TheNewsGuru

Tag: UNICAL

UNICAL

  • Unical promotes 24 lecturers to professorial cadre

    Unical promotes 24 lecturers to professorial cadre

    The University of Calabar (Unical) has promoted 24 lecturers to the professorial cadre

    The institution’s  Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, announced the promotion  in a statement made available to newsmen in Calabar on Thursday.

    She noted that the promotion followed the approval of the 250th meeting of the institution’s senate,  held on Wednesday.

    According to her, the promoted academics include 12 lecturers promoted to the  rank of  Professors and 12  promoted as Associate Professors.

    She said the promotion reflects the University’s continued commitment to academic excellence and staff development.

    Obi, who also chairs the University Senate, commended the various deans, heads of departments, and members of the Senate for their unwavering contributions to the growth and stability of the institution.

  • Peter Obi storms UniCal Dentistry department, donates 20M

    Peter Obi storms UniCal Dentistry department, donates 20M

    The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi  on Friday visited the University of Calabar this morning and donated N20 million to the Faculty of Dentistry to support 400 dental students who are being threåtenéd with expulsion and withdrawal from the university.

    The donation, which was made in Calabar in the presence of some of the students of the department, is expected to be utilised for the procurement of more dental chairs.

    According to Obi, I am interested in creating awareness that will aid the development of the people, and not discussing politics.

    “N20 million will buy five dental chairs. We cannot have a society where we spend millions to buy cars for politicians while young people lack tools to be educated with.

    “Our schools lack laboratories, classroom chairs, but politicians are living like stars; this shouldn’t be.

    “We must dismantle it and invest in the critical areas of development which are measurable, like education, health and pulling people out of poverty.”

    He also noted that governance was about the people, adding that he was struggling to build a society where the child of a nobody could be somebody.

    He added that rather than talking about 2027, the nation’s leaders should be talking about the average Nigerian who could not put food on their tables, send their children to school or go to hospitals to get adequate care.

    “I was once like these students; that is why I am pushing for us to build a proper society. As for 2027, I will be there, I assure you, and I will contest,” he said.

  • UniCal gets full NUC accreditation for 24 academic programmes

    UniCal gets full NUC accreditation for 24 academic programmes

    The Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) has given full accreditation status for 24 programmes in the  University of Calabar (UniCal).

    This was contained in a letter by Prof.  Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC.

    The letter was signed by Mr Abraham Chundusu, Acting Director of Accreditation.

    Ribadu said that the letter addressed to Prof. Florence Obi, the university’s Vice Chancellor, was to convey the outcome of the comprehensive accreditation exercise carried out in the institution between October and November 2024.

    He noted that “the full accreditation status indicates that these programmes will run for five  years before another accreditation exercise would be carried out by the NUC.

    “Similarly, six  programmes also got accredited status, while two programmes got interim accreditation status which is valid for two years after which the programme will be re-visited,” he maintained.

    The NUC said that the gains of the accreditation exercise underscored the Vice Chancellor’s commitment towards a sustained academic standard.

    It said that accreditation reflected a well structured curriculum, aggressive infrastructural development and promotion of academic research amongst others.

    While calling on Nigerians to endeavour to know the status of the course they intend to pursue in a university, Ribadu stated that a denied accreditation meant an immediate ban on student admission into such programme(s)

    He said that certificates issued to students admitted into such programmes after the ban on admission, will not be recognised.

    The NUC executive secretary added that such students admitted after the ban into programmes with denied accreditation status, shall on graduation be denied call-up into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme

    Some of the programmes given full accreditation include: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Public Administration, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Medical Laboratory Sciences,

    Others are Philosophy, English and Literary Studies, Religious and Cultural Studies. Dentistry, Botany, Geology, Pure Chemistry, Economics and Geography among others.

  • Don calls for hospitality studies in secondary schools, urges for standalone hospitality department in UNICAL

    Don calls for hospitality studies in secondary schools, urges for standalone hospitality department in UNICAL

    A professor at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Bassey Esu, has called for the introduction of Hospitality Studies as a separate subject in Nigeria’s secondary school curriculum.

