Information/Public Relations Unit, University of Calabar

21/10/2026

LET'S PARTNER TO DEVELOP UNICAL, VC URGES WILMAR SCHOLARSHIP BOARD

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has called for a strategic partnership between the University and the Wilmar Community Scholarship Board of Biase Plantations Limited, Calaro Estate, Mbarakom, Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, to promote agricultural development, practical training and academic advancement.

The Vice-Chancellor made the call when members of the Wilmar Nigeria Higher Education Community Scholarship Board and management of the company paid a courtesy visit to the University at the Council Chamber.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof. Anthony Egrinya Eneji, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the delegation and the scholarship beneficiaries.

He commended Wilmar for its Corporate Social Responsibility, particularly its scholarship scheme which supports qualified and deserving students from its host communities.

Prof. Offiong noted that the scheme has cumulatively supported over 86 students since 2012 across several faculties and programmes, including Medicine, Law, Public Health, Education and Environmental Sciences.

He thanked the Board for presenting the list of beneficiaries to the University and for providing industrial training opportunities for students in its facilities.

He highlighted UNICAL's viable Faculty of Agriculture and reaffirmed the University's readiness to collaborate with Wilmar in areas of mutual interest, especially in agricultural production, research and skills development.

According to him, the University's plan to acquire 100 to 150 hectares of land presents an opportunity for a mutually beneficial partnership.

He proposed that Wilmar could serve as off-taker for produce from the plantation, while the farm would serve as a practical training ground for students and agricultural officers, supply raw materials for production, and further strengthen the visibility and impact of Wilmar's scholarship programme.

The Vice-Chancellor urged beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and remain focused and committed to academic excellence.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Ekaete Enang, advised the Board to establish an effective system for monitoring beneficiaries' academic progress.

She stressed the need to maintain accurate records, particularly matriculation numbers, to track performance and identify students who may be on probation or required to repeat a class.

She further encouraged the Board to ensure that scholarships reach genuinely deserving students.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Wilmar Community Scholarship Board, Prof. Arikpo Arikpo, said the Board comprises representatives of the University, the company and host communities, working together to achieve the objectives of the annual scholarship scheme.

He said the visit was to present the 43 beneficiaries selected for the 2025/2026 academic session to the Vice-Chancellor, and to ensure proper management of their fees and effective tracking of their academic performance.

In his remarks, the Senior Manager, Wilmar Scholarship Board, Mr. Steven Ebong, highlighted the company's operations in oil palm, rubber, sugar cane and citrus, and its partnerships in agro-processing, including citrus-related businesses like Chivita.

He noted that Wilmar requires skilled professionals, particularly engineers to maintain its trucks and road infrastructure, and agricultural engineers to manage its plantations. Developing local expertise, he added, would reduce training costs and improve operational efficiency.

The visit underscored the importance of University-private sector collaboration in advancing education, promoting agricultural innovation, providing practical training and supporting community development.

20/10/2026

UNICAL, Clark Atlanta University Set to Explore Partnership in AI, Entrepreneurship

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is set to explore partnership opportunities with Clark Atlanta University, United States, in Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship and rare earth minerals exploration.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the American university on a courtesy visit to his office.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Professor Anthony Eneji, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the delegation and commended the institution for choosing UNICAL for the proposed collaboration.

He noted that UNICAL has a strong track record of collaboration with institutions within and outside Nigeria, and remains open to mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the delegation to submit a formal letter of intent to enable Management constitute a working team to examine the proposal and develop a framework for the partnership.

He assured the delegation that the collaboration would allow both institutions to leverage their technical expertise and consultancy services, and could be extended to relevant companies and organisations.

Professor Offiong also expressed readiness to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide the partnership, especially where funding opportunities exist.

Earlier, Professor Henry Whitlow of Clark Atlanta University said the team was seeking collaboration with UNICAL through SoundMind Buildup, Nigeria, a local implementing partner for entrepreneurship and AI training.

He said the collaboration would focus on training youths in entrepreneurship and AI to equip them with skills to establish businesses and create jobs.

According to him, "We teach AI in entrepreneurship to enhance data collection, data analysis and other business processes."

He disclosed that the programme is sponsored by the United States Department of State through the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), adding that UNICAL is among four institutions selected for the collaboration.

Professor Whitlow also identified rare earth minerals - covering discovery, exploration and commercialisation - as another potential area, noting that UNICAL has the capacity in Geology, Engineering and other related fields.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Anthony Okiwelu; Directors of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Professors Markson Aniediabasi and Bassey Ebi; and a consultant, Chibieka Egujiem.

20/10/2026

UNICAL RELEASES REGISTRATION GUIDELINES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has released the guidelines for the registration of new and returning undergraduate students for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The guidelines are contained in a memorandum dated October 19, 2026, signed by the Director, Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr. Eyo E. Essien, and provide a step-by-step procedure for students to complete their registration via the University's official portal, https://portal.unical.edu.ng.

