The Lumine News

Tag: #Unical

  • UNICAL VC Directs Health Centre Board to Submit Comprehensive Report on Challenges

    UNICAL VC Directs Health Centre Board to Submit Comprehensive Report on Challenges

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has directed the Management Board of the University Health Centre to submit a comprehensive report outlining the centre’s challenges, strategic needs and plans for improved healthcare delivery.

    The Vice-Chancellor gave the directive when members of the Health Centre Management Board paid a courtesy visit to the university management.

    Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ekaete Inyang Enang, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the board members and commended them for supporting the administration’s commitment to the welfare of members of the university community, particularly students.

    He urged the board to prepare and submit a detailed official document outlining the Health Centre’s strategic plans, pressing needs and challenges, noting that the report would enable Management to make informed decisions and effectively address issues affecting the facility.

    The Vice-Chancellor assured the board that Management would continue to explore ways of addressing the challenges confronting the centre, including partnerships with relevant health agencies to strengthen medical services for staff and students.

    He also disclosed that remedial measures would be taken to improve the Health Centre ahead of the forthcoming Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) games, which the University of Calabar is scheduled to host.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Medical Board, Dr. Victor Nwagbara, said the visit was aimed at briefing the Vice-Chancellor on the current state of the Health Centre and the challenges affecting its operations.

    Nwagbara explained that the board also came to present its terms of reference, as earlier requested by the Vice-Chancellor, while assuring Management of the board’s commitment to effective service delivery and efficient oversight of the centre.

    He identified inadequate funding as the major challenge facing the facility and appealed to Management to provide the Director of Health Services with adequate impress to enable the centre operate effectively.

    The Medical Board Chairman assured the Vice-Chancellor that the board would submit the requested comprehensive document detailing the needs and challenges of the Health Services.

    He further highlighted several areas requiring urgent attention, including the reintroduction of mandatory medical screening for newly admitted students, upgrading of facilities ahead of the NUGA games, provision of functional medical equipment and appropriate storage facilities.

    Nwagbara also called for proper utilisation of funds from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Tertiary Students Health Insurance Programme (T-SHIP), warning that poor utilisation could jeopardise the continued operation of the schemes.

    Also present during the meeting were the Director of Health Services, Dr. Kaiser Etta, and the Secretary of the Medical Board, Mrs. Agnes Atrogor, Esq.

    The meeting underscored the university management’s focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services as part of efforts to improve the welfare of the university community.

  • UNICAL VC: We Are Proud to Associate with Students Living Christ-Like Lives

    UNICAL VC: We Are Proud to Associate with Students Living Christ-Like Lives

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has expressed the University Administration’s pride in associating with students who are committed to living Christ-like lives.

    Prof. Offiong stated this when members of the Joint Christian Campus Fellowship (JCCF), University of Calabar, paid a courtesy visit to the University Management.

    Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Anthony Afam Okiwelu, the Vice Chancellor commended the Fellowship for what he described as taking “the right steps” in promoting positive values among students.

    He said the University Administration was committed to ensuring that students completed their academic programmes within the stipulated period.

    Prof. Offiong noted that Management frowned at cultism, examination malpractice, grade sorting and other forms of academic misconduct, urging the Fellowship to continue to educate and sensitise students against such practices.

    The University helmsman assured the Fellowship of Management’s full support and encouraged its members to remain steadfast in promoting good morals, academic integrity and responsible conduct among students.

    Earlier, the President of the Fellowship, Mr. Etan Mark Obun, said the visit was aimed at appreciating the University Management, identifying with it, seeking counsel and advice, and soliciting its continued support.

    The Fellowship President also highlighted some of the concerns affecting the organisation and appealed to Management to involve members of the Fellowship in solemn assemblies and student orientation programmes.

    He said that such involvement would enable members of the Fellowship to contribute to mentoring newly admitted students and guiding them away from negative influences.

    Public Relations Unit University of Calabar

  • UNICAL Senate Suspends Nine Students over Examination Misconduct

    UNICAL Senate Suspends Nine Students over Examination Misconduct

     

    The Senate of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended nine students for one academic session following their involvement in examination misconduct.

    The suspension was conveyed in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka Icha, based on the recommendations of the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).

    According to the letter, the affected students are suspended for the 2026/2027 academic session and are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session.

    The affected students are Ogabi Christabel Emmanuel (20244008945TR), Atim Sarah Mofam (202550738391DF), Wasim Kumato (22/038144152), Onum Kingsley Evela (20255029158HA), and Reuben David Chinonso (202440673839IA), all of the Department of Theatre and Media Studies, Faculty of Arts.

    Others are Etuk Emediong Loius (22/044144044), Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and Okoronkwo Eleazar Chidera (23/09414032), Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences.

    Also affected are Atamgba Victor Yeneochiakim (22/045144192), Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and Thialo James Akobi (19/01445039TR), Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar.

