The Lumine News

Tag: #Unical

  • LAWSAN Files Petition Against Dean Student’s Affairs For Arrogating Powers To Self

    By Patrick Obia, Culled From CrossRiverWatch 

    The University of Calabar Law Students Association (LAWSAN), 2024 Electoral Commission, has filed a petition against the Dean of Students Affairs Professor Tony Eyang for intrusion and arrogating power to himself.

    LAWSAN in a petition signed by LAWSAN 2024 Electoral Chairman Onyeagba Stanley; Secretary, Bisong Edor and other members, to the Vice Chancellor Professor Florence Obi, copying the Department of State Services (DSS), the Student Union Government (SUG) and among other authorities, accused the Dean of playing ethnicity and use of position to usurp constituted bodies.

    They accused Prof. Eyang of unilaterally disqualifying candidates who had already been screened and cleared by the Electoral Body when the Dean lack the authority to overrule the Association Electoral Body.

    LAWSAN also alleged that for the past four years, the planning and execution of the freshmen orientation have occurred without the involvement of the SUG. The funds allocated for these orientations remain unaccounted for and Prof. Eyang has seemingly taken on the role of both the Vice President of the Student Union Government and Dean of Student Affairs, contrary to constitutional provisions. ”These issues call for a thorough investigation and prompt action to ensure accountability and transparency in the administration of student affairs at the University of Calabar.”

    The petition reads below:

    We, the undersigned members of the Law Students Association (Lawsan), 2024 Electoral Commission are compelled to bring to your attention significant concerns regarding the actions of the Dean of Student Affairs in the context of the Lawsan 2024 General Elections. Before delving into the core issues, allow us to provide a background understanding of the situation at hand. The Lawsan UCC Electoral Commission published the electoral timetable for the 2024 General Elections and commenced activities as stipulated. The sales of forms were conducted, and the Electoral Body, tasked with the exclusive mandate of screening and clearing candidates, performed its duties diligently to ensure a credible process.

    All aspirants who purchased forms were cleared, even if some did not meet the required cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.50 and above. Historically, many candidates with lower CGPAs were allowed to participate in the general elections because once an aspirant lodged applications for result correction, the CGPA constitutional requirement was waived by the Electoral Body. This practice and convention have been upheld by the Lawsan Electoral Commission over the years.

    Among the six initial aspirants, three had applications for result corrections and were all cleared on this premise. However, a petition was submitted by a faculty staff member against only one candidate, Frank Agness Ekaette, due to her perceived closeness to Associate Professor Mike Otu. This was allegedly because she reported a case of a threat issued by Professor Jake Osimiri to Associate Professor Mike Otu during lectures to the 4th-year class of the Faculty. The faculty is currently polarized between the Yala and Boki blocs of staff, which further complicates the situation. We have however moved on past these petty tussles and fight over the Control of LAWSAN.

    When these issues were brought to the attention of the Dean of Student Affairs, we expected him to maintain a neutral position, given the confidence reposed in him. However, the Electoral Body discovered conclusively that the Dean had taken a biased stance to further his own interests, which aligns with that of the faculty’s interest. The Dean of Student Affairs unilaterally disqualified candidates who had already been screened and cleared by the Electoral Body. We categorically state that the Dean of Student Affairs lacks the authority to overrule the Association Electoral Body. The only institution within the university with the jurisdiction to overturn decisions made by the Students’ Electoral Body is the judicial arm of the respective association, and by extension, the Student Union Government High Court and the honorable SUG High Court can only exercise such jurisdiction when an appeal is filed before it. In addition, the Security Department of the University is another institution within the University Community saddled with such Power to disqualify an Aspirant on the ground on Security reasons when the Conduct of an Aspirant in the past had posed a threat to the University Peacefully coexistence. Due process was never considered, and the process was abused in an association where the staff adviser is a lawyer.

    These institutions of the Student Union government (executive, judiciary, and legislature) are not mere formalities within the university community but are intended for student affairs of this nature. The expected role of the Dean of Student Affairs is advisory rather than the total usurpation of the power of the Electoral Body. Following this unilateral disqualification, the Electoral body proceeded with the sales of forms, a move which the Dean of Student Affairs had initially approved and now opposes for reasons best known to him. The Dean of Students’ Affairs should be reminded that it is not within his authority to open or close the sale of forms.

