UNICAL: First-Class Graduates to Get Automatic Jobs
By Benjamin GBOR
The University of Calabar has introduced a policy that guarantees automatic job placement for graduates who finish with first-class honours, as part of efforts to retain top-performing students and strengthen its workforce.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Offiong Effanga Offiong, announced the initiative during the institution’s 38th convocation ceremony, where more than 10,000 students were formally inducted into the alumni community.
He explained that the policy is designed to fill critical staffing gaps while rewarding academic excellence.
According to the university, 9,173 students graduated with first degrees, including 52 who earned first-class honours and are expected to benefit from the employment opportunity. In addition, 743 postgraduate students obtained master’s degrees, while 152 others received diplomas.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that academic excellence should translate into national development, noting that the institution remains committed to producing graduates distinguished by integrity, competence and a strong sense of societal responsibility.
He also highlighted key reforms introduced by the administration, including a centralised admissions process aimed at improving transparency and eliminating over-admission. The university, he added, has begun serialising certificates with verifiable student data to curb forgery and enhance credibility.
As part of its academic expansion, the institution established new faculties, including Media and Communication Studies and Laboratory Sciences, with students from both faculties among the current graduating set.
The university is also set to unveil a five-year strategic development plan focused on infrastructure, research growth, digital innovation and global competitiveness.
The Chancellor of the institution and Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, urged graduates to apply their knowledge responsibly, stressing that education should be reflected in character, humility and service to society.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Udom Ekpoudom, commended the management for improving staff welfare, settling outstanding allowances and strengthening programme accreditation, including ongoing efforts to enhance the Dentistry programme in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
More than 200 students received academic prizes with cash awards, as the convocation ceremony attracted dignitaries from government, academia and traditional institutions.