For newly admitted students, the process begins with checking their admission status on the portal using a PIN purchased online and their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration number.

Candidates whose admission is confirmed are to print their admission notification slip and proceed to pay the acceptance fee through the available online payment options, including debit card, bank transfer and USSD.

New students are thereafter required to upload their biodata and relevant documents, including Local Government Area (LGA) Certificate, Birth Certificate, National Identification Number (NIN), O'Level results with examination numbers, and applicable result verification fees. Submission of a medical report is optional.

After uploading the required documents, students are expected to undergo departmental screening before paying their school fees and registering their courses.

They are also required to print their payment receipts and course registration forms.

For returning students, the process involves verification of academic records, uploading of the previous session's school fees receipt where applicable, payment of the current session's fees and registration of courses.

According to the memorandum, where payment for the previous session was made through the University portal, the receipt is automatically exempted from upload.

It also states that compulsory courses are pre-selected on the platform, while students are expected to add outstanding courses, including carry-overs and electives.

The Directorate further advised students to consult the Help Menu on the portal for answers to frequently asked questions, adding that all payments should be made via bank debit card or bank transfer.

The memorandum emphasised that https://portal.unical.edu.ng supersedes all other portals in the University and remains the only approved platform for registration and related transactions.

20/10/2026

UNICAL TO HOLD 164th INAUGURAL LECTURE

The University of Calabar will hold her 164th Inaugural Lecture on Wednesday October 21st 2026 at Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre by 3pm.

The Lecture titled," Social Dialogue and Industrial Equity In Africa's Emerging Economies"
will be delivered by an Erudite Scholar of Industrial Sociology, Dept of Sociology,Faculty of Social Sciences University of Calabar, Senator Prof Stephen Adi Odey.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong is expected to grace the occasion as Chairman and Chief Host.

Therefore, members of the University Community and the General Public are by this notice invited to attend this enriching Intellectual Feast.

20/10/2026

TEACHERS ARE GREAT PROFESSIONALS, SAYS COE PROVOST

The Acting Provost of the College of Education, University of Calabar, Prof. John Undie, has described teachers as great professionals whose importance cannot be overemphasized.

Prof. Undie stated this during an orientation programme organized for students preparing to embark on Teaching Practice.

The programme, held at the Education Auditorium 1B, was designed to prepare the student-teachers for the practical aspects of teaching and to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills and professional attitudes required for effective classroom management.

According to him, the Teaching Practice exercise is aimed at equipping prospective teacher trainees with professional knowledge, ethics and practical guidelines needed for a successful outing.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director of Teaching Practice, Prof. James Okon, welcomed the students and emphasized that Teaching Practice is an essential component of teacher education.

He noted that it provides student-teachers the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom to real-life teaching situations.

Prof. Okon said the objectives of the orientation were to prepare students for the responsibilities and expectations of Teaching Practice, familiarize them with rules, regulations and professional ethics guiding the profession, and guide them on lesson planning, delivery and classroom management.

He charged the students on punctuality, discipline, decent dressing and good interpersonal relationships.

He also explained the roles of supervising lecturers, cooperating teachers and school administrators during the exercise, as well as the assessment and evaluation procedures. He urged them to be good ambassadors of the institution and to approach the exercise with seriousness and dedication.

In separate remarks, Dr. Okoi Obeten, Faculty Coordinator of Educational Foundation Studies, stressed the importance of classroom management, urging students to maintain discipline, create a friendly learning environment, respect learners' individual differences and adopt teaching methods that encourage active participation.

Dr. John Imoke, Faculty Coordinator of Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education, advised the students to maintain good relationships with school heads, cooperating teachers, fellow teachers and learners, respect the rules and regulations of their assigned schools, report punctually and regularly, prepare lesson plans and instructional materials ahead, keep accurate records and be open to corrections and feedback.

Also speaking, Prof. Beshel Ushie of the Faculty of Educational Technology, urged the student-teachers to treat all learners fairly and without discrimination, maintain confidentiality and uphold the dignity of the teaching profession.

He informed them that assessment would cover lesson preparation, classroom presentation, subject-matter knowledge, teaching methods, classroom management, professional conduct and ability to evaluate learners' understanding.

The orientation also highlighted the roles of supervising lecturers and cooperating teachers in guiding, observing and assessing the student-teachers, as well as providing constructive feedback.

19/10/2026

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION INDUCTS 39 INTO TRCN

The Institute of Education, University of Calabar, has inducted 39 teachers into the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Speaking during the induction ceremony held at the Multipurpose Cooperative Hall, the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Anne Ebri Asuquo, said it was a day of joy, pride and professional fulfillment as newly qualified teachers were formally inducted into the teaching profession by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.

