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  • Text Of Press Conference By The University Of Calabar Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, On UNICAL At 50 & The 37th Convocation Ceremony Of The University Of Calabar

    Text Of Press Conference By The University Of Calabar Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, On UNICAL At 50 & The 37th Convocation Ceremony Of The University Of Calabar

    Gentlemen of the Press,

    It gives me great pleasure and joy to have you here again in the University of Calabar. I am profoundly grateful to you for bringing the wielding influence of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to the promotion and advancement of Project Unical. Right from the time that I was ushered into office as Vice Chancellor, you have stood firmly by me and never hesitated to take Unical to the world through your various modes of communication. On this particular occasion, I use this opportunity to appreciate your partnership, understanding, goodwill, concern and availability as veritable stakeholders and partners in progress. I would like this synergy to be sustained till my last day in office, and even beyond. I treasure your valued cooperation and welcome you specially.

    Today’s Press Conference is summoned to draw the attention of our various stakeholders and by extension the larger society to the oncoming historical, epochal, and unifying event which we have tagged “ Unical @ 50 and the 37th Convocation Ceremony”, a fusion of two large events for celebration within one week. The event is scheduled to begin from Monday, 17th March, 2025 and will run till Sunday, 23nd March, 2025.

    May I remind us that prior to this oncoming ceremony, we held a press conference as a university to intimate the larger society and the world that Unical is 50 years old. The event took place in the Council Chamber of the University on Tuesday, November 19th,2024. The Press Conference was followed with a Colloquium held at the Unical International Conference on February 12, 2025. The theme of the Colloquium was “University of Calabar and Its Contributions to National Development”. The discussants at the memorable event were notably members of the Unical Alumni who took out time to showcase the impact of the University on them, the host communities, the nation and the world. Suffice it to say, that the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, who is here today, moderated the event and many of you participated in it.

    After those pre- anniversary activities, the University proceeded to organise a Meritorious Service Award Ceremony for Staff of the institution on March 13, 2025 for those who have served the University creditably over the years and have been part of the institution’s success story and legacy. The awards ceremony was unique as the present generation of staff were excited to see the 6th Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kevin Ogon Eta, and the first Dean of Science, Prof. Ulo Kponuko Enyenihi, among the golden awardees.

    On March 14, 2025, the University Community gathered again. This time, the convergence was at the Senate Chamber of the institution. The Alumni of the University gathered for a Round Table Interactive Session to discuss a given theme: “Repositioning the University of Calabar for Greater Output: 2025–2075”. The National President of Unical Alumni, Barr Paul Eshiemomoh; the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof Angela Oyo-Ita; and the erstwhile Registrar of the institution, Ambassador Gabriel Egbe, were the Lead Speakers.

    As we gather today, it is my responsibility as the current head of this 50- year old institution to provide essential information as to how the week-long event would run or be held.

    Immediately after this Press Conference, we shall be proceeding to the Main Gate of our prestigious university to commence the much awaited “Victory Walk”. As the Vice Chancellor favoured by God to be on the saddle at this time of the celebration, I will lead the way. My Staff, Students and Alumni will be part of the all-embracing exercise round the campus. It is labelled “Victory Walk” because the word ‘victory’ encapsulates our overall successes over the years, triumphs in our academic endeavours and the study arena, repeated multiple triumphs in the local, national and international space as well as the winning mentality which we have cultivated as an institution. That walk is a unifying initiative symbolic of our togetherness, strength and resilience over the years.

    On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, an Inter-Denominational Service would be held at the Unical International Conference Centre at 10am prompt. It has been our tradition over the years to collectively place God first in all our endeavours. A Servant of God, Rev Fr. Dr. Evaristus Bassey would be sharing insights from God’s Word with us on the topic “Our Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Rom 5:5). We are giving an open invitation to all who intend to share with us God’s abundant blessings. Come, let’s collectively seek the face of God for guidance and success.

    After the Service, focus will shift to the Open Pavilion, opposite the Medical Centre where the 2025 Convocation Research Fair and Exhibition would be flagged off by 11am. The Research Fair has been an integral part of our convocations, intended to showcase the rich academic and creative potentials of our University. Our various Faculties, Departments and Directorates will be on parade. At 50, we have so much to showcase. Investors, captains of industries, business moguls, bank executives and entrepreneurs would be there to see what we have and what will be of immense concern to them.