    If the argument is that the time frame had elapsed, he should be reminded that he had already disrupted the process by disqualifying candidates who were already screened and cleared, thereby impliedly necessitating the continuation of the sale of forms, which he initially approved and consented to in his office. When the new candidates purchased forms and monies submitted on the directive of the staff adviser, the Dean ordered the refund of these monies, despite knowing that such monies are legally non-refundable. He insisted on refunding them their monies because he has no other ground for disqualifying them like he has been doing before aside hinging on the process he had earlier disrupted.The Vice Chancellor should note the Following:

    ● That during the meeting we had with the Dean of students’ affairs in his office, he emphasized on the fact that these new aspirants were brought to him by Associate Professor Mike Otu.

    ● Equally, the Dean Of Students’ Affairs consistent involvement of Barr. Maxwell Egba in all our meetings and Barr. Egba’s constant diction of “We know How To Run These Things” gives concern regarding the transparency of an electoral process under the sole auspices of the Dean Of Students affairs.

    ● We request that the Vice Chancellor through her good office instruct Chairman Of the Calabar University Electoral Commission (CUECO) to supervise the election as the last conducted Student Union government election was the most transparent, free and credibly fair electoral process witnessed in recent time in the university of Calabar.

    ● We further request that all Aspirants who bought forms after the earlier adjustment of the Electoral timetable be allowed to stand Elections, hence there is a Pending Court order from the Student Union Government High court mandating the Electoral Commission to act forthwith. Several concerns have been raised regarding the administrative conduct of Prof. Tony Eyang in his capacity as the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Calabar. These concerns revolve around financial discrepancies and procedural violations in the management of student affairs.

    1. Financial Mismanagement in Hostel Accommodation:

    It has been reported that funds were collected from students for hostel accommodations, exceeding the actual number of students who paid and cleared for these facilities. Despite receiving these payments, many students have yet to be provided with the promised accommodation, neither have refunds been made accordingly.

    2. Unaccounted Funds for Student Initiatives

    Over the past two years, payments made through the Entrepreneurial Development Center and the Center for General Studies for the Student Union Government’s almanac and constitution have not been adequately accounted for. While we do not speak on behalf of the Student Union Government, as concerned students of the University of Calabar, we feel obligated to bring these issues to light.

    3. Violation of the Student Union Government Constitution:

    Pursuant to Section 17(2) of the Student Union Government Constitution, “The vice president shall be the chairman of the orientation week planning committee.” However, for the past four years, the planning and execution of the freshmen orientation have occurred without the involvement of the Student Union Government. The funds allocated for these orientations remain unaccounted for. Prof. Eyang has seemingly taken on the role of both the Vice President of the Student Union Government and Dean of Student Affairs, contrary to constitutional provisions. These issues call for a thorough investigation and prompt action to ensure accountability and transparency in the administration of student affairs at the University of Calabar.

  • UNICAL Gate Closure: SUG Assures Students Of Working Diligently To Resolve The Issue

    By; TheLumine Admin 

    The Student’s Union Government SUG of the University of Calabar, has appealed to students to remain calm as the union is working diligently to resolve the issue of closure of gates, which has inconvenience the students.

    In a release signed by the President and Secretary of the union, Comr Blessing Alims and Mr Johnson Osaminen, and made available to TheLumineNews, noted that “The gate was locked as a precautionary measure to ensure our safety and security following the recent protest. Our primary concern is your well-being and safety, and we are in constant dialogue with the university management and security officials to reopen the gate as soon as possible”.

    The release further stated that “We understand the importance of accessing the campus for academic pursuits and other activities. Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to ensure that the situation is brought under control and that the gate is reopened soon”.

    The union leaders enjoined students to exercise patience “Your patience and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated”. The release stated.

  • We Came To Hand Over The Affairs Of Our University To God – UNICAL VC

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar has stated that the essence of the institution’s Solemn Assembly is to hand over the affairs of the management of the citadel of learning to God.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi stated this at a service tagged “Solemn Assembly 2024″ with the theme titled ” Walk with Me Oh Lord” held at the Unical International Conference Centre.