    The Acting Chief Security Officer, Deans, Heads of Departments, and other relevant units have been directed to take note of the suspension and ensure full compliance with the directive.

    Public Relations Unit University of Calabar

  • Unical Department of Journalism and Media Studies Opens Admission Application For Prospective Students

    Unical Department of Journalism and Media Studies Opens Admission Application For Prospective Students

    The Department of Journalism and Media Studies in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Calabar has opened opportunities for qualified UTME and other candidates seeking admission into its four years degree programme in the institution.

    In line with its declaration as contained in the department’s handbook, Journalism and Media Studies is a fledgling academic discipline in the university and it is designed to train prospective media practitioners for the demands of 21st-century journalism and media endeavours.

    According to the department’s arrowheads who reeled out this opportunity on Monday in a notice to the general public said the the department aims to equip students with cutting-edged media expertise and the requisite technological skills in the media needed for effective journalism and meaningful contributions to societal development.

    The notice asserts that interested candidates are expected to apply for Journalism and Media Studies through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal having chosen the University of Calabar as their first choice institution.

    According to the admission requirements, prospective candidates must score 150 and above in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Additionally, applicants must also possess a minimum of five credits in WAEC or NECO which must include English Language, Mathematics and any other three relevant Arts and Social Science subjects.

    In the same vein , the department also welcomes Direct Entry applicants who possess relevant qualifications and passes in National Diploma (ND), Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB), or Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programmes.

    According to the HOD, Dr Kwita Andomi, the programme is founded on the philosophy of “Ethical Journalism for Societal Development,” with specific focus on preparing a new generation of media professionals equipped with both professional competence and technological capacity in the media.

    Qualified candidates are encouraged to act promptly and apply for admission into the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Calabar.

  • UNICAL Reassures Students, Parents of Campus Safety, Tightens Hostel Security

    UNICAL Reassures Students, Parents of Campus Safety, Tightens Hostel Security

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has reassured students, parents, guardians and the general public that the institution remains safe and secure, following concerns raised about the security of students in some campus hostels.

    In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Unit, the management responded to comments by the Secretary of the Niger Delta Activists Forum, Comrade Ogar Emmanuel Oko, regarding the safety of students residing in Malabor and Halls 8 and 9.

    The University emphasized that the welfare and safety of students remain the highest priority of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, and the institution’s administration.

    To further strengthen security across campus, management disclosed that the Chief Security Officer, in collaboration with the Dean of Students’ Affairs, has been directed to intensify security operations in all hostels. The measures include increased day and night patrols, stricter access control at hostel entry points, and enhanced surveillance, particularly around female hostels.

    The institution also said it is working closely with relevant security agencies to maintain a safe learning and residential environment for students.

    Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on threats to student safety, the University stated that any act capable of endangering students would attract appropriate disciplinary and legal sanctions in accordance with its regulations.

    Management added that it is engaging hostel porters, the Student Union Government (SUG), and hall executives to strengthen vigilance on campus and encourage the prompt reporting of suspicious activities. Students were also advised to safeguard their personal belongings and immediately report any security concerns to the University’s security unit.

    The University reiterated its commitment to providing a secure environment that guarantees the safety, dignity and peace of mind of all members of the campus community, while appreciating stakeholders for their continued interest in student welfare.

    The statement concluded by reaffirming that the University of Calabar remains safe and secure.

  • UNICAL Sets July 3 Deadline for Suspension of Studies

    UNICAL Sets July 3 Deadline for Suspension of Studies

     

    The Management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has announced Friday, 3 July 2026, as the deadline for eligible students to formally process the suspension of their studies for the 2025/2026 academic session.

    According to a memo signed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ekaette Enang, the directive applies to students who failed to meet the registration deadline for the 2025/2026 academic session and were consequently advised to suspend their studies.

    The memo noted that some affected students have yet to comply with the directive and have therefore been given until the stipulated deadline to regularize their academic status by formally processing their suspension.

    Management further warned that any student who fails to comply by the deadline will be required to pay a fine equivalent to one full session’s school charges, in accordance with the provisions of the Students’ Handbook.

    Affected students are advised to treat this notice with urgency and complete the required process before the deadline to avoid the prescribed penalty.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • UNICAL Announces Stream B Registration, School Fees Portal Closure

    UNICAL Announces Stream B Registration, School Fees Portal Closure

     

    The Management of the University of Calabar has announced the closure dates for the School Fees and Registration Portals for Stream B students in the 2025/2026 academic session.

    According to a memo issued and signed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ekaette Enang, the School Fees Portal will close on Monday, 29 June 2026, while the Registration Portal will close on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

    The memo explains that the closure is to facilitate adequate preparation for the forthcoming examinations, which are scheduled to commence on Monday, 13 July 2026.

    Management urged all Stream B students who are yet to complete their school fees payment and course registration to do so before the stipulated deadlines, stressing that no extension will be granted to any category of students.

    Students are therefore advised to comply with the directive to avoid being affected by the closure of the portals.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • 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.