The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, Prof. James Tooley, has been suspended following allegations of an affair with a young woman from Hyderabad, India.
The woman, now in her 20s, claims to have had a sexual relationship with the 65-year-old academic, a matter that surfaced after the professor’s wife, Cynthia Tooley, handed over copies of the woman’s diaries to the university.
Cynthia, originally from Nigeria, reportedly discovered the affair and made the diaries public, which led to the investigation.
The diaries detail the young woman’s relationship with Prof. Tooley, which she describes as consensual and affectionate.
However, the professor has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and malicious” in a statement released through his lawyer.
According to reports, Prof. Tooley met the young woman while working on a project in Hyderabad aimed at creating low-cost private schools for impoverished communities.
The woman, who had received financial support from the professor for her university tuition, claims their relationship began after she graduated.
The university suspended Prof. Tooley in October 2024 after the allegations became public, issuing a letter to students informing them of the situation.
Prof. Tooley, who became the university’s Vice-Chancellor in 2020, has since expressed confidence that he will be vindicated in the future.
The woman involved in the allegations defended the relationship, stating that Prof. Tooley treated her with respect and kindness.
She rejected claims that he used his power and influence over her, stating that she was in love with him and had no regrets about their connection.
As investigations continue, the university has yet to provide further comment, and Prof. Tooley’s future at the institution remains uncertain.
The case has sparked discussions on power dynamics in academic and professional relationships, especially concerning allegations of exploitation.