Nigerian entrepreneur Cynthia Tooley has emerged as a key figure in the suspension of the University of Buckingham Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Tooley, amid allegations surrounding a controversial overseas relationship.
Professor Tooley, who earns £229,000 annually, was suspended in October after claims surfaced about a romantic involvement with a 25-year-old Indian woman. According to a report by the UK’s Daily Mail, the allegations came to light when Cynthia submitted the woman’s diaries to university authorities, detailing the purported relationship.
Cynthia, a mother of two, reportedly married the British academic in February 2022 after a brief courtship. However, their relationship soured during the summer, leading to their separation and legal disputes.
The controversy escalated on October 11 when Cynthia alerted the university to the alleged affair, prompting an emergency meeting. As a result, Professor Tooley was suspended, and an independent inquiry was launched to investigate the claims.
Cynthia also accused her estranged husband of possessing a “suspicious object” at his official residence. Police searched the property and seized a junior air rifle, but no further action was taken.
The University of Buckingham confirmed Professor Tooley’s suspension in a letter to students, citing “serious allegations” and emphasizing that an independent investigation was underway.
Through his lawyers, Professor Tooley dismissed the accusations as “baseless and malicious,” expressing confidence in his eventual exoneration. He declined further comment, citing the ongoing inquiry.
The Indian woman at the center of the allegations defended Professor 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 clarified that their relationship began when she was 25 and maintained that there was no illegal conduct.
In light of the investigation, the university 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 oversee operations.
Cynthia, who once lived with Professor Tooley at Ondaatje Hall, the Vice-Chancellor’s official residence, has since moved out. The public fallout between the couple has attracted significant media attention, given their high-profile roles and the nature of the allegations.