The Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, UK, Professor James Tooley, has been suspended from his position following allegations made by his Nigerian wife, Cynthia Tooley, linking him to an extramarital relationship.
The suspension jeopardizes the professor’s £229,000 annual salary and raises questions about his credibility. The accusations center on an alleged romantic involvement with a 25-year-old Indian woman. Cynthia, an entrepreneur and mother of two, reportedly provided university authorities with diaries belonging to the young woman, detailing the alleged relationship.
Background
The couple married in February 2022, but their relationship faced challenges last summer, leading to separation. In October, Cynthia escalated matters by formally accusing her husband of an improper relationship and raising concerns about a suspicious object at his residence. This prompted police to visit Professor Tooley’s home.
Cynthia had previously lived with Tooley at Ondaatje Hall, the Vice Chancellor’s official residence, but has since moved out.
Defenses and Investigations
Professor Tooley has dismissed the allegations as baseless. Meanwhile, the Indian woman involved defended the professor, stating, “He was kind and thoughtful and always treated me with respect. Anyone who reads my diaries can see I was in love with him.”
Despite these denials, the university has initiated an independent investigation.
University’s Response
In light of the suspension, the University of Buckingham has appointed an interim leadership team to ensure continuity. The team includes Chief Financial Officer David Cole, Chief Administrative Officer Chris Payne, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris.
The investigation continues as the university works to address the allegations and safeguard its reputation.
