By: Joe Ephraim Calabar
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) will graduate a total of 10,820 students at its 38th convocation ceremony, with 52 students emerging with First Class honours.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing marking the commencement of the convocation activities.
A breakdown of the graduating students shows that 9,173 will receive first degrees, 152 diplomas, while 1,495 are postgraduate students. Out of the 9,173 first-degree graduands, 52 made First Class, 2,390 earned Second Class Upper division, 5,819 obtained Second Class Lower division, 666 graduated with Third Class, and 246 finished with Pass degrees.
Offiong described the upcoming convocation as the first under his administration, noting that it represents a significant milestone for the institution.
He said the convocation programme, which began on April 2 with a press conference, will continue on April 7 with an interdenominational service, followed by a research fair and exhibition.
According to him, the convocation lecture will be held on April 9, while the award of diplomas, first degrees, and master’s degrees is scheduled for April 10 at the Abraham Ordia Stadium.
The Vice Chancellor added that 463 Ph.D graduands will also be awarded degrees on April 11, alongside honorary degrees and the launch of the university’s endowment fund.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to academic excellence, transparency, and institutional reforms, particularly in addressing issues such as admission irregularities, employment processes, and certificate racketeering.
Offiong urged the media to continue supporting the university by projecting its activities positively and reporting unethical practices that could undermine its integrity.
