38th Convocation: UNICAL Graduates 10,820 Students As 52 Bags First Class, 463 Ph.Ds
Judex OKORO and Benjamin GBOR
THE Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has disclosed that the institution will graduate 10,820 students in this year’s convocation
The breakdown shows Diploma 152, First Degree 9,173, and Postgraduates 1,495. Of the 9,173 First Degree graduates, 52 made first class, 2,390 fell into the second-class upper division, 5,819 backed Second-class Lower division, while 666 made third class, and 246 had pass.
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AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE 12TH VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, PROF OFFIONG EFANGA OFFIONG TO MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 38TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF THE INSTITUTION
Gentlemen of the Press,
It gives me great honour and immense pleasure to welcome you to our great citadel of learning and to also fraternize with you as a major stakeholder in the scheme of things in our society and the nation as well.
This gathering together today, not only reminds me of your invaluable contributions to society, but the pivotal role you played when I was a Union Leader and Commissioner for Education, Cross River State and when I was formally inducted into office as the 12th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar on December 1, 2025. I want to specially thank all of you for disseminating that information far and wide.
An earlier meeting with the press would have come up before now, but owing to several imminent issues that required urgent attention both within and outside the University and the need to properly identify with the situation on ground, hence the choice of this moment for this crucial interface.
In today’s meeting, as I welcome you, I intend to inform and acquaint our stakeholders, numerous publics and the world at large through you about the oncoming 38th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Calabar and also interface with you on the progress made by the current administration under my leadership. Let us all gathered today not forget that this would be the first convocation organized under my watch as the Vice Chancellor. It is indeed a special moment for me and I give God the glory.
Today, Thursday, April 2, 2026 marks the beginning of the 38th Convocation with this press conference. This is the event which is ongoing. We are hopeful that at the end of this meeting, that our highly valued friends and key stakeholder in the Unical project would broadcast our noble intentions globally. After this Press Conference, we would take a break because of the Easter holiday and reconverge on April 7, 2026.
INTER-DENOMINATIONAL SERVICE
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 would mark the second day of convocation proceedings. The first event for that day is the Inter-Denominational Service. It has been our practice over the years to commit all our endeavours, intents and purposes to the Almighty God. The essence is for God to guide us and make the convocation a huge success.
The service will commence from 10:000am prompt and will be held at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre. We expect our staff, students and as many who love and value God and what we are doing to join us at the service.
RESEARCH FAIR AND EXHIBITION
Immediately after the Interdenominational service, the Research Fair and Exhibition which has become an annual event will commence from 12.noon and expected to run till 6:00pm.
The Research Fair and Exhibition provide us an exceptional platform to showcase our research products and innovations across Faculties, and Institutes. Invitations have been sent to investors and organizations to be part of the event. The event would be held at the Hogan Bassey Parking Lot of the institution. The choice of the Hogan Bassey Parking lot is based on proximity. We anticipate a large number of people at the Fair this year compared to the recent years.
MEETING OF CONVOCATION
Meeting of Convocation has been slated for Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, University of Calabar. This gathering will provide a platform for all alumnus and staff with at least a first degree from any recognized University to come together to interface on the growth and advancement of the University.
CONVOCATION LECTURE
The 38th Convocation lecture of our great institution would be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre by 12 noon. Our convocation lectures over the years have been quite enriching, fulfilling, intellectual in content and pragmatic in delivery. Our speaker for this convocation is Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, Ph.D. He will be speaking on a timely, topical theme titled “Redefining National Security in an era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary institutions. “
COMMAND PERFORMANCE
By 6:00pm of the same day, attention will shift to the Chinua Achebe Arts Theatre, University of Calabar where the command performance would be observed. The command performance has always remained an intriguing night. The performance as organized every year, leaves behind indelible messages that reflect the state of society within the current time bracket and the way forward. Gentlemen of the Press, please come over and share all that the night has to offer.
Friday, April 10, 2026 is the day for the Award of Diplomas, First Degrees & Masters/Induction into Unical Alumni. The event is billed to commence from 10:00am prompt at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, University of Calabar.
TOTAL GRADUANDS
In this year’s convocation, we intend to graduate 10,820 students, made up as follows; Diploma 152, First Degree 9,173, and Postgraduates 1,495.
