Education
UNICAL Professor Pressurised me to Trade my Virginity in Exchange for Admission–Witness
TKJ (not real name), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)’s star witness, on Tuesday, stated that Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), pressurised her to trade her virginity in exchange for an admission into the institution.
TKJ, who is the ICPC’s 2nd prosecution witness (PW2), told Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court, Abuja while being led in evidence by the commission’s lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha.
She narrated that she came in contact with Ndifon during her Diploma 1 Programme through some seniir students who were posting condolence messages to the lecturer over the death of his mother.
“So, being a student of the Faculty of Law, I decided to send my condolence messages to him.
“After that, he thanked me and asked what level I was and I told him I was in Diploma 1.
“After some days, I made a post on my WhatsApp status and he asked, ‘Is this you?’ and I replied yes sir.
“He asked where I was and I told him I wasn’t in Calabar. He told me that whenever I returned, I should try and see him and I said ok,” she said.
The PW2 said on returning to school, Ndifon called her to inquire if she was back and she answered in affirmative.
“He asked me to see him in his office. After my lectures that day, I went to his office.
“When I got there, he had many visitors waiting for him. He asked that I wait for him.
“After some hours, he dismissed his visitors and asked me to lock the door.
“I did as he instructed. He stood up from his seat and asked me to hug him.
“I moved back and he asked if I was scared. I nodded my head.
” He said I should not be scared and that I should see him as a father.
He requested for the hug again. I gave him a side hug.
“He asked me if this was how I hug my boyfriend, I told him I don’t have a boyfriend. He asked if It was a man friend I have, and I told him I had none.
“He held my waist and told me I don’t have to bother about admission and that he brought Diploma of Law into the faculty.
“He said he made about 50 students transited to the LLB programme” she said.
The witness told the court that the embattled professor again held her waist and she tried to free herself from him.
“He told me to stop doing that and asked why was I doing like a baby.
“He asked if I was a virgin, and I said yes. He said am I sure? He said that it was very good.
“He asked, ‘Can you give it (my virginity) to me? I shouted Jesus! He said I should give it to him and he told me he would give me admission.
“I told him I would think about it,” she said.
According to the witness, he (Ndifon) touched my chest which is my breast area.
“He said he never knew I was this big.
“While all these were going on, people would come and knock and go.
“I asked him why does he not want to open the door, he asked me to forget it.
“When I asked him why he was the one that gave up to 50 persons admission, he told me he was the owner of the diploma course that I should not bother myself that I will get the admission,” she added.
TKJ, who told the court that the don also asked her to visit him on a public holiday, begged her to give him “a blow job” after confirming he was on her menstrual cycle.
She said: “On a public holiday, he asked me to come to his office,
“He pulled his trousers. I told him to stop and that I was on my period (menstruation). He asked won’t I give him my virginity again?
“I said I was on my period. He put his hand inside my pad. He asked when my period would finish and asked me to sit down.
“He brought out his manhood and asked that I give him a blow job. I told him I can’t. He said I shouldn’t embarrass him.
“He put his manhood back inside his trousers and told me to leave his office.
“When I was about leaving, I begged him that I was sorry.
“That day, I was not on my period; I just had to wear the pad because of the advances he had been making at me.
“I went back to WhatsApp to apologise and told him I was sorry. He was my only hope for the admission, something I had looked for for years.”
TKJ said after the incident, the suspended dean began pressurising her for nude videos.
“He asked I make a nude video and send it to him. Before I could say anything, he ended the call.
“Later, he called again and demanded the video. I told him that I was still a virgin and he ended the call.
“I sent him a message on WhatsApp that I’m still very tight.
“He told me he would give me admission that I should not worry I should send the video. After so many calls, I had to send the video to him,” she said.
The witness said despite the sexual harassment protests on campus, the suspended dean requested more nude photographs from her.
“He kept requesting for more. I stopped replying him for some time. He called me and asked I send another from my chin downwards.
“The pressure from him was much. I agreed. I sent a view once he said it was deleted. This particular one from Chin was after the sexual harassment protest in UNICAL.”