    Prof Florence Obi said that though it has become a tradition to seek God’s presence, intervention and blessings at the beginning of every semester and session, there was a need for staff and students to personalize the theme which indicates the intention of the institution to walk with God and align with his ways.

    She thanked God for sparing the lives of staff and students and charged the duo to continue to uphold the good name of the University and also commended the Guest Speaker for accepting the invitation to share God’s precious words with the institution.

    In his homily, the Guest Speaker, Rev Fr Francis Agantiem Eworo speaking on the theme “Walk with Me O Lord” said that God is ever prepared to walk with any individual or community if they are not distant from him.
    Rev Fr Francis Eworo said for the walk to be enabled, men must repent of their sins, renounce evil, and turn back to God, changing their minds and direction.

    Fr Eworo who focused his message on the book of Isaiah 1 described many assemblies of humans today like that of Israel during the time of the Prophet Isaiah as one which were simply religious but did not know God.

    The clergyman said many worship assemblies are breeding rebellion and have become detestable to God.

    He called on all staff and students to begin a needful walk with God, listen to and enjoy his company, align with his will and consequently produce much Christian fruit from their lives.
    The well-attended solemn assembly had Principal officers in attendance as well as Deans, Directors, Heads of departments, students and a team of clergy who officiated at the service.

  • UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

    The Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar became the first to conduct the induction of her graduating students into the Historical Society of Nigeria in the South-South Zone of Nigeria.

    The colourful ceremony which was held on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 at the Senate Chamber of the institution attracted friends and well-wishers of the inductees from within and outside the University of Calabar. A total of one hundred and twenty three students were inducted.

    The highpoint of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Samuel Aghalino on the inductees. The Council members from the South-South Zone, including Prof. Grace Brown (Council Member), Dr. Dave Imbua (VP) and Dr Obar Irom (Assistant Secretary) attended the ceremony.

    Distinguished service awards were conferred on several persons including the President, Prof. Aghalino and the Vice President (South-South), Dr. Dave Imbua.

    Various categories of awards were also presented to Rt Hon Sylvester Agabi (Deputy Speaker, CRHA), Professor Tony Eyang (Dean of Students Affairs, Unical), Dr Patrick Ene Okon (Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts, Unical) and several other persons.

    It is hoped that the event will open a floodgate for inductions in other member institutions in the Zone.

  • UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

     

    The Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar became the first to conduct the induction of her graduating students into the Historical Society of Nigeria in the South-South Zone of Nigeria.

    The colourful ceremony which was held on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 at the Senate Chamber of the institution attracted friends and well-wishers of the inductees from within and outside the University of Calabar. A total of one hundred and twenty three students were inducted.

    The highpoint of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Samuel Aghalino on the inductees. The Council members from the South-South Zone, including Prof. Grace Brown (Council Member), Dr. Dave Imbua (VP) and Dr Obar Irom (Assistant Secretary) attended the ceremony.

    Distinguished service awards were conferred on several persons including the President, Prof. Aghalino and the Vice President (South-South), Dr. Dave Imbua.

    Various categories of awards were also presented to Rt Hon Sylvester Agabi (Deputy Speaker, CRHA), Professor Tony Eyang (Dean of Students Affairs, Unical), Dr Patrick Ene Okon (Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts, Unical) and several other persons.

    It is hoped that the event will open a floodgate for inductions in other member institutions in the Zone.

  • UNICAL Protest: Management Bows To Pressure, Suspends Payment Of School Charges

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The management of the University of Calabar, has bowed to pressure from her students and suspended the payment of school charges by undergraduate students.

    The management had reached a decision to increase school charges on December 1st 2023.

    This decision did not sit well with the students and they took to the street to protest the increment.

    In a swift reaction, the University management released a memo suspending payment of the increased charges pending when the issue will be resolved.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Effiong Eyo, indicates that the Vice Chancellor had directed that payment of school charges by undergraduate students should be put on hold till further notice.

    The release reads in full, “The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar has directed that the payment of school charges by undergraduate students be put a hold until further notice.

    “A release issued by the Registrar of the university of Calabar, Mr Gabriel Egbe, disclosed that the directives is coming on the heels of a protest embarked upon by the students of the institution over the recent adjustment in undergraduate school charges.

    “In the release, the Registrar said the management of the institution is a listening administration and has accordingly assured the students as critical stakeholders that appropriate arrangements has been put in place through constructive engagement with the students to resolve the matter.

    “Management however, commended the students for the matured, reasonable and civilized manner exhibited towards resolving the matter”.

  • UNICAL Students Protests Hike In School Charges

    Students of the University of Calabar have taken to the streets to protest a hike in the charges levied by Varsity’s management.

    The students gathered at the Malabor Square which houses the Students Union Government secretariat and moved to the female hostels bearing placards.

    They marched from the areas where hostels are situated, popularly referred to as ‘Malabor Republik’ as their numbers increased via the Senate building and currently occupy the roundabout next to the main gate which connects Etta Agbor Street and Mary Slessor Avenue.

    Some of the placards with various inscriptions read: “Florence Obia, UNICAL is not a private university, which one is ‘slight increment’, say no to billing”, “UNICAL VC, stop forcing girls into prostitution”, “this is a federal university, not a business center,” among others.

    Meanwhile, there were alleged sporadic gunshots within the school environment on Sunday 3rd December 2023 at about 8:30 pm.

    While our reporters keep tabs on the situation, vehicles have diverted to other routes as the Etta Agbor Road and Mary Slessor routes have been blocked.

    The versity management had over the weekend reached the decision to increase tuition fees.

    In the statement by the University’s Information Officer, Mr Effiong Eyo, the upward review of the tuition fees was taken at an emergency meeting of the University Senate on Friday.

    The release stated that the implementation of the upward review takes effect from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.

    Findings showed that with the increase fresher’s, returning students and the final year students for the non science courses are expected to pay N111,000, N91,500 and N114,000 respectively.

    They are also required to pay N36,500, N21,500 and N21,500 respectively as third parties dues.

    Students in the science courses are expected to pay N155,000, N125,000 and N148,000 respectively for fresher’s, returning students and final year students. They are also to pay N38,500, N21,500 and N21,500 respectively as third parties dues.

    However, in the early hours of Monday, Student’s of the institution took placards with various inscription to protest the hike of tuition fees as well as other charges asking the management to rescind its decision.

    Some of the inscriptions include, return to the old fees, bring back our old fees/ charges , We can’t afford the news fees, UNICAL SUG , wake up ” amongst others.

    Findings reveled that previously, tuition fees for an average student, depending on the department, was N64, 050 for fresher’s, N52,050 for final year and N49,500 for the returning students.

    The management explained that the increment was necessitated by the current economic realities and the need to maintain the academic standard which the University was known for.

  • 15 Injured, Hospitalized In UNICAL Examination Stampede

    By CrossRiverWatch Admin

    No fewer than 15 students of the University of Calabar, UNICAL are currently admitted to the Accident and Emergency unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH following a stampede at the GSS examinations center.

    The Varsity is currently administering semester examinations, and those writing GSS Courses have had a hard time finding halls to do so due to the sheer volume of students who registered for them.

    The situation worsened Saturday morning when students gathered for the examinations and a stampede followed, leading to the collapse of several students who were whisked away to UCTH in different ambulances.

    “We have received about 15 students whom we are struggling to stabilize, and some resuscitate,” a source, (name withheld in line with editorial policy to prevent victimization) in the tertiary medical facility told CrossRiverWatch.

    A parent of one student also told CrossRiverWatch that his daughter, Adah Beshina (not her actual name) was billed to write her exams on Friday but couldn’t. He said she sustained injuries when she was trying to escape the shoving from others.

    “The facilities were not enough and some were asked to stay outside despite the heavy downpour experienced yesterday. Because of that, she did not know where the hole was and she fell. Luckily, she was helped up by other students, but she hurt her leg and sustained other injuries,” the parent said.

    As at the time of press, he confirmed to CrossRiverWatch that his daughter had called briefing him of the ongoing stampede which he said he advised her to stay away from the crowd.

  • UNICAL Suspends Dean Faculty Of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon

     

    The Management of the University of Calabar( Unical) has suspended the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon for alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the institution.

    The suspension conveyed in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe takes effect from August 17, 2023.