    He made this proposal while delivering UNICAL’s 136th inaugural lecture titled “Hospitality-Centric Philosophy: The Spirit and Soul of Destination Product and the Piggyback of Development” in Calabar.

    Esu also recommended the unbundling of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the university level, advocating for a dedicated Hospitality Department to reflect its growing significance.

    According to the professor of Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Marketing & Management, hospitality is not just a profession but a fundamental human orientation with vast socio-economic impacts. 

    He emphasized that teaching it at the secondary level would help students develop essential life skills and professional competencies early.

    “Hospitality is the practice of honoring and protecting strangers while they are away from home. It is a behavior, attitude, and orientation found in every human endeavor.”

    He further stressed the need to incorporate Hospitality Management as a distinct program in the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) at the university level.

    Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof. Florence Obi, lauded Esu’s dedication and expertise in the field of hospitality and tourism. She assured that the university’s management would consider implementing some of his recommendations.

    Obi also encouraged senior academics to prepare for their inaugural lectures, describing it as a vital academic milestone.

    With tourism and hospitality playing a critical role in global economies, Esu’s proposal could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s education and workforce development. The call for a standalone Hospitality Department and its inclusion in secondary schools now awaits policy action.

     

  • UNICAL honours Betta Udu, other prominent alumni at 37th convocation

    UNICAL honours Betta Udu, other prominent alumni at 37th convocation

    The University of Calabar has recognized distinguished personalities, including former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Betta Udu, during its 37th Convocation and 50th Anniversary Lecture held at the Calabar International Convention Centre.

    Speaking to the press after receiving her honorary doctorate, Dr. Udu described the award as a privilege and expressed gratitude to the university for shaping her leadership journey. She emphasized her commitment to using the recognition to support the less privileged and contribute to societal development.

    “We are the class of ’29, and as medical students, we are contributing to the completion and equipping of the medical center at the University of Calabar. Education is the only way we can overcome poverty, and I strongly believe that with initiatives like the student loan scheme and other government interventions, we will see more great graduates emerge from this institution,” she said.

    Other distinguished alumni honored at the event included the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who delivered the convocation lecture, the wife of the Senate President, Uloma Godwin Akpabio, and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

    Speaking on the theme, “Our Gowns in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centered Education – The Mandate of Our Universities (2025–2075),” Kalu highlighted the critical role universities play in national development.

    “Universities are established as engines of progress. Education must go beyond theories to have real-world impact. Our education is incomplete if society does not feel the presence of our institutions,” he stated.

    He also called for a revision of the country’s education quota system, advocating for a shift toward gender-based empowerment rather than geographical considerations. He emphasized the importance of digital adaptation in universities to improve learning and research.

    In her remarks, the vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Florence Obi, described the awardees as exemplary individuals whose contributions to society reflect the institution’s legacy of excellence.

    “The University of Calabar is proud to have produced leaders who are influencing policies and shaping the future of our nation. Their achievements serve as a testament to the quality of education and character instilled in our students,” she said.

  • No nude photographs were found in suspended law professor’s phones, forensic analyst tells court

    No nude photographs were found in suspended law professor’s phones, forensic analyst tells court

    CSP Babagana Mingali, a Forensic Analyst told a Federal High Court in Abuja that no nudes photographs were found in the mobile phones belonging to Prof. Cyril Ndifon, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), during analysis.

    Babagana, a 2nd defence witness (DW-2), who was subpoenaed by the court to testify in the alleged sexual harassment charge, works at the laboratory of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    The witness spoke before Justice James Omotosho while being led in evidence by the defence lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN on Thursday.

    NAN reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting Ndifon on alleged sexual harassment.

    Ndifon, alongside his lawyer, Samuel Anyanwu, is preferred with a four-count charge bordering on alleged sexual harassment, cybercrime and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

    The ICPC alleged that Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, requested the female Diploma student, identified as TKJ and a star witness, to send him “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself” through WhatsApp chats.

    Anyanwu, one of the lawyers of the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on Jan. 22, 2024, by the commission on the allegation that he called the star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

    Upon resumed trial on Thursday, Babagana told the court that he joined the Nigerian Police Force in 2010 and was posted to ONSA in 2017.

    He said he received a letter from the court on July 5, 2024, which came with two mobile phones, ordering a forensic analysis of the two phones belonging to Ndifon and his co-defendant, Anyanwu.