    Wednesday, March 19, 2025 is a day largely and essentially devoted to the promotion of Alumni activities. The meeting of Convocation (Alumni) will kick-start the day’s activities. It is a meeting strictly for every alumnus of the University of Calabar. The National President of Unical Alumni, Barr Paul Eshiemomoh is expected to preside over affairs. This meeting begins by 9am.

    At 11am, Alumni Reunion Activities (Unical @ 50) would take the centre stage at the students’ domain which has been named “Malabor Republic” over the years. We expect massive influx of Unical Alumni, Malabites and Malabresses into their most primary constituency, Malabor. They would be expected to engage the students and interact extensively with them. It is indeed a reunion, a time of seeing old colleagues and re-igniting the old and wonderful times when they were here as students. This event is undoubtedly one of the key highlights in the Unical @ 50 celebration. We are calling on all our alumni at home and abroad to take this seriously by being part of this momentous renewal and reaffirmation of the Malabitic Spirit.

    By 4pm, the curtain for the Research Fair and Exhibition would be drawn with the presentation of prizes at its closing ceremony.

    Thursday, March 20, 2025 offers us a day loaded with pivotal activities.
    The first event for the day is the 50th Anniversary and Convocation Lecture. This lecture would be delivered by one of our chosen University Ambassadors, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. He would be speaking on the topic, “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human Centred Education, the Mandate of our University, 2025-2075”.

    The lecture would commence from 11am prompt. The venue for the event is the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), Summit Hills, Calabar.

    The event would be chaired by the former Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lafia, and Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), and also the immediate past and first female President of the Nigeria Academy Of Science, Professor Ekanem Ikpi Braide.

    Still at the same venue, another pivotal ceremony would commence at 2pm prompt. It is: “Awards and Fund Raising”.
    This administration under my leadership has in the course of the last four years in every convocation given awards to deserving Staff of the University of Calabar to appreciate their service to the institution.

    An added dimension to the award category this year would be the presentation of awards to some notable alumni of the University of Calabar and a few outside the University who have distinguished themselves in their service to mankind.

    We also intend to use the occasion to raise funds to improve and respond to the infrastructural demands of our institution, coming on the heels of demographic and curricular expansion. We need to get ready for NUGA 2026. The institution needs a better and sophisticated Medical Centre. The University is developing very fast with a steep increase in student population. More classrooms, teaching and learning facilities and hostels are needed; and the sprawling University Library Building is need of structural rehabilitation.

    A Command Performance at 6pm would round-off the events for the day.

    Friday, March 21, 2025 is the day set aside for the Award of Masters, First Degrees & Diplomas/Induction into Unical Alumni.

    The event is slated for 11am at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, University of Calabar.
    A total of 13,610 students are expected to be part of this convocation ceremony. A breakdown shows that the Diplomas students are 181 in number, First Degrees 11,725, Masters Degrees 876, PhD 572, PGD 249 and Postdoctoral Diploma in Education 7. Further breakdown shows 66 First Class, 3,054 Second Class Upper Division, 7,450 Second Class Lower Division, 925 Third Class and 7 Pass.
    As expected, we shall be awarding degrees to those who have been found worthy in character and learning. The event would be marked by formal induction into the Unical Alumni.

    Prior to this event, would be the Commissioning of Projects.
    Some projects would be commissioned by 9am. The projects billed for commissioning are:
    i. Unical Hall of Fame and Multipurpose Auditorium
    ii. The College of Education Complex
    iii. Fire Service Station/Fire-Fighting Truck
    iv. Pharmaceutical and Medical Pharmacy Building and
    v. Faculty of Pharmacy Administrative Building

    The last event for the day is the Graduate School Dinner for Ph.D. Graduands with their Supervisors.

    This commendable initiative of Management and the College of Postgraduate Studies began at the 36th Convocation in 2024, where it was first observed. It is a platform for appreciation of mentorship, interaction and renewal as well as merriment. It is billed for 6pm at the Cross River Community Hall in the University of Calabar.