    According to the letter, the suspension came on the heels of the Dean’s response to a query earlier issued to him by the University Management which the Vice Chancellor was dissatisfied with.

    Dissatisfied with his response, the Vice Chancellor, according to the letter, has relieved Prof. Ndifon of his position as Dean and placed him on suspension while the matter is refered to a panel that will be set-up to investigate the allegations levelled against him.

    The letter reads this; ” Please refer to our letter Ref UC/REG/DISC.45A dated August 14, 2023 on your alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the University and your response to the said letter which was dated 16th August, 2023.

    “The Vice Chancellor has gone through your written representations and is not satisfied with your explanations. She has therefore directed that you should be relieved of your position as Dean, Faculty of Law and placed on suspension while the matter is refered to a panel that will be set-up to investigate these allegations.

    “The relief of position as Dean, Faculty of Law and suspension from official duties takes effect from August 17, 2023. You are to hand over all University property in your possession including all official responsibilities presently handled by you to the Sub-Dean of the Faculty before vacating office.

    “You are to stay away from the University premises except while responding to invitation from the panel investigating these allegations”.

  • Convocation: UNICAL Seeks TETFUND Intervention On Building Of Library, Standard Senate Chambers 

     

    Prof. Florence Banku Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, has appealed to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to come to the aid of the university in building a befitting library and a standard senate building.

    Obi made the appeal on Friday in Calabar during the 35th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar.

    The convocation was held for first degree graduates of the institution, masters, diplomas and postgraduate diplomas; while the award of doctorate degrees was scheduled for Saturday.

    She also called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to come to their aid in infrastructure development of the institution.

    “Much as we do our best to create the conditions for the university we desire within the context of our realities, we have to let you know that the institution is hamstrung largely by paucity of funds, and many other problems.

    “Most topical in the demands of the university is the provision of electric power which gulps a greater part of our internally generated revenue, leaving us struggling to meet other important needs.

    “We are also in need of a standard senate building befitting of a second generation university of our standing.

    “The university has for the past 2 years been without a central library due to a major structural defect which led to it being cordoned off following the advice of professionals in the building industry.

    “We appeal for a special intervention from TETFUND to urgently come to our aid as there is no university without a functional library,” she said.

    The VC also appealed to spirited individuals to intervene in the building of hostel accommodation for students of the institution.

    She noted that the university was ready to give all the cooperation to any individual or corporate body to achieve this.

    She said that the university, with a population of over 36,000 students, has only 2,400 bed spaces for the accommodation of students.

    “This accounts for less than 5 per cent against the National Universities Commission recommendation of 30 per cent of students that should be accommodated on campus,” she added.

    She disclosed that the university was awarding 5,445 first degrees and 171 diplomas to persons certified worthy in character and learning in keeping with the academic tradition.

    “Out of the 5,445 for first degrees, 11 persons distinguished themselves with First Class Honours, 1,062 with Second Class Upper Division, 3,647 have Second Class Lower Division, 721 got Third Class, while 4 have the Pass Degree.

    “The Diplomas are as follows: Distinction 2,
    Merit 111, Credit 45, Lower Credit 1, Pass 11 and Certificate of Attendance 1.

    “At the post-graduate level, we have 2,159 persons who have earned higher degrees and diplomas as follows: 553 PhDs, 1,104 Masters and 502 Post Graduate Diplomas,” she added.

    Also speaking, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, Chancellor of the university, urged the graduands to make the best choice of the path they have chosen to follow.

    Ado-Bayero, who is also the Emir of Kano, commended the VC for her outstanding leadership and for transforming the institution within the two years she assumed office.

    He assured the university management that his vision as Chancellor was to make the University the best university in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Also, Retired Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai, Pro-Chancellor of the University, said that the university was still grappling with inadequate facilities and funding.

    Luther-Agwai said that there was a need for the university to continue to institutionalize its relevance and civil engagement beyond the convocation ceremony to a more meaningful contribution to national development.

    He assured that the university council would work hand-in-hand with the management to address some of the peculiar challenges.

    One for the graduands, Mr Cleverty Njong, who had a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.00 in Law, Master degree, said his success came as a result of dedication and commitment to academic activities.(NAN)