.
As the case faced its third adjournment, proceedings have been contendmarked by complexity and procedural delays. Jonas Abuo, counsel for the first, second and third respondents, expressed frustration over the delays, noting that the applicants had ample time to respond but failed to do so, necessitating another adjournment.
“Regrettably even when applicants were served during time and they had and had enough time as the rules provide which is 5 days from service. Yet, they were unable to fill in their reaction and it is as a result of their failure to fill that they brought another application to the court for adjournment,” Abuo stated.
Barrister Ogbiji Ogbiji, representing the fourth respondent, opposed further adjournments, arguing for the adoption of the processes for judgment and describing the latest application as frivolous.
“We are arguing that there should be no further adjournments because we want to adopt the processes for judgment; This is an application that is frivolous and has no relationship with this court, which is why we brought preliminary objections,” Ogbiji argued.
Akaranta Uzodinachi, who represented GADA’s lead counsel Affiong Nkeruwem Onung, declined to comment on the day’s proceedings but confirmed his team’s readiness for the next court date.
Presiding Judge Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu granted the applicant’s request for a short adjournment, setting the next hearing for June 24, 2024.
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