By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has commenced activities for its 38th Convocation Ceremony, with Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, outlining a week-long programme and a reform-driven agenda aimed at repositioning the institution.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the university, Offiong described the convocation as a significant milestone, noting it is the first under his administration since assuming office on December 1, 2025.
“This would be the first convocation organised under my watch as Vice Chancellor. It is indeed a special moment for me and I give God the glory,” he said.
He explained that the convocation activities began with the press briefing and would pause for the Easter break before resuming on April 7 with an inter-denominational service at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre.
According to him, the service, scheduled for 10 a.m., would be followed by a Research Fair and Exhibition at the Hogan Bassey Parking Lot, where faculties and institutes would showcase innovations to potential investors and stakeholders.
Offiong further announced that the convocation lecture would be delivered on April 9 by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, on the theme: “Redefining National Security in an Era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary Institutions.”
The same day would feature a command performance at the Chinua Achebe Arts Theatre, while the main convocation ceremony for the award of diplomas, first degrees, and master’s degrees would hold on April 10 at the Abraham Ordia Stadium.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that a total of 10,820 students would graduate during the convocation. This includes 152 diploma holders, 9,173 first-degree graduates, and 1,495 postgraduate students.
He added that among the first-degree graduates, 52 earned first-class honours, 2,390 obtained second-class upper division, 5,819 graduated with second-class lower division, 666 with third class, and 246 with pass degrees.
The convocation will continue on April 11 with the award of 463 PhDs and honorary degrees, alongside the launch of an endowment fund, while a thanksgiving service is scheduled for April 12 at St. Paul Catholic Church within the university.
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Beyond the convocation, Offiong used the opportunity to highlight ongoing reforms targeted at addressing longstanding challenges within the institution.
He said the administration is tackling issues such as irregular admissions, employment practices, certificate racketeering, and infrastructural deficits.
“We have begun with some preliminary measures to sanitise the admission process. We have stated in clear terms ‘no more over-admissions’. The Central Admissions Committee has been restored,” he stated.
On employment, he stressed that recruitment would be transparent and merit-based, adding that vacancies would be publicly advertised and subject to government approval.
Offiong also warned against fraudulent practices involving fake certificates, revealing that efforts were underway to apprehend perpetrators.
“We are aware of the ongoing shady practices with certificates printed in computer centres… 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,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to a three-pronged vision anchored on excellence, innovation, and integrity, supported by strategic goals including academic advancement, research development, improved student welfare, digital transformation, and enhanced transparency.
He called for media support in projecting the institution’s reforms and pledged sustained engagement with stakeholders.