Of the 9,173 First Degree graduates, 52 made first class, 2,390 fell into the second-class upper division, 5,819 backed Second-class Lower division, while 666 made third class, and 246 had pass. By 700pm of the same day, a Gala Night for all Ph.D graduands/their supervisors would follow at the Prof Emmanuel Ayandele Hall of Fame, University of Calabar.
The next day, Saturday, April 11, 2026 is the Award of Ph.D, and Honorary Degrees, and Launching of Endowment Fund/Induction into Unical Alumni.
A total number of 463 Ph.D graduates will be convoking this year. This event will begin from 10:00am and would be held at the Senator Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre, University of Calabar.
ANOTHER THANKSGIVING
On Sunday, April 12, Management, Staff and Students would proceed to St. Paul Catholic Church, University of Calabar to give thanks to God for a successful event. Time is 10:00am.
As the 12th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar by God’s grace, and the foremost administrator of the institution within this time bracket, I called for this meeting to intimate you of the defined trajectory of this administration and to also seek your support and understanding as we embark on this notable, onerous, but pivotal journey of repositioning this unique citadel of learning for greatness.
RESTATE COMMITMENT TO TAKE UNIVERSITY TO GREATER HEIGHTS
It will be recalled that on December 1,2025 when I gave my inaugural address, I pledged to rebrand the University, widen the scope of skills development and also enthrone a culture of transparency. In essence, our vision is built on three pillars: excellence, innovation and integrity.
On that same occasion, I also stated that we will pursue our vision through the following strategic goals : Academic excellence, Research and Innovation, Students Experience and Welfare, Human Capital Development, Enhanced Revenue Generation and Effective Resource Mobilization, Infrastructural expansion, Transparent Governance, Organizational effectiveness, ICT, automation of processes and Quality Assurance, Community Engagement and Outreach, Internalization and global partnerships, Environmental Sustainability and Security of lives and property.
Gentlemen of the press, I don’t need to inform or remind you of the number of times that we were subjected to negative reporting based on happenings that were verified to be true or factual. Our admission process, mode of employment, examination costs, certificates racketeering and a few other ills persistently painted us negatively in the eyes of the public. We are determined to commit our energy to confront these awful and damaging perennial practices that have undermined and attempts to relegate the status of our great and prestigious Institution.
MEASURES TO SANITISE THE ADMISSION
We have begun with some preliminary measures to sanitize the admission process, as we have also stated in clear terms “no more over-admissions”. The officer under whose watch the recklessness persisted is under disciplinary action. The Central Admissions Committee (CAC) has been restored. These are the initial steps taken so far. More would be done in the long run.
JOB PLACEMENT, EMPLOYMENT
For job placement, employment would be conducted as the need arises. For that to be done, Advertisement would be placed in the media for all who are eligible to apply. We would consider merit, areas of need and other relevant considerations that guide the employment process.
It should however be noted that we need to obtain clearance and permission from the relevant authorities of the government to carry out such exercise. Please, do well to report anyone who comes to you soliciting for financial inducements to give admissions or job employment.
MOVES TO CURB SHADY CERTIFICATES' PRACTICES
We are aware of the ongoing shady practices with certificates printed in computer centers and the perpetrators not only using the name of the institution, but attempting to forge the signatures of past Registrars and Vice Chancellors of our institution. We are closing up on a few that have been fingered and when they are apprehended, we would not fail in our duty to show these “avowed enemies” to the world.
This administration is silently addressing several issues that have darkened our lights from shining brighter than what it is. We are working very hard to permanently address infrastructural deficits and student support services, issues of transcripts, verification, full digitalization of our records and operations, impunity, student welfare related issues, security, accountability, teaching and learning facilities and a host of others. We are committed to enthroning Academic excellence, though presently at the incipient stage. Over time, the results will be visible.
In my next engagement with you, I will report extensively on other measures taken to reposition our University and the results emanating from them.
I once again thank you for your time. I promise to maintain steady communication with you on issues bordering on our overall welfare. When my lines are busy, please endeavour to reach me through the office of the Information/Public Relations officer.
Thank you so much for your time and attention. God bless you!
Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, FCSN, FUICC
Vice Chancellor
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