    The witness said he conducted the analysis on the mobile phones and wrote a report on them.

    He said the report was done on Aug. 8, 2024, and was presented to the court.

    Justice Omotosho admitted the letter and the report as exhibits in the case after they were tendered by Agi.

    Babagana told the court that his office used highly professional tools in trying to extract documents from the phone, but could not.

    “My lord, we used the universal forensic extraction device, a touch tool and some accompanied Cable 2070 and Cable 100, including some external storage devices in trying to extract the data,” he explained.

    When asked if he saw any nude photographs, email trails, voice recording, text messages or conversations in the phones, Babagana said, “I did not find any.”

    The analyst restated that no relevant information was found in the two phones between January 2021 up until January 2024 as the WhatsApp applications were out of date.

    According to him, there is need to return them to the owners to update it so as to achieve the desired result.

    He told the court that officials from other agencies, including the ICPC, are also being posted to the NSA lab.

    During cross-examination by ICPC’s counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, the witness said he had actively practised forensic analysis for about five years.

    He insisted that ICPC staff also work in the laboratory, though he could not substantiate the claim with any evidence .

    He admitted that the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC had forensic labs.

    He, however, said he was yet to see the ICPC lab.

    He admitted that the same device (touch tool) used by his office, was also used by the ICPC in generating the exhibit (Exhibit H), which were the images from the mobile phone belonging to the professor.

    The witness also admitted that it is possible to find relevant information in the phones if the the WhatsApp is updated.

    Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until April 3 for continuation of defence.

  • Suspended UNICAL professor denies soliciting for female student’s nude pictures

    Suspended UNICAL professor denies soliciting for female student’s nude pictures

    Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL) on Wednesday, denied allegations that he solicited for nude photographs of the female student.

    Ndifon, denied the allegations before Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja while being cross examined by the the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha.

    The professor said the female student, identified as TKJ, was like a daughter to him.

    ” I got to know her from her uncle. She  did not send her nude pictures to me and I did not demand for her nude pictures,” he said.

    Ndifon denied that the conversations, pictures and videos extracted by the ICPC were from his phone.

    “They are not. If you look at it, we can’t vouch for them, they have been edited. I don’t even know where they got the conversations and videos from,” he said.

    He said he did not present the phone he claimed to have used in communicating with TKJ to the ICPC because the anti-corruption commission did not request for the student’s own phone.

    “The prosecution did not deem it necessary to investigate her phone, so why should I bring mine?” he said.

    Ndifon, who admitted to have sent the N3, 000 to TKJ from his First Bank account, said he had given her money many times.

    “I sent more than N3, 000 to her, sometimes I give her cash,” he said

    Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Thursday for continuation of trial.

    NAN reports that the suspended dean is standing trial on alleged sexual harassment.

    Ndifon, is charged alongside his lawyer, Samuel Anyanwu, with a four counts of charge sexual harassment, cybercrime and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

    The ICPC alleged that Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, requested the female Diploma student, identified as TKJ and a star witness, to send him “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself” through WhatsApp chats.

    Anyanwu, one of the lawyers of the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on Jan. 22, 2024, by the commission on the allegation that he called the star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

    They both pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.

  • “As a student I never had luxury of staying in main campus” – Akpabio reflects

    “As a student I never had luxury of staying in main campus” – Akpabio reflects

     

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has shared personal insights into the challenges he faced as a student at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), highlighting the difficulties he endured during his academic journey.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit from UNICAL’s management and alumni, who invited him to the institution’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration, Akpabio recounted his experience of living off-campus in Malabo, an area known for its harsh conditions and mosquito infestations.

    He contrasted this with the relative comfort of students residing on the main campus, where stable electricity and better amenities were available.

    Recalling his days as a student leader
    during his remarks, Akpabio reflected on his time as Speaker of the Student Parliament at UNICAL, emphasizing his dedication to advocating for students’ welfare. He noted that despite the difficulties of living in Malabo, he remained committed to student activism and leadership.

    “As Speaker of the Student Parliament, I fought tirelessly for the interests of my fellow students. Unlike those who had the privilege of staying on the main campus with constant electricity, I lived in Malabo, facing the challenges of mosquitoes and inadequate infrastructure,” he recalled.