TKJ also told the court that while the University panel probe was ongoing, he came to the front of her hostel in a tinted glass car.
She said she joined him in the car and was having a discussion when Ndifon tried to put his hand inside her trousers.
The PW2 said that after stopping him from doing that, he brought out his manhood and forcefully put it in her mouth.
Her words: “He tried to put his hand inside my trousers, and I removed it.
“He said what is it again. He brought out his manhood inside the car. He said I should suck and make him happy inside the car.
“I told him again I was in my period, and he said is it every day I was seeing my period?
“He bent my head to suck in front of my hostel. I begged him I wasn’t feeling fine but he didn’t listen.
“I told him I was fasting but he refused. He pushed my neck to suck it. I begged and begged but he forced it till he entered my mouth.
“He told me sorry that I should clear my tears before leaving his car. “
She said Ndifon later transferred N3000 into her account to treat herself after requesting for the account details
After given her evidence, the prosecution counsel sought to tendered the N3000 bank receipt sent to the witness as evidence and it was admitted as exhibit after Ndifon’s lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN, withdrew his objection.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Feb. 7 for continuation.
Reports says that Ndifon was, on Jan. 25, re-arraigned alongside Sunny Anyanwu as 1st and 2nd defendants on an amended four-count charge bordering on alleged sexual harassment and attempt to perverse the cause of justice.
Anyanwu, who is one of the lawyers in the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on Jan. 22 by the ICPC on allegation that he called one of the prosecution witnesses on her mobile telephone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threatened her.(NAN)
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a slight adjustment to the arrival time for candidates sitting the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, particularly those scheduled for the first session.
In a notice issued via its official X handle on Monday, the board stated that candidates for the first session are now expected to arrive at their examination centres by 7:00 a.
m. , instead of the earlier scheduled 6:30 a.m.JAMB added that the examination will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
“Attention 2026 UTME Candidates: This is to notify you of a slight adjustment to the arrival scheduled time, particularly for the first session, which is now 7:00am as against the earlier published 6:30am, while the scheduled start time for the session is now 8:30 am and end time 10:30 am,” the notice read.
The board also clarified that candidates are not required to reprint their examination slips following the adjustment.
The full daily timetable, as shared by JAMB, includes four sessions running from Monday to Friday, with adjusted timings across all batches to ensure smoother operations at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
This adjustment comes in response to long-standing feedback from candidates and parents regarding the challenges of very early morning travel, including safety concerns on roads before dawn and logistical difficulties for those coming from distant locations.
The UTME is scheduled to be held from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the commencement of applications for the second cohort of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme.
The ministry said the programme is part of efforts to boost skills acquisition and tackle unemployment among Nigerian youth.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade on Monday, the ministry said the applications will open on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 4 pm.
It further invited interested Nigerians to participate in the nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening technical capacity, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing job creation.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, described the programme as a key strategy for human capital development.
She said the initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.
Alausa said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, adding that it reflects the administration’s commitment to expanding access to skills-based education and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
He also said the Federal Government is investing in the productive capacity of young people through practical training and recognised certification, creating pathways for self-employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
“In strengthening this programme, the Federal Government is investing in the productive capacity of our youth. By providing practical training and recognised certification, we are creating pathways for self-employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth,” the Minister said.
The statement noted that as part of efforts to expand opportunities in emerging sectors, the Ministry is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to strengthen training in creative and cultural industries, with a view to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s creative economy.
According to the statement the TVET Programme will provide intensive six-month and one-year hands-on training in accredited centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He added that participants will receive a monthly stipend of N22,500 and a nationally recognised certificate upon successful completion.
Boriowo added the training areas include construction, ICT, automotive technology, creative media, agriculture, fashion and garment production, cosmetology, tourism and hospitality, catering services, and leather works.
The Ministry further stated that applicants are required to demonstrate commitment to the programme and must be available for full participation throughout the training period, adding that attendance will be monitored using biometric verification systems, with stipends tied to compliance.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nasarawa State University, Keffi over the weekend celebrated its 25th silver jubilee anniversary and combined 8th convocation ceremony, where over 25,000 students were awarded with various academic degrees.