Prof. Asuquo emphasized that the induction marked the transition of the graduands from student-teachers to certified professional teachers, licensed to practice the noble profession in Nigeria and beyond.

In a welcome address, the Director, Institute of Education, Prof. Janet Sunday Petters, congratulated the inductees on the successful completion of their academic programme and for meeting the professional requirements for induction.

Prof. Petters described teaching as the mother of all professions, noting that no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Fidelia Okpe Ene, Esq., represented by Dr. Rose Bisong, stated that the mandate of TRCN is to regulate and control the teaching profession at all levels.

Also speaking, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of TRCN, Dr. (Mrs.) Ronke Soyombo, represented by the Director of Human Resource Management, stressed that TRCN was established to ensure that only qualified, competent and morally sound individuals are allowed to teach.

In her words, "The era of all-comers in the teaching profession is over. TRCN has come to restore the dignity, respect and professionalism of teaching. A teacher must be registered and licensed."

She charged the inductees to be good ambassadors of the profession, uphold high ethical standards and continuously develop themselves through workshops, seminars and further studies.

Dr. Soyombo warned against professional misconduct, examination malpractice and other vices that could tarnish the image of the profession.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the TRCN Induction Planning Committee, Dr. Anne Emmanuel Omori, appreciated everyone for coming to grace the occasion.

Dr. Omori said the event was not just an induction, but the birth of a new generation of professional teachers ready to shape the future of Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Prof. Enang Bassey Udah, who spoke as a graduand, expressed profound gratitude to the management of the institution, lecturers, parents and TRCN for the opportunity.

Prof. Udah who is the Dean, Faculty of Social Science said he had learnt how to teach in a better way and pledged that they would uphold the ethics of the profession and contribute their quota to the development of education in Nigeria.

He said the certificate is a symbol of hard work, perseverance and the beginning of a professional journey.



Highlight of the occasion was a lecture themed "From Qualification to Professionalism: Teaching to Global Impact - Professional Identity, Standards and Competence, International Mobility and Global Authority" delivered by a Professor of Sociology and Director of Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA), Prof. Steve Nwokeocha, as well as the formal administration of the Teachers' Oath of Allegiance and presentation of certificates.

17/10/2026

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17/10/2026

*UNICAL VC CALLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, SUSTAINABLE URBAN TRANSFORMATION*

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has called for environmental justice and sustainable urban transformation to curb the effects of climate change.

Prof. Offiong stated this at the ASUU Secretariat during a special event organized by the Faculty of Environmental Sciences in honour of Rev. Prof. David D. Eni, in recognition of his contributions to scholarship and academic development. The event was themed “Urban Transformation, Environmental Stewardship and Ethical Leadership.”

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Anthony Afam Okiwelu, the Vice-Chancellor noted that climate change and environmental degradation disproportionately affect frontline communities, particularly low-income earners and other vulnerable groups, stressing the need for environmental justice, equitable solutions and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that no community is left behind.

He further called for practical and targeted interventions, noting that institutions and relevant bodies must demonstrate greater commitment to addressing environmental concerns.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed hope that the event would inspire renewed commitment to protecting the environment and promoting ethical leadership, urging stakeholders to take environmental challenges seriously and work collectively towards sustainable urban transformation.

He commended the organisers for recognising Rev. Prof. Eni’s achievements, describing the event as timely and significant in view of the urgent need to address environmental challenges.

In his remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNICAL, Prof. Francis Inah Okpiliya, commended Rev. Prof. D.D. Eni for his outstanding contributions to scholarship, mentorship and ethical leadership.

Prof. Okpiliya described the honouree as a dependable, diligent and principled scholar whose integrity and generosity have positively influenced colleagues and generations of students.

The Dean noted that the publication celebrates Prof. Eni’s enduring academic legacy and his contributions to the university community, adding that his work has helped shape intellectual development and promote responsible leadership.

He expressed appreciation to the contributors and acknowledged the honouree’s impact on the university and the many lives he has touched.

In the same vein, the Head of Department, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Prof. Mrs. Joy Atu, extended heartfelt goodwill to the honouree, stating that he has contributed significantly to the advancement of the department.

Prof. Atu noted that Rev. Prof. David D. Eni’s achievements show his commitment to humanity and academic excellence.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Clement Anake, while delivering his address, noted that retirement is not the end of service but a transition into a period of intellectual reflection.

Also speaking , the former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, who was represented by the former Commissioner for Information, CRS, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, commended Rev. Prof. David D. Eni for his significant contributions to academic excellence and faculty development.

Senator Imoke thanked the Faculty of Environmental Sciences for honouring Rev. Prof. David D. Eni for his outstanding contributions to teaching, research and academic development, celebrating his dedication to service and the advancement of knowledge.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Lands, CRS, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, who was represented by Prof. Umoh Jackson Ekpoh.Prof. Imoh, described the celebrant as a man worthy of celebration, adding that his service to mankind cannot be overemphasized.

He further stated that Rev. Prof. David D. Eni is a father who has mentored young academics and has contributed to knowledge both in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and the university community at large.

The event featured the unveiling, presentation and launching of the festschrift volume.

17/10/2026

*UNICAL SUSPENDS TWO ECONOMICS STUDENTS OVER EXAMINATION MISCONDUCT*

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended two students of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, for one academic session over alleged examination misconduct during the ECO 307 (Project Evaluation) examination held on February 20, 2026.

The disciplinary action was communicated in separate letters dated October 5, 2026, signed by the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka Icha, following the approval of the recommendations of the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee.

The letters identified the affected students as Godswill Ifiok Udom, with matriculation number 23/101144047, and Chukwu Godswill A., with matriculation number 23/101144095.

According to the letters, the students were allegedly caught with extraneous materials during the examination.

The Senate, at its 258th meeting held on October 2, 2026, considered the committee's report and approved its recommendations, resulting in the suspension of both students from the University for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The letters also stated that the students' results in ECO 307 (Project Evaluation) had been cancelled. They are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session.

The Acting Chief Security Officer, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Head of the Department of Economics were directed to ensure full compliance with the Senate's decision.

16/10/2026

Prof. Offiong Pledges Support for UNICAL Chemistry Department
....Receives Alumni Award

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has pledged his continued commitment to the values and development of the institution, assuring the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry of his support in its quest to produce world-class chemists.

Prof. Offiong made the pledge during the Chemistry Memorial Day Celebration and Award of Excellence 2026, organised by the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry at the University’s Senate Chambers.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the department, describing it as the foundation that equipped him with the knowledge, discipline and values necessary to excel in his chosen profession.

He urged the department to sustain excellence in teaching, research and publications while improving its academic output to compete favourably with institutions beyond Nigeria.

In his remarks as Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Morphy Ugar-Ifu highlighted the relevance of chemistry to everyday life and its contributions to medicine, food production, environmental protection, energy, industrial development and technological advancement.

He encouraged students to cultivate curiosity, precision, patience and persistence in their academic pursuits, stressing that chemistry provides opportunities to address critical societal challenges.

He also identified artificial intelligence, automation, digitisation and other emerging technologies as developments reshaping scientific research and industrial processes.

Mr. Ugar-Ifu, however, drew attention to challenges confronting the department, including inadequate laboratory equipment, unreliable electricity and water supply, insufficient funding and limited internet connectivity.

He called for improved infrastructure and increased investment to strengthen teaching, research and scientific productivity.

Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Inyang O. Oyo-Ita, described the celebration as an opportunity for remembrance, reconnection, gratitude and inspiration.

She noted that the department had produced generations of professionals who have made significant contributions to academia, industry and public service.

She explained that the memorial day was designed to celebrate their achievements, preserve the department’s heritage and strengthen relationships among alumni and former colleagues.

A major highlight of the event was a memorial lecture delivered in honour of Prof. A. E. Nya by the Director of Water Resources, UNICAL, Prof. Benedict Iserom Ita.

The lecture, titled “Science in the Service of Humanity: The Intellectual Legacy, Academic Excellence and Enduring Influence of Professor A. E. Nya,” celebrated the late professor’s contributions to scholarship and the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Prof. Ita described Prof. Nya as a distinguished scholar who devoted his intellectual life to advancing knowledge.

He associated the late professor’s academic identity with analytical chemistry, noting that his legacy exemplified precision, evidence-based reasoning, critical inquiry, scientific discipline and service to humanity.

The event also featured the Award of Excellence 2026 for distinguished alumni in recognition of their professional accomplishments and contributions to society.

The Vice-Chancellor of Unical received the Lifetime Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award alongside Prof. Francisca Bassey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, and Prof. Akan B. Williams, Vice-Chancellor of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene.

Other recipients included Mr. Morphy Ugar-Ifu of Narim Multiventures Nigeria Ltd, Lagos; Dr. Andy Eyo, CEO of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme; Capt. Violet Aniema Enahoro of Ibom Air; Dr. Raphael Eduk Antai of RealGreen-Environments Ltd, Port Harcourt; Dr. Blessed Effiong Udo-Ekpo of Bluechip Energy; Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe; Chief Ikenna Kevin Okafor of Okeyes Global Leasing Ltd; Mrs. Ekanem Ofoegbu (retired Manager, NNPC, Port Harcourt); Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Brig. Gen. Etim Edet Etim; Chemist Akwaowo Idongesit Reuben, Ag. Registrar/CEO, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria; and Dr. Akwaowo Ebong, Manager, Business Compliance at National Grid, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA.