University of Buckingham’s VC Suspended Amid Allegations

The University of Buckingham has put Professor James Tooley on suspension due to claims regarding a contentious relationship abroad.

Professor Tooley, who earns £229,000 annually, has refuted these claims. His suspension occurred in October after he was accused of having ties with a 25-year-old Indian woman, as reported by the Daily Mail in the UK.

The situation escalated when his estranged wife, Cynthia, a Nigerian entrepreneur, raised concerns by presenting diaries that chronicled the alleged affair to university officials.

Cynthia married Tooley in February 2022 after a brief courtship; however, they reportedly separated during the summer, resulting in deteriorating communication mediated by lawyers.

The incident came to light on October 11, when Cynthia informed the university about the supposed relationship, prompting an urgent meeting that led to Tooley’s suspension and the initiation of an independent investigation.

Alongside the relationship claims, Cynthia also accused Tooley of possessing a “suspicious object” at his official residence. Police responded to the complaint and found a junior air rifle, but no further inquiries were conducted.

The university communicated the suspension to students through a letter clarifying that “serious allegations” had been made, emphasizing an independent inquiry was in progress to assess the validity of the claims.

In response, Tooley labeled the allegations as “baseless and malicious” and expressed his confidence in a favorable outcome, although he has chosen not to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.

The Indian woman involved in the allegations defended Tooley, 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.” She affirmed that their relationship commenced when she was 25 and claimed there was nothing unlawful about their interaction.

During this period, the University of Buckingham has appointed an interim leadership team comprising Chief Financial Officer David Cole, Chief Administrative Officer Chris Payne, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris to manage operations amid the inquiry.

Cynthia, who previously lived with Tooley at Ondaatje Hall, has moved out following their separation. The couple’s dispute has attracted considerable media scrutiny, given their prominent positions and public relationship.