The grand event, held over the weekend at the school main Campus Keffi, was confirmed and honoured with Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs), Master’s degrees, First Degrees, and Postgraduate Diplomas on graduating students across different faculties.
The ceremony also confirmed honorary doctorate degrees on prominent personalities for their contributions to global leadership, business, and development.
Among the prominent personalities honoured were the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group; and Mahmood Ahmad.
The awards recognised their outstanding contributions to global leadership, development, and their roles in advancing socio-economic development both within Africa and globally.
During the ceremony, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, awarded a cash prize of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) each to 82 first-class graduates, while the overall best graduating student was awarded N1 million.
The governor explained that the initiative was designed to promote excellence among students and aligns with the state government’s broader agenda of investing in education and human capital development. According to him, recognising academic achievement is essential in inspiring younger generations to pursue excellence.
Sule emphasised that rewarding hard work and dedication would encourage students across the state to strive for distinction in their academic pursuits. He noted that such incentives serve as a catalyst for improved performance and a stronger educational system.
As part of activities marking the institution’s 8th convocation and 25th anniversary celebrations, the governor commissioned several infrastructure projects at the University.
The newly inaugurated projects include the Alumni Secretariat, the Department of Accounting Postgraduate E-Library, as well as the university’s second gate and access road. He commended the university management for its commitment to infrastructural development and academic excellence.
The two-day celebration attracted a wide array of dignitaries from across Nigeria, including Governors, Ambassadors, Vice-chancellors, professors, traditional rulers, Business Men, and key stakeholders in the education sector.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, warmly welcomed guests and expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership for their continued support.
She specifically acknowledged the Chancellor, HRH. Shehu Chindo Yamusa the Emir of Keffi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Atahiru Jiga, and members of the governing council for their impactful leadership.
Liman credited the institution’s progress to strong governance and visionary leadership, noting that both staff and students have benefitted from an enabling academic environment.
“I have acquired knowledge and experience in this institution due to impactful and good leadership,” she said.
She further urged students to prioritise their education and draw inspiration from the leadership and values upheld by the university. According to her, such commitment is essential for contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s academic advancement and global competitiveness.
“Apply your knowledge positively, contributing to the advancement and educational success of Nigeria and the global community,” she appealed.
Joseph Undu Bags National Safety Personality Award in Lagos
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Award-winning Nigerian journalist and security analyst, Joseph Saater Undu, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Safety...
FG Reaffirms Commitment to ACReSAL Project at Mid-Term Review in Kaduna
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation...
Mutfwang Holds Close Door with Former State Governors
ShareFrom Jude Dangwam, Jos Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has convened a strategic meeting with former governors of the state towards addressing the security challenges bedevilling the state. The meeting held...
Lobi Stars Trim Squad to Push for Promotion
ShareThe Nigerian National League (NNL) side, Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, has trimmed its squad and retained a few quality players to push for promotion to the...
Pope Criticises ‘Tyrants’ Who Spend Billions on Wars after Trump Spat
SharePope Leo has criticised leaders who spend billions on wars and said the world was “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants” in unusually forceful comments during a...
Nigerian Men Scared of Bold, Confident Women, Phyna Claims
ShareFormer Big Brother Naija winner, Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has claimed that she is still single because Nigerian...
Residents Decry Persistent Power Outage in Abuja Community
ShareBy Raphael Atuu, Abuja Residents of Waru District in Apo, within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, are raising the alarm over what they...
2027: Tinubu Meets Coordinators, Renews Plea for Unity, Rule of Law
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has called for unity, resilience and renewed commitment to nation-building, urging Nigerians to...
Gunmen Abduct 14 UTME Candidates in Benue Enroute Exams Centre
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi A wave of concern has trailed the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) nationwide following the...
Army Honours Fallen Heroes as Brig. Gen. Braimah, Others Laid to Rest in Maiduguri
ShareFrom Muhammad Muhammad Al-amin, Maiduguri The Nigerian Army has conducted a solemn burial ceremony for Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain...