Cynthia Tooley, a Nigerian businesswoman, has become a key player in the suspension of Professor James Tooley, Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship.
Professor Tooley, who earns £229,000 annually, has denied these claims and was suspended in October after accusations surfaced regarding a romantic connection with a 25-year-old Indian woman, as reported by the Daily Mail.
According to a report in the Punch, Cynthia raised concerns by presenting the diaries of the young woman, which purportedly chronicled the alleged affair, to university officials.
Cynthia, who tied the knot with the British academic in February 2022 following a brief romance, reportedly separated from him over the summer, leading to a deterioration in their relationship and legal communication.
The situation escalated on October 11 when Cynthia informed the university about the alleged involvement, prompting an urgent meeting that resulted in the professor’s suspension and the initiation of an independent investigation.
In addition to the relationship allegations, Cynthia also accused her estranged husband of having a “suspicious object” at their official residence. Police responded to the scene and confiscated a junior air rifle, but no further action was taken.
University officials confirmed the suspension in a communication to students, highlighting the “serious allegations” against the vice-chancellor and noting that an independent inquiry was underway to assess the situation.
Through his legal representatives, Tooley described the accusations as “groundless and malicious,” expressing confidence that he would be cleared of all wrongdoing. He has chosen not to make additional comments while the investigation is ongoing.
The Indian woman at the center of the controversy spoke in defense of Tooley, stating, “He was always kind and respectful towards me. Anyone who reads my diaries can see how deeply I cared for him.” She clarified that their relationship began when she was 25 and asserted that there was no wrongdoing involved.
In light of the investigation, the University of Buckingham has established an interim leadership team, which includes Chief Financial Officer David Cole, Chief Administrative Officer Chris Payne, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris, to manage university operations.
Cynthia, who previously lived with Tooley at Ondaatje Hall, the Vice Chancellor’s official residence, has since moved out. The couple’s publicized split has attracted considerable media attention due to their prominent positions and previously public relationship.
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