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Tag: #Unical

  • UNICAL VC Takes Delivery, Commissions PRIMS-Donated Vehicles

    UNICAL VC Takes Delivery, Commissions PRIMS-Donated Vehicles

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has taken delivery of and commissioned vehicles donated under the PRIMS (Pregnancy, Risks, Infant, Measurement and Surveillance) project to support maternal and child health monitoring in Cross River State.

    Speaking during the brief ceremony, Prof. Offiong congratulated the research team for initiating a project that directly benefits both the university community and the wider Cross River community.

    He noted that the high rate of infant mortality associated with pregnancy-related complications remains a major concern, adding that Cross River State has been identified among the states affected by the challenge based on available statistics.

    He described the initiative as one that complements government efforts in addressing maternal and infant health challenges.

    “This is one of the projects that directly supports the efforts of the government in tackling maternal and infant mortality. I urge the team to handle these facilities properly and ensure they are effectively utilized,” he said.

    Prof. Offiong further stated that the University management has already provided guidelines on how the facilities will be used to ensure they serve their intended purpose.

    This is even as he expressed optimism that more development partners would extend similar gestures to the institution, assuring that the vehicles and facilities
    would be judiciously used.

    Earlier, the Site Lead and Director of the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) at the University of Calabar, Prof. Iwara Iwara, explained that the vehicles were provided under a research grant linked to the PRIMS project.

    According to him, the project is being implemented in five states across the country including Cross River State, Lagos State, Katsina State, Plateau State and Bauchi State with the aim of monitoring pregnancies and tracking risk factors to ensure safer deliveries for pregnant women.

    Prof. Iwara stated that the grant is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with the coordinating team based at the University of Lagos responsible for providing the equipment required for the project.

    He noted that the Cross River team competed alongside other site teams before emerging successful in securing the grant.

    “The grant includes a 2025 model Toyota RAV4 and a fully equipped ambulance fitted with medical equipment to assist women in rural communities.

    The ambulance will help ensure that pregnant women who require referrals are promptly transported to hospitals,” he explained.

    Also speaking, the Centre Director of HDSS at the University of Calabar, Prof. Martin Meremikwu, noted that research grants often involve intense competition among institutions.

    According to him, whenever grants are available, researchers must meet specific criteria in order to be selected.

    “In the research domain, there is always the possibility of attraction grants, and when they come, competition is inevitable. When this happens, there are clear criteria for selection, and that is simply what occurred in this case,” he said.

    Prof. Meremikwu explained that the University established a Demographic Health Surveillance System in 2012 through funding from Canada, which has continued to provide valuable health data for research and policy planning.

    He stated that through the surveillance system, staff members regularly visit homes and families every month in communities across Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Calabar and now Biase Local Government Area.

    According to him, the families visited are captured in the centre’s database, enabling researchers to monitor and understand the state of their health over time.

    He added that because the University already had a functioning research centre and data system, it was well positioned to compete when the pregnancy monitoring project was opened for bidding.

    “So when the project on pregnancy monitoring was advertised, we participated in the bidding process and eventually won the grant. That is why we are here today,” he said.

    The PRIMS project is expected to strengthen maternal health monitoring and improve emergency response for pregnant women, particularly in underserved rural communities across Cross River State.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • UNICAL Senate Calls for Memoranda on Admission Irregularities

    UNICAL Senate Calls for Memoranda on Admission Irregularities

     

    The Senate of the University of Calabar has called on members of the university community, parents, and other stakeholders to submit memoranda containing credible information on alleged admission irregularities in the institution.

    According to a memo signed by the Secretary of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee, Onen Ubi, the decision followed concerns raised during the Senate meeting held on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

    At the meeting, members expressed serious displeasure over cases of admission racketeering and other irregularities that affected the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 admission exercises.

    The situation, as conveyed by the memo, reportedly resulted in over-admission, creating several administrative challenges for the university.

    In response, Senate constituted an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the alleged irregularities and recommend lasting solutions.

    The committee is therefore inviting individuals with useful and verifiable information to assist its investigation by submitting memoranda.

    Submissions should be addressed to the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. (Mrs.) Dorothy Oluwagbemi-Jacob, and delivered to her office at the Department of Philosophy.

    Copies may also be sent via WhatsApp to 08034417696.