    Saturday, March 22, 2025 is the last day of the Convocation. It is the day billed for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degrees, Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa), Investiture of Emeritus Professors and Induction into Unical Alumni

    ….… number of students drawn from various departments and disciplines are expected to convoke at the event. As an institution, we will continue to produce sound and globally competitive Ph.D. graduands, with the fervent hope that the knowledge, wisdom and confidence they have gained will positively impact and transform society.

    This memorable event, which is the last under my administration as the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, will also feature the investiture of Emeritus Professor on 3 highly acclaimed professors of the University of Calabar, whose intellectual contributions to their disciplines and the institution are widely acknowledged. The decision to accord them this special recognition has been endorsed by the Senate of the institution. The recipients of the award are: Prof Ekanem Ikpi Braide of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Prof Eme Effiom Osim of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Prof Chris Nwamuo of the Faculty of Arts.

    Aside the Emeritus Professorship, Honorary Awards would also be conferred on 6 deserving Nigerians who have made landmark contributions, shaped the landscape and impacted lives in service to their motherland.

    The list include the following:

    Mrs Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio (D.Educ Mgt)
    H.E. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (D. Pol.Sc)
    H.E. Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu (D. Pol Sc)
    Maj. Gen. (rtd.) Moses Bisong Obi (D. Peace & Conflict Studies)
    Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC (D. Laws.)
    Prince Arthur I. Eze (D. Bus Mgt)

    The Convocation event would commence from 11am prompt at the Unical International Conference Centre.

    Sunday, March 23, 2025

    The 50th Anniversary/Convocation would come to a close with a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Parish, University of Calabar on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 9am prompt.

    We would be going back to church to render our gratitude to God for seeing us through the entire events.

    I thank you all for your presence and precious time which mean your willingness to give this event the wider publicity that it deserves.
    God bless you all.

    Prof. Florence Banku Obi
    11th and Golden Jubilee Vice Chancellor
    University of Calabar

    17th March, 2025.

  • Four Years After, UNICAL Staff Employed By Past Admin Remain At Home BY INYALI PETER 

    Four Years After, UNICAL Staff Employed By Past Admin Remain At Home BY INYALI PETER 

     

    Four years after, majority of the people that were legitimately employed one year to the end of the past administration at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) are still at home as the current management has blatantly refused to allow them work or complete documentation. This is despite the fact that the same administration is being investigated for allegedly inputting names into the payroll.

    It’s sad to see the level of vindictiveness displayed by the current administration, which seems to be targeting the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu. But 99.9% of the affected staff are not related to the former VC and are innocent victims. Why not wear a human face and allow them complete documentation and commence work? These people will be paid with government funds not anybody’s personal resources.

    Besides, this administration is winding down already. A new Vice Chancellor will be appointed in the next ten months. Why not bring them now to work after all, if you consider them liabilities, your administration have escaped the liabilities for four years?

    Till date, UNICAL remains the only university in Nigeria with this problem. For those of us who understand the context of the recruitment when the federal government insisted on IPPIS, we will never understand the explanation on why they were stopped from working even though their appointment letters are valid.

    Nevertheless, despite the efforts of the management to get the former governing council to invalidate the appointment letters, the Chairman insisted that such recruitment happened across all universities including Northern universities. Therefore, he couldn’t in good conscience, preside over a session that would take such wicked decision against innocent people. Yet, the management has maintained its stance that these people must remain at home!

    What level of inhumanity is this? It is really unfortunate that this iniquitous action is being meted on innocent Cross Riverians by a fellow Cross Riverian.

    I appeal to the Vice Chancellor or those who have her ears to persuade her to end on a more positive note than she started by inviting these innocent people who are only victims of vendetta to complete their documentation and resume work. Even if payment will be delayed till the end of her tenure, let it be that government’s owing them.

    Similarly, because the majority of those affected are Cross Riverians, I urge Governor Bassey Otu to invite the Vice Chancellor for a discussion with a view to resolving this issue. This is what we see happening n other states. Our leaders should not turn a blind eye to this situation since it is a federal institution. If there’s a breakdown in law and order from this situation now, it’s the state that’ll be the most affected.

    The VC needs all the help now to end her administration in a way that posterity will judge her aright.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Inyali Peter, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • UNICAL DVC, Okafor, Six Others Ranks Among Top 2% of Global Scientists

    UNICAL DVC, Okafor, Six Others Ranks Among Top 2% of Global Scientists

     

    The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof. Peter C. Okafor and six (6) other scholars from the University of Calabar have made the list of top 2% global scientists in the 2024 Stanford University, the United States of America, and Elsevier compiled list.