    A Commitment to UNICAL’s Growth
    Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to witness the institution reach its 50-year milestone, Akpabio described the anniversary as a significant achievement. He pledged his support for the university and assured the management and alumni of his willingness to contribute to its continued development.

    It’s a joy to be alive to see the University of Calabar celebrate 50 years. Being part of this historic moment is an honour, and I assure you that this visit will mark the beginning of an uncommon transformation for the university beyond its golden jubilee,” he stated.

    As UNICAL gears up for its anniversary celebrations, Akpabio’s remarks underscore the importance of alumni contributions and government support in enhancing the institution’s growth and development. His reflections serve as an inspiration to current students, reminding them that perseverance and resilience can pave the way for future success

  • NYSC demobilises UNICAL graduates

    NYSC demobilises UNICAL graduates

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has demobilised 54 “graduates” that were illegally mobilised for youth service by the University of Calabar.

    The Director-General, NYSC,  Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mr Eddy Megwa.

    According to Ahmed, this is in line with the scheme’s continuous efforts to prevent unqualified graduates from getting the NYSC certificate of national service.

    He said that the demobilised candidates would be prosecuted accordingly.

    Ahmed said that another 19 candidates among them that initially registered online for mobilisation have been prevented from service, while four certificates of national service for other culprits were not produced by the scheme.

    “This is in addition to the earlier 101 certificates that were recently voided by the scheme, making a total of 178”, he said.

    The D-G commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Obi, for her forthrightness in hinting NYSC on the mobilisation of unqualified graduates from the institution.

    “The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar came here to report that she observed some names appeared on the institution’s list and they ought not to have been there.

    “She checked the list the school gave us and I told her that their certificates would be invalidated. I give kudos to the Vice-Chancellor.

    “Previously, a bread seller was mobilised on the graduation list from the same institution, there are bad eggs in many places that generate matriculation numbers and courses for their candidates,” the D-G said.

    Ahmed, however, said NYSC would leave no stone unturned towards sanitising its mobilisation process.

    He also said that the scheme would intensify its collaboration with all the Heads of Corps Producing Institutions and relevant stakeholders in the country in order to stop the menace.

    He added that any failure in the mobilisation process from any school falls on the integrity of the management of such institution.

    “Those who are responsible for imputing the data of graduates should be people of integrity”, he said.

    He called on employers of labour to verify the authenticity of certificates of national service being presented for job placement from the NYSC.

  • ‘Rotten country, right from top to bottom’ – Reactions as UNICAL first female SUG president appoints 50 aides

    ‘Rotten country, right from top to bottom’ – Reactions as UNICAL first female SUG president appoints 50 aides

    The appointment of 50 aides by the first female Student Union Government President of the University of Calabar, Alims Blessing Iripia, has caused a stir on social media.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Peace Studies and Conflict Resolutions student at the Department of Political Science via her Facebook post on Sunday, August 4, 2024 announced the appointments.

    The post read, “After carefully examining and assessing the following individuals based on their conduct, credibility, enthusiasm, transparency, and commitment to the Students’ Union Government’s progress and advancement, I am pleased to announce the following appointments for the efficient operation of Blessing_Alims_Led_Administration.”

    According to the letter dated August 1, the appointments take immediate effect after screening and confirmation by the Senate.

    Following the appointments, the SUG have been heavily criticized on social media, with many netizens condemning her move.

    One Fortune Ozue wrote: “I see why politicians don’t care…Everyone wants to be prioritized. Special Adviser on everything.That office should be scrapped from top to bottom.”

    NgoLONG wrote: “Yet we shout bad governance.ALUTA is filled with corrupt and dubious youths who like their mentors, come as saints to fill their pockets. I see some of them of twitter condemning similar evil they did…lol.”

    Oluwatosin wrote: “Just 50,The choping must go round. She’s leant from her daddy in Aso Rock.”

    Eememmmmmmm wrote: “This is why I hate politics especially Nigerian, it’s dirty and disgusting and the loyalty part, tueh!”

    WHEREIS23? wrote: “Rotten country, right from the top to the bottom.”