    All memoranda must reach the committee on or before the close of work on Monday, March 16, 2026.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • UNICAL VC, Prof Offiong Offiong Declares Open A Five-Day SEPAL Solver and Well Reservoir Management Training/Workshop

    UNICAL VC, Prof Offiong Offiong Declares Open A Five-Day SEPAL Solver and Well Reservoir Management Training/Workshop

     

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Offiong E. Offiong, declared open a Five-Day SEPAL Solver Well Reservoir Management (WRM) training/workshop organised by CypherCrescent in partnership with the University of Calabar.

    The training which commenced on Monday 26th January 2026 will run through Friday 30th January, 2026, is holding at the conference hall of the faculty of Engineering, University of Calabar.

    Declaring the training/workshop opened, the Vice Chancellor charged the over 40 participants made up of both lecturers and students of the faculty of Engineering and Geology department to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the training to learn the softwares that will prepare them for the industry after graduation.

    The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Engr Prof Fidelis Abam, welcomed the resource team to the University and commended CypherCrescent Ltd for choosing the University of Calabar for the novel and innovative approach to provide hands-on practical training for engineering graduates to enable them fit into the industry.

    He appealed to CypherCrescent to sustain the partnership to ensure that the gap often created by graduates of engineering finding it difficult to cope with the technical knowhow in the industry.

    On his part, the Lead Trainer, Engr. Lateef Lateef, commended the University of Calabar for providing the opportunity and the enabling environment for the hands-on practical training for the students and lecturers.
    He noted that “This workshop is a train the trainers and so as participants, you must pay very particular attention to details and ensure that you understand the application of these softwares in programme design”.

    Engr. Lateef further stated that the University of Calabar is among the few universities in Nigeria that this training is been held. He pledged the commitment of the trainers to the training and wished that at the end of the Five-Day section, participants should be able to use the softwares adequately for the benefit of the university and the nation.

    On his part, the facilitator of the training, Mr Oli Olowhu, PhD, an Alumnus of the University of Calabar, urged the participants to take the training very seriously as any student who shows exceptional performance during the training session will have the opportunity to do internship with CypherCrescent and some Oil and Gas companies that are looking for thes skills.

    He mentioned that two graduates of the Faculty of Engineering are already undergoing internship with an E & P company facilitated by him.

    Dr Olowhu commended the goodwill of the programme Coordinator of CypherCrescent, Engr Thankgod Egbe, an energy expert who is also an indigene of Cross River State for graciously granting approval for the training to take place as a way of giving back to the society.

    Dr Oli further disclosed that “the cost of training for each of the Two softwares is about 5,000USD, which means that each of the participants will have paid 10,000USD as training fees multiply by 40 participants (400,000USD), and the university is having this training at no cost”. Dr Oli stated that “this training will also contribute to national development as we need to train and maintain adequate manpower in other to contribute to the production target of 4,000,000 barrel per day production as proposed by the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President”.

    The immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Calabar, Prof Odey Osha, commended the goodwill of Dr Oli Olowhu for the sacrifices made to attract the training to the university of Calabar at a time that practical solutions are needed to bridge the skill gap between the industry and the university system.

    He opined that “This training would not have come at a better time than now. The world is evolving. Our graduates over the past years find it difficult to fit into the industry after graduation. They are often times subjected to on the job training and majority of them find it difficult to scale through interviews into the industry. This training is very timely and I encourage the students to take it seriously”.

    On sustainability, Prof Osha noted that “The lecturers and students that are currently being trained will have to cascade the training to others and CypherCrescent has graciously made commitment for a follow up mentorship”.

    The SEPAL Solver and WRM training is an indigenous computational Mathematical engine designed to facilitate complex problem-solving simulations, data modeling, and algorithm and analysis software used by Oil & Gas Exploration & Production companies to understand the performance of their wells and environs.

    The Five-day hands-on training which is divided into Monday to Wednesday (SEPAL Solver) and Thursday to Friday (SEPAL Well Reservoir Management -WRM), is designed to build practical competence in the use of SEPAL Solver for spatial analysis & environmental data processing, as well as introduce the participants to SEPAL Well Reservoir Management (WRM) concepts and applications. The Well Reservoir Management (WRM) training is a comprehensive, cloud based indigenous technology designed by Cyphercrescent Ltd for oil and gas asset management. At the end of the training, the participants will be able to integrate production, reservoir, geological, petrophysical and well intervention data to optimise oil and gas production, monitor well performance and proffer some solutions to reduce operating expenses in the oil and gas industry.

  • 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