    The list shows the 2% of top scientists globally and which represents the records of scientists from any country. The American University of Stanford/Elsevier periodically established the most influential researchers globally which spans over 8 million researchers with the highest impact in their various fields.

    From the September 16th, 2024 data published by the Elsevier/Stanford University, Nigerian Scientists totaling 233 scholars made the list and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration of the University of Calabar, Prof. Peter C. Okafor, a lecturer in the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry in the institution apparently appeared as number 141 with a credited 75 publications in Scopus, ranking number 233,540 in the global index.

    Available information also showed that Prof. Martin Meremikwu of the
    Department of Pediatrics takes number 182 with 168 publications in Scopus and ranking 327,718 in the world.

    Prof. Aniekan Edet of the Department of Geology takes number 101 with 57 publications in Scopus and seizes number 163,100 in the world order.

    Dr Alexander I. Ikeuba of the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry also earned number 198 with 45 Scopus publications and ranking 395,630 in the world.

    Mr. Louis Hitler emerged with number 127 having 260 publications in Scopus while earning 209,994 position in the world.

    Also on the list are Mr. Otu, Akaninyene of the College of Medical Sciences and Mr. Gber, Terkumbur E. of the Department of Chemical Physics having the later occupying number 232 with 71 Scopus publications and ranking 1,393,314 in the globe and the former taking number 109 position with 91 publications in Scopus with 177,878 in the world index.

     

    (To search the name of any scientist, readers can visit the website https://topresearcherslist.com/).

     

  • UNICAL Emerges Victorious In Regional Law Competition, Wins ₦2 Million And Fully Sponsored Internship

    UNICAL Emerges Victorious In Regional Law Competition, Wins ₦2 Million And Fully Sponsored Internship

     

     

    By: Cynthia Maduekwe 

     

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has triumphed in the Regional Law Moot and Mock Trial Competition organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, defeating the University of Benin (UNIBEN) as 2nd Position, Imo State University (IMSU) came 3rd position and Rivers State University (RSU) came 4th and UNICAL as first position got in to securing the top prize of ₦2 million and a fully sponsored internship.

    This victory marks the second time UNICAL has outperformed UNIBEN in a competition this year, having previously won an online competition earlier in the year. The University of Calabar’s team, comprising four law students – 1st Female SUG President, H.E. Comr. Blessing Alims Led Administration Attorney General, Greatness Eyonsa, 2 years ago, he won the award of  “Moot god” & “Best Advocate, South South LAWSAN” and 2 years down he is appearing in his last National Moot Competition as a Law Undergraduate with the great team and winning this for the prestigious institution alongside Ignatius Ogabor, emerging as the best advocate of the tournament . Glenn Bassey, and Hannangel Samuel, who won the cash prize of N50,000 for the team for producing a video of the event which had over 4,000 views. The was led by Dr. Paul Ebiala, a law lecturer, who demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in the competition.

    The Students’ Union Government of UNICAL,  Management as well the Public and Well wishers commends the team for their outstanding performance and dedication to excellence. This achievement is a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its students’ potential.

  • UNICAL Suspends GSS Examinations, Announces New Date…Rues The Unintended Ugly Consequence

    UNICAL Suspends GSS Examinations, Announces New Date…Rues The Unintended Ugly Consequence

    By TheLumineNews Admin 

    University of Calabar management has formally announced the suspension of the General Studies Examination which led to a stampede of 21 students on Saturday November 11th 2023.

    In a release made available to TheLuminenews, and signed by the institution Registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe, indicates that the examination has now been rescheduled for December 10th and 11th 2023.

    The release reads in full; “The management of the University of Calabar has formally announced the suspension of the General Studies Examination (GSS), following the stampede that occurred on Saturday 11th November, 2023 at the venue of the examination.

    “The announcement which was conveyed in a release issued by the Registrar of the University of Calabar, Mr Gabriel Egbe, also disclosed that the GSS examinations has now been rescheduled for December 11 and 12, 2023 for all students that could not write the examination.

    “The Registrar in the release said the avoidable stampede resulted in some injuries, however, the affected students were given immediate treatment at the University Medical Centre and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital respectively.

    “While Management of the University is still investigating the incident, it is however happy to report from its visits to the 21 injured students (14 in UCTH, 7 in Unical Med Centre) in both health facilities, that no life was lost and that virtually all of them have been discharged.

    “The Management of the institution regrets the ugly incident and wants to assure parents of the safety of their children under the custody of the University and also reassure our “esteemed and Valuable” students of its relentless drive to ensure and achieve academic excellence”.

  • Students Refutes Prof Ojua’s Release, Insists That GSS Examination Was Not Properly Organized, Poorly Administered And Tailored Towards Sorting

    Students Refutes Prof Ojua’s Release, Insists That GSS Examination Was Not Properly Organized, Poorly Administered And Tailored Towards Sorting

    By TheLumineNews Admin

    Controversies continued to trail the press release issued on Saturday November 11th 2023, by the University Director of General Studies (GSS), Prof Takim Ojua, after the stampede that occurred during Saturday November 11th GSS examination.

    Some of the students that claimed anonymity argued that both the planning and administration was riddled with levity by the handlers of the examination, which was mischievous, mundane, anachronistic, unjust and discriminatory with the purpose of making students failed so that they can extort money from them.

    Students wondered why a very sensitive issue of such magnitude could be trivialized as seen in the press release by Director of GSS, Prof Takim Ojua, instead of apologizing to the oppressed students.

    Recall that on Friday 10th November, 2023, when a similar examination was supposed to be conducted at ICT center, reports had it that the SERVICOM Director of the institution, Prof Patrick Egaga, in company of the Chief Security Officer, Capt Abang (RTD), defied the heavy flood around the vicinity of the examination, and armed with directives of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, had advised that the said exams conducted under a porous, flooded and unsafe atmosphere should be cancelled, for a later day to be fixed for the safety of the students and integrity of the University. Curiously, our reporter discovered that the examination was stopped temporarily, obstensibly, because of their presence, but as soon as the duo left the venue of the questionable examination, which they described as “unsafe, poorly managed and improperly organized and administered”,
    the “organizers” rebuffed and flouted the VC’s directives, properly conveyed and went ahead with the examination, to achieve a sinister purpose maybe.

    Prof Ojua’s release reads in parts, “On Saturday, the 11th of November, 2023, University of Calabar students who were scheduled to write Computer Based Test (CBT) GSS Examination, set out to write their exams without any premonition that the exercise will be marred by an unfortunate incident of Stampede casualties, leading to the indefinite suspension of the examination as a result of some medical emergency.

    “Unfortunately, some people saw the incident as an avenue for making headlines and attracting traffic to their platforms and blogs. While some built on hurried publications and posts to re-create stories, others merely found new opportunities to further their negative publicity on the University of Calabar in such a critical time of the life of the University. In all of these, facts were misrepresented, skewed and disseminated, with brazen misinformation about what exactly happened. Based on the high level of misconception and misconstruction of the facts, the Directorate of the Center for General Studies (CGS) deemed it necessary to set the following records straight”.

    Reacting to the release, an anonymous student maintained that the Director has acquissed that the Examination was marred by an “Unfortunate Incident” the honorable thing he will have done was to accept his incompetence and inadequacy and appeal to Administration to cancel the questionable Examination in entirety.

    Another student, Paul Ebube (not real name), said that the GSS Director was in a haste to defend his shortcomings.
    The student noted that, going by the release, the Director is yet to mention some of the media houses or blogs that reported death of students during the stampede, instead of crating a non-existing situation to gain public sympathy. Moreover, he questioned, “is he the spokesperson of the University?”

    The student insisted that poor management and greed is the major cause of the stampede as the school security that assisted in the management of GSS examination is alleged not to have been paid their remuneration for the previous examinations and as a result, the directorate of GSS resorted to using extraneous Man’O’War to assist in coordinating the examination.

    Prof Ojua’s release further reads, “That the Exams of Friday, the 10th of November 2023 started successfully by 8am, until the heavy rain and storms began at about 10am, causing the stoppage of the examination until the rain and flood subsided at about 3pm, when some students returned to write the exams till about 5pm. And while it was raining, and flooding heavily, a group of students rather than move out of the rain to take refuge on nearby buildings, preferred to stand in the rain despite pleas and announcements from the staff of the Center, man O’War and security men”.

    “So why did the corrupt Director not mention anything about the GST exam of Friday Nov 10 conducted under threat of students and staff safety and inside a raging flood that ravaged the University Neigbourhood?”, a female student queried.

    Another student who also claimed anonymity, berates the GSS Director for failing to provide the leadership he was appointed to give to the directorate and wondered what preventive measures were put in place (rescheduling examination for those that missed due to heavy rainfall), when the rain had disrupted the examination between 10:00am and 3:00pm scheduled for Friday 10th November, 2023 as he rightly reported.

    The student insisted that what is of utmost importance in the circumstance is the alternative plans for those students who had missed the examination at the period of the stoppage due to the heavy rain, and how the students failed to comply with such directives.
    The students also wondered why Prof Ojua, insisted on continuing with the examination even against the directives of the Vice Chancellor.

    This student averred that “examination is time bound. The Director may have collected monies from some students and he was doing everything humanly possible to administer the examination to enable him protect the interest of those he may have collected monies from.

    The director’s release further reads, “That the examination of Saturday, the 11th of November 2023, started smoothly, with the 3rd set, almost concluding, before students who either missed exams, were not scheduled to write in the morning or were not even part of the examination, became unruly, uncontrollable, impatient, defiant, by wanting to break into the exam venue forcefully”.

    Another anonymous student held that, “What happened at the gate is that we were scheduled to write examination at a particular time, but the directorate don’t keep to the time. Anytime you come, once you can pay #200.00 to some Man O’War, they will allow you to enter, so entering into the examination center with up to four or five faculties scheduled for a day, becomes survival of the fittest. Those that missed examination on Friday and those who were scheduled for Friday all came out and were struggling to access the examination centre.

    Reacting to the issue of those who missed the examination on Friday, the student noted that, “when students missed examination the previous day on account of the rain, which wasn’t their fault with no information regarding rescheduling of the examination, what do you expect? Some of us felt that since we missed the examination on Friday, we were now supposed to have taken the examination on Saturday. This led to overcrowding of the gate and couple with the partiality shown by allowing some students into the examination centre while others are kept waiting”.

    In another development, Prof Ojua stated thus, “That the Examination was scheduled in batches, with specific faculties scheduled to write on stipulated time and dates. Unfortunately, some students refused to abide by the Time Table Schedule and rather decided to gate- crash by forcing the gate to open, resulting in the avoidable, unfortunate and regrettable incident”.

    Another student argued that if the Director was serious as he claimed, he should make public the planned time table for the examination showing clearly, the various faculties, considering the number of departments and students who register for the GSS examination.
    He regretted the vulnerability of students who are always at the receiving end of poor planning on issues that concerns students and situations like this unforseen circumstance, instead of Prof Ojua to come clean and take responsibility for his inadequacies, he rather wants to use the students as scapegoats.

    Ojua in his release also stated, “That the essence of the introduction of the GSS CBT exams by the school management was to ensure fast service delivery, easy access to examination and results and to reduce the stress on students during examination periods”.

    Another student wondered why the CBT that was created to reduce the stress on students during examination periods, has turned to triple the stress of students under his watch.
    This student opined that the appointment of Prof Takim Ojua is a misnomal with the introduction of CTB. He alleged that Prof Ojua is not even ICT compliant, and called on the university management to restore the integrity of the university.

    The release further reads, “Students are therefore advised to travel as the exams has been suspended till further notice”.

    A four hundred level student of the faculty of law wondered if the university is still guided by administrative laws. He expressed surprise why the GSS Director, Prof Takim Ojua still talk about suspension of the examination instead of outright cancellation in line with the VC’S directives.

    Some other students have alleged that they are made to pay between 10 to 15k as sorting fee before they can pass the GSS examination and likened the shattered preparation and administration of the examination to aid the sorting process. ” No need reading for GST or attending classes. Pay direct to the Director and your grade is guaranteed ” said Emem Ekanem (not real name).
    An anonymous female student alleged that the Director is “presently using part of his official office as a branch of his Church”. “He collects sorting as tithes and promises those who attend protection and good grades”. “He is even bold to tell you he makes returns to administration, he is in charge of uploading of GST results and nothing can change it as he and the VC hail from the same LGA”.
    So far, nothing has been heard from the University Management in connection with this embarrassing sham as the students wait for “Godot”.

