The Lumine News

Tag: #Unical

  • UNICAL Threaten Sanctions On HoDs Who Delay Results

    UNICAL Threaten Sanctions On HoDs Who Delay Results

    BY Godwin Ajom, in CrossRiverWatch 

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL ) has threatened to sanction any Head of Department (HOD), who intentionally delay students’ results, or violates the laws guiding the institution.

    The warning was conveyed in a release signed by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, urging lecturers and head of departments to sit up as his administration will not hesitate to sanction any head of department who fails to turn in results within the given time line

    Meanwhile, UNICAL has approved the appointment of Dr. Ukam Ngwu as the new acting Head of Department of Journalism and Media Studies in the Faculty of Communication and Media studies.

    The appointment of Dr. Ukam is for a period of two years at the first instance with effect from 1st January, 2026 to 31st December, 2027.

    By the appointment, Dr. Ngwu is expected to discharge his duties diligently by effectively administering the department to ensure optimal productivity.

  • University of Calabar Set For Third Registry Day

    University of Calabar Set For Third Registry Day

     

    The University of Calabar( Unical)has finalized arrangements for its 3rd annual Registry Day.

    According to a release by the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka I. Icha, the two‑day event will take place on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, and Thursday, 11 December 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, Unical.

    The event will begin with a carnival float at 12:00 noon.

    The Registry Day provides an opportunity for university administrators to address topical national issues.

    The release also announced two lecture presentations—“Rebuilding Nigeria for Sustainable Development: The Stethoscope on Corruption and Good Governance” and “A Holistic Approach to Wellness and Productivity: Navigating Health, Stress, and Retirement Challenges for University Workers.”

    These lectures aim to enrich collective understanding, inspire institutional development, and equip university staff with the knowledge and skills needed in the art and science of higher education.

    Members of the university community and the public are cordially invited to attend.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • UNICAL VC Meets with His Staff, Charges Them to Uphold Excellence, Promote University’s Image

    UNICAL VC Meets with His Staff, Charges Them to Uphold Excellence, Promote University’s Image

     

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong has met with members of his immediate staff which include the central administration and the Information Unit, charging them to demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and a renewed commitment to strengthening the University’s public image.

    Addressing his staff, Prof. Offiong Efanga emphasized that those who work closely with him play a central role in how the institution is perceived both internally and externally stressing that there is need for staff to imbibe the culture of discipline, punctuality, efficiency, and a collective resolve to move the University forward.

    While describing himself as “a very simple fellow,” he noted that such simplicity can only be appreciated when staff show genuine dedication to their duties.

    He further stated that the Vice-Chancellor’s “Thank You engagements”, an act of recognition and appreciation, will be periodic and tied to demonstrable progress and hard work.

    The Varsity Administrator urged staff to avoid circulating any information that could portray the University negatively.

    This is even as he reaffirmed the need for consistent and accurate communication, especially through weekly or monthly Bulletin from the Information/Public Relations Unit of the Institution.

    Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor’s staff, the director of Administration, Vice Chancellor’s office Dr. Citizen Ekpo and Institution Public Relations Officer, Mr. Effiong Eyo expressed their commitment to supporting his administration and projecting the University of Calabar in a positive and responsible light.

    The meeting also highlighted the importance of continuous staff development, with the Vice Chancellor announcing that regular training sessions would be introduced to enhance competence and efficiency among the Vice Chancellor’s direct support personnel.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • UNICAL, Opay Signs MoU to Establish Cybersecurity Lab

    UNICAL, Opay Signs MoU to Establish Cybersecurity Lab

     

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) and Opay Digital Serveices Limited have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Lab on campus marking a major milestone in the institution’s drive to strengthen digital security and expand industry-driven learning opportunities for students.

    The signing ceremony, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, of the institution was performed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, and the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka Icha, on behalf of the University and Opay’s Director of Partnerships, Ikponwosa Odiase, and Corporate Responsibility Manager, Itoro Ekanem, who signed on behalf of the company.

    Speaking prior to the signing, the Vice Chancellor, of the University, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong reaffirmed that Opay’s initiative aligns perfectly with his administration’s mandate to build strong partnerships that accelerate institutional growth and enhance academic excellence.

    He noted that the facility will play a crucial role in safeguarding institutional data, enhancing digital resilience, and providing students with a practical learning environment.

    Prof. Offiong expressed optimism that the Lab would help prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, positioning UNICAL as a major hub for training cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria.

    Earlier, Odiase stated that Opay’s partnership with UNICAL stems from its broader corporate social responsibility goal of empowering young people with digital-security skills.

    He said the organisation is proud of its secure financial platform and is committed to equipping students with skills to combat fraud and cyber threats.

    The ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor R,L&C, Prof. Peter Okafor, the University Librarian, Prof. Aniebiet Ntui , others were, the institution Director of the Legal Unit, Barr. Jonas Abuo and the institution’s, Public Relations officer, Mr. Effiong Eyo and Opay Associate Director, Merchant Acquiring Education, Olumide Olubobokun.

    The MoU signing reinforces the growing relationship between UNICAL and Opay, opening new doors for innovation, digital literacy, and enhanced cybersecurity capacity within the institution.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • UNICAL-JUPEB Programme Sale of Admission Forms Ongoing – Registrar

     

    ….Describe Programme as the Best Path way into 200 Level.

    The Registrar of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Dr. Mrs Chukwuka Icha has stated that the University of Calabar Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board, UNICAL-JUPEB Programme sale of admission forms for the 2025/2026 academic session is currently ongoing even as she described the programme as the Best path way into 200 level in the University of Calabar and beyond.

    A release by the registrar, indicates that applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admissions into the University of Calabar Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (UNICAL-JUPEB) for the 2025/2026 academic session.

    The release further emphasized that UNICAL-JUPEB is a 10months intensive foundational programme that does not require JAMB OR POST-UTME and admits successful candidates into 200 Level upon completion of the programme in the College of Medical Sciences, Faculties of Law, Computing, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Sciences, Arts/Humanities, Education etc.

    According to the release, application forms are available on the University’s programme website (https://jupeb.unical.edu.ng/applicant/apply) for a fee of N15,500 payable online via an ATM card, bank transfer or through any commercial banks nationwide.

    To this end, candidates are required to possess a minimum of 5 O’Level Credit passes in SSCE WAEC/NECO/GCE/NABTEB or its equivalent including Mathematics and English Language.

    For enquiries, applicants are encouraged to call, (+234)802-228-2998, (+234)803-933-9026, (+234)803-590-7984 or visit the Unical JUPEB Office at CES Building or website www.jupeb.unical.edu.ng

  • UNICAL VC Appointment Should Be Based On Merit Not Ethnicity And Zoning

     

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL), established in 1975, is a foremost citadel of learning that prides itself in academic excellence and research.

    Over the years, the institution has been led by competent scholars who have contributed their quota towards the development of the institution.

    In UNICAL, the administration of the current VC, Prof. Florence Obi, will come to an end on November 30, 2025, hence the process towards selecting a new VC has begun with the placement of advert for the position of the VC on national dailies.

    In the newspaper advert, the university management highlighted thus: “that the candidate for the office of the Vice Chancellor must hold the rank of Professor for at least ten (10) years by 1st December, 2025. Others are: (i) Have a distinguished academic record with significant contributions to research and scholarship.
    (ii) Hold a Ph.D in any academic field. (iii) Be an acclaimed scholar who is a professor of high repute and must have published in academic journals that are both of National and International repute. (iv) have had a wide range of academic and administrative experience. (v) Exhibit strong leadership skills with the ability to drive academic and administrative excellence.

    There was no section of the advert that highlights or zones the position of the Vice Chancellor to any part of Nigeria, Cross River State or Local Government Area. The advert is open to all qualified candidates to apply, given the fact that the University of Calabar is a federal institution.

    The University Miscellaneous Act (Amendment Act) 2012, states that “There shall be a Vice-Chancellor of a University (in this Act referred to as “the Vice-Chancellor”) who
    shall be appointed by the Governing Council” in accordance with the provisions of this section.

    The narrative in some quarters that promotes zoning arrangement for the office of the Vice-Chancellor is quite laughable and misleading because a federal university does not operate by zoning in the selection of a Vice Chancellor or any principal officer, rather the qualities of such a candidate must include academic excellence, integrity, wide knowledge of the university system, being an acclaimed scholar of high repute and must have published in academic journals that are both of National and International repute. Also, the basis of appointment should be that the candidate has had a wide range of academic and administrative experiences, be a fair-minded and dynamic individual with a reputation that
    is impeccable in his dealing with people at all levels.

    Those advocating the adoption of a zoning structure among the senatorial districts or ethnic origin in the selection of a Vice-Chancellor have lost touch with the modern workings of higher institutions of learning.

    The University of Calabar should have by now grown beyond ethnic sentiments in appointments of key officers of the institution.

    It is unfortunate that while universities across the world are making research breakthroughs in the field of humanities, social sciences, science and technology, Nigerian tertiary institutions are enmeshed in the struggle of who becomes the next Vice-Chancellor, bursar, registrar and other principal officers.

    It is high time the Governing Council, the President, and Visitor to the University, de-emphasise the issue of zoning and ethnic considerations in appointments in Nigeria’s citadel of learning, because it breeds mediocrity and undue favouritism.

    The time has come for a change of the primordial system of appointments and revert to a new order where merit, achievement, experience, service to humanity and charisma as well as intellectual capability are top priorities in appointments of managers of university system.

    It is disheartening to hear mundane arguments by some academics and non- academics that it is the turn of north or south or central and so on once the processes of selection of Vice-Chancellor or other principal officers kicks-off.
    It is sad that even some groups who have little or nothing to contribute in the process also beat ethnic drums just to rubbish and inflame the entire system.

    This should be the auspicious time to redirect our energies in doing the right thing by appointing the chief executive of our institutions based on merit and ability to deliver in the area of research, teaching and learning upon which the university was founded on.

    We advise those aspiring to lead the university in whatever form to lay emphasis on what they can bring into the system and how they intend to turn around the academic community, rather than dissipating energy whipping up sentiments.

    The university community is the heart of socio-economic development of any country and reducing the leadership to a particular geo-ethnic group is the highest level of clannishness.

    The intellectual community and all stakeholders interested in the affairs of the university of Calabar should rise up for once in defense of quality education and service delivery by standing for merit, excellence, credibility, capacity in the appointment of the next Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL on December 1, 2025.

  • SUG Elections 2025: UNICAL Reconstitutes CUECO

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has approved the reconstitution of the Calabar University Electoral Commission (CUECO) 2025.

    Information made available to the University’s Public Relations Unit has it that the reconstitution follows the expiration of the 2023/2024 SUG Administration under the leadership of Comr. Alims, Blessing Iripia.

    To this end, a 15-man CUECO under the Chairmanship of Prof. Dominic Obi has been appointed to conduct elections into the SUG Executive Council, Legislature and Hall Government for the 2024/2025 session.

    According to a letter of appointment signed by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Patrick Egaga, other members of the Commission comprising staff and students’ representatives include, Jonas O. Abuo, Esq of the Legal Unit, Mr. Patrick E. Ibiang, Dr. Boypa O. Egbe, Maxwell Eba, Esq, Dr. Deborah Onabe and Dr. Puis Akah.

    Others are Drs. Kimson Idiege and Jerry Etta, Mr. Samuel Eno Okoi, Udenyi Simeon, Ogidi Ndona Okora, Osegbu Favour Mmesoma, Victor Uloh and Mr. Imeh Bassey of the Students’ Affairs Division.

    The letter adds that the Elections are expected to be conducted within 3 weeks of the Commission’s appointment.

    #Public Relations Unit, University of Calabar

  • UNICAL: Dean Calls On HODs, Mobilization Officers To Strengthen Collaboration For Seamless NYSC Process

     

    The Dean of Student Affairs of the University of Calabar, Prof. Patrick Egaga, has called on Heads of Departments (HODs) and Mobilization Officers to strengthen collaboration to ensure a seamless and error-free NYSC mobilization process for Prospective Corps Members (PCMs).

    Prof. Egaga made this call during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the CES Conference Room, where key academic staff gathered to review and improve the mobilization procedures across the institution.

    In his remarks, the Dean emphasized the importance of using only senate-approved results in the mobilization process and warned against any form of compromise or undue influence from students or staff.

    “HODs should act as watchdogs to ensure Mobilization Officers carry out their duties diligently. Any mistake made in the mobilization process will be traced back to the department, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he warned.

    He further urged all departments to work in unity, emphasizing that consistency and cooperation between HODs and Mobilization Officers is critical to preventing errors and delays in student mobilization.

    The Dean also appealed to HODs to appoint mobilization officers based on capacity, integrity, trust, and service delivery driven output, rather than friendship.

    Also speaking at the event, , the Deputy Registrar, Student Affairs Division, Mr. Patrick Ibiang, delivered a paper titled “Enhancing Mobilization Process for Effective Service Delivery.”

    He clarified that the mobilization process begins and ends at the departmental level before final vetting by the Student Affairs Division.

    “Departments will bear full responsibility for any errors or invalidations, including the cost of reprinting university certificates,” he added.

    Mr. Michael Ikogor, the NYSC Data Entry Officer at the Student Affairs Division, gave a presentation on “Guidelines and Best Practices for NYSC Mobilization Data Entry.”

    He outlined frequent data entry mistakes and advised officers to verify information against senate-approved results.

    The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing attendees the opportunity to clarify issues and share suggestions to improve the mobilization process.

    Public Relations Unit

  • UNICAL Secures Full Accreditation For 24 Programmes From NUC

     

    The University of Calabar has secured full accreditation status for 24 programmes in the institution from the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).

    In a letter signed by Engr. Abraham Chundusu, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NUC, the Commission conveyed the outcome of the comprehensive accreditation exercise carried out in the institution in October/November 2024 to the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi.

    The full accreditation status indicates that those programmes will run for five (5) years before another accreditation exercise would be carried out by NUC.

    Similarly, six (6) programmes also got accredited status, while two programmes got interim accreditation. Interim accreditation status is valid for two years, after which the programme will be re-visited.

    The gains of the accreditation exercise underscores the VC’s commitment towards a sustained academic standard, a well structured curriculum, aggressive infrastructural development, promotion of academic research amongst others.

  • UNICAL SLT Students Records Excellent Performance In MPE Papers 3 & 4 Exams

    Students in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), University of Calabar have recorded a 99.9% pass in the Module 2 Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE) held in the month of March, 2023.

    The results schedule shows that twenty-six tertiary institutions took part in the examinations.

    In paper 3, of the 494 Unical students that registered for the exams, 492 passed while 2 students were absent.

    Similarly, of the 494 that enrolled from Unical for paper 4, 489 passed while 5 were absent.

    The results schedule however indicated that there were 10 irregularities for both papers for which the Head, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr. Ivon Etta noted that “The few cases of irregularities as remarked were as a result of wrong Examination Reference Numbers which are being traced for rectification.

    “Recall module 1 was written last year October 2024, and we recorded 98% Pass, while module 2 was written in March this year 2025, and we just recorded 99.9% pass rate.

    “This outstanding performance can be attributed to hard work, dedication from students and Lecturers and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, who created the enabling environment for robust learning and teaching.

    “I returned with about 158 Licenses for our inducted Graduates. 151 license are expected next week as the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology NISLT is releasing them in batches according to students’ compliance with the registration template”.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar