Friend has child with face deformity, cleft lip and low set ears.. what could it be?

Many possibilities : There are many possibilities but treacher collins and nager syndrome are two that come to mind. This may require extensive evaluation and documentation of all associated findings as well as a genetic history to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

Ask pediatrician...: If they are not sure, consider referral to a geneticist. Make sure the child had all his routine neonatal testing including bloodwork and a hearing screen. It is very hard to diagnose the child without a thorough examination, but it is certainly worth looking into.