    See some reactions and comments of some the students on the press release by the Director of GSS as was shared by Nsikak Ibatt on his verified Facebook page.

    See link https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02fvqu1PPoG1bd2u8CTN3ZinnBU86wVarDmeDLLfSLvXfSvZVKhcN19irag1JV8i7dl&id=100004199258282&mibextid=Nif5oz

    Kandy Umoh said: This man just said nonsense

    Cletus Asuquo said: E go explain tire

    Joe Cassy said: Blames always on d students…

    De Cen Cy said: Let him go and sit down. Such a glorified writer.
    This and many more are some of the consequences of being greedy. Just feeling for the victimized individuals.
    For crying out loud, everyone knows that for the past three years, the school has become overly populated yet, the management keeps admitting millions of applicants to the detriment of students even when its obvious that the school doesn’t have enough resources to carter for the well-being of these ones.
    Unical is among the first five most populated university in Nigeria with the poorest management yet they are less concerned about covering up her lapses.

    Mc Nawe ll: Thunder go f.ire am

    Richard said: Anything that happens in a any higher institutions is always the fault the of the students
    Meanwhile the the management are always right , even tho 95% of those plans have lapses
    Isortry
    🚶🚶🚶🚶

    Louiz Dominic said: Nah students 💯

    In another development, the Chairman, Forum of Faculties Presidents University of Calabar and President, Faculty of Clinical Science, Comrade Emmanuel Oshie, has called on the University management to investigate EDC and GSS on report from students that they are mandated to buy an imposed textbook from lecturers for assessment.

  • UNICAL VC Seeks More Collaborations With Foreign Universities On Learning Programmes 

    UNICAL VC Seeks More Collaborations With Foreign Universities On Learning Programmes 

     

    In her determination to place the University of Calabar in the global map and also promote quality university education with students performance as her top priority, the Vice Chancellor. Prof. Florence Banku Obi, took time off to visit the DePaul University, Chicago, to finalise the collaboration discussion which was started with the visit of Prof Margaret workman and Umoh Isidore in July this year to Unical.

    During the visit, the VC held a meeting with Prof. GianMario Besana, the Associate Provost for Global Engagement and Online Education, with Workman, Isidore in attendance.

    The timetable for the collaboration was worked out to start in January 2023 due to ASUU strike.

    Benefits of the Global Learning Experience Programme to UNICAL are as follows:

    1. Results from the entire exercise will be converted into publications which the University of Calabar will benefit.

    2. Students of the University of Calabar who will participate in the Programme will be issued certificates by DePaul University, Chicago, USA.

    3. The Students will also have the opportunity of interacting with students of DePaul University, Chicago where there can share their experiences about learning in Nigeria and learning in Chicago; this will give them global exposure.

    The Vc also visited  the Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, to seek more collaborations.

    At the Northeastern university, the VC met with Prof. Cris E. Toffolo, the Interim Director, International Programs and Prof. Job Ngwe, who is the Chair of Social Work Programs of the University.

    Discussion was centered on partnership and building collaboration on the Social Work Programmes of both universities.

    The proactive VC was in Chicago for a one week  Executive Leadership Development Programme for Vice-Chancellors and Principal Officers of Nigeria Universities organised by the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigeria in conjunction with the University of Chicago.

    With the dynamism of the Vice-Chancellor, the students and faculty of the University of Calabar will get more International exposure once universities reopen for academic work.

  • Caterpillar Movement Felicitates DC Enamhe On His Appointment As UNICAL ALUMNI Relation Officer

    Caterpillar Movement Felicitates DC Enamhe On His Appointment As UNICAL ALUMNI Relation Officer

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT.
    21st January 2022.

    Dr. Enamhe Dorn Cklaimz.
    Department of Social Works,
    University of Calabar,
    Calabar.

    FELICITATION

    On behalf of our Principal, Dist. Senator Sandy Onor, the entire Caterpillar Movement Family and PDP in cross river central senatorial district, I heartily extend our warmest felicitation to you on your milestone achievements which have resulted in your appointment as Acting Alumni Relation Officer, University of Calabar by the amiable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi.

    Over the years, moving steadily on the path of selfless service and patriotism, you have affirmed your place as a dependable, productive and purpose-driven individual, capable of ensuring the welfare of people under your watch.
    You have demonstrated uncommon qualities of service to humanity and mankind.

    This appointment, therefore, is a mark of expression of this confidence that people have in you.

    I hereby urge you to remain assiduous, efficient and committed to the principles that have earned you this appointment, and to continue to blaze the trail . We are proud of you DC.

    Once again, Congratulations!!

    Joe-Obi Bisong (Hon Chief)
    DG, Caterpillar Movement)

  • Let’s Join Hands And Digitised UNICAL, VC Tells Committee Of Deans, Directors

    Let’s Join Hands And Digitised UNICAL, VC Tells Committee Of Deans, Directors

     

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi, has called on leaders of the University to think and work towards a total digitisation of the university in compliance with technological age.

    The Vice-Chancellor made the call at an interactive meeting with Deans and Directors held at the Council Chamber of the University.

    Prof. Obi said by their position as leaders, they must make things work and liken their roles to that of a commander in military circles.

    She said that with a strategic plan document in place, it is the role of the Deans to guide departments to evolve a workable plan of their own based on the institutional strategic plan.

    She drew the attention of the Deans and Directors to some pivotal key areas in the plan that are critical to the growth and noted that if Management made up of the current assemblage of leaders can achieve 50% of the plan content, then it will be difficult to circumvent its sustained progress.

    She called on the foremost faculty leaders to embrace provisions in the plan that entailed making adequate provision for teaching and learning, mentorship, improved ranking and smart campus.

    On Smart Campus, the VC disclosed that an official statement via circular will soon be issued legalizing online teaching and E-Learning Policy, as she pledged complete digitalization of the University before the end of the year.

    She informed that the convocation of the University billed for the last week in March this year will be unique, adding that the Emir of Kano will be formally installed as the Chancellor and the research fair will assume a bigger status in the proposed one-week event.

    The Vice-Chancellor promised to sustain the tempo of inaugural lectures, attend to outstanding sitting allowances requests, address complaints related to payment of Honorarium in Postgraduate School as well as entitlements of external examiners and external assessors.

    For the Assessment for 2021 promotions, Prof. Obi said all papers will have to go through the Director of Information Communication Technology (ICT) who will handle the repository concerns before submission to the Appointments and Promotion Committee, adding that a memo will be issued to that effect.

    In an earlier address, the Chairman of the Committee of Deans Prof Idongesit Akpabio, commended the Vice-Chancellor for her encouragement and friendly disposition to the committee.

    Prof. Akpabio rolled out the committee’s achievements in the sustained conduct of inaugural lectures, obtaining approval of study leave with pay for 60 staff, securing approval for most academic programmes in the Senate and payment of sitting allowances.

    The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, in a remark, observed that some carryover courses have not been uploaded and appeal to Deans to work with Heads of Departments to close the gaps as the date for the closure of the portal draws near.

  • UNICAL Management Announces Shift In Examination Date

    UNICAL Management Announces Shift In Examination Date

     

    The Management of the University of Calabar has announced a new date for the commencement of examination as well as closure of the school charges payment and course registration portals.

    Examination will now commence from Wednesday 19th of January, 2022 and the Fee and Course Registration Portals will be closed on midnight of Saturday 15th January, 2022.

    A release issued by the University Management and made available to the Public Relations Unit has accordingly called on students to ensure that payment of School Charges and relevant dues are observed before the portals are closed

    The release which stated that students must register courses before exams, added that registration is per course. Examination attendance list will be generated only for the students who have duly registered their courses.

    The release further reminded students that registration is done essentially online using the link http://unicalexams.edu.ng/login and not with lecturers or by cash payment as online registration of courses offered by the students is FREE.
    Students are advised for their own interest to make good use of the magnanimity of extension by the administration arising from the plea of the President of SUG to complete the registration of their courses.
    The release equally directed that Heads of Departments and Course Coordinators should upload all outstanding results of students to enable them register or risk being sanctioned.

    According to the release, students who fail to meet the deadline for registration will have to defer their admission for the session.

     

     

    PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT.