The University of Buckingham Vice Chancellor, Professor James Tooley, has been suspended following allegations of a romantic relationship with a 25-year-old Indian woman. His estranged wife, Nigerian entrepreneur Cynthia Tooley, reportedly submitted the woman’s diaries, which detailed the alleged affair, to university authorities.

The suspension, which occurred in October, has prompted an independent inquiry into what the university termed “serious allegations.” Professor Tooley, who denies the accusations, has described them as “baseless and malicious,” expressing confidence in being cleared of any wrongdoing.

An interim leadership team has been appointed to manage the university’s operations during the investigation, which has drawn significant media attention. The fallout includes allegations of misconduct and claims of possession of a “suspicious object,” later identified as a junior air rifle, though no further police action was taken.