Nigerian entrepreneur Cynthia Tooley has emerged as a pivotal figure in the suspension of Professor James Tooley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, following allegations of a controversial overseas relationship.
According to the Daily Mail, Professor Tooley, who earns £229,000 annually, was suspended in October after Cynthia submitted diaries allegedly detailing a romantic involvement between the professor and a 25-year-old Indian woman to university authorities.
Cynthia, who married the British academic in February 2022 after a whirlwind romance, reportedly raised the alarm on October 11, triggering an emergency meeting by the university that resulted in his suspension. An independent inquiry is now underway to investigate the claims.
In addition to the relationship allegations, Cynthia reportedly accused her estranged husband of possessing a “suspicious object” at his official residence. Police were called and removed a junior air rifle from the property, but no further investigation followed.
University authorities confirmed the suspension in a letter to students, stating:
“Serious allegations have been made against the Vice-Chancellor. An independent inquiry has been launched to ensure due process.”Professor Tooley, through his lawyers, described the claims as “baseless and malicious,” expressing confidence in his eventual vindication. “I will not comment further as the investigation is ongoing,” he stated.
The Indian woman at the center of the controversy defended the Vice-Chancellor, saying:
“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 clarified that their relationship began when she was 25 and insisted there was no illegal conduct.
Cynthia and Professor Tooley reportedly separated over the summer, leading to a breakdown in communication, now conducted solely through their lawyers. Cynthia has since moved out of Ondaatje Hall, the Vice-Chancellor’s official residence.
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 during the investigation.
