52 First-Class Among 10,820 Students To Graduate At UNICAL Convocation

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is set to hold its 38th convocation with 52 first-class of the 10,820 students expected to graduate on Saturday.

The breakdown of the graduates includes 152 diploma holders, 9,173 first-degree graduates, and 1,495 postgraduates.

At a press conference, the vice-chancellor of UNICAL, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, expressed the hope that the event would showcase the institution’s noble intentions globally.

“We are hopeful that at the end of this meeting, our highly valued friends and key stakeholders will broadcast our noble intention globally,” he said.

According to Offiong, the convocation ceremony will feature a range of events, including an interdenominational service, a research fair and exhibition, a congregation meeting, a convocation lecture, a command performance, the award of diplomas, and a gala night for PhD graduates.

The convocation lecture will be delivered by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, PhD, on the theme “Redefining National Security in an Era of Endemic Insecurity, the Role of Tertiary Institutions.”

Offiong praised the university’s past convocation lectures, saying, “Our convocation lectures over the years have been quite enriching, fulfilling, intellectual in content and pragmatic in delivery.”

Out of the 9,173 first-degree graduates, 52 made first class, 2,390 fell into the second-class upper division, 5,819 fell into the second-class lower division, 666 made third class, and 246 had passed, Offiong said.

Offiong highlighted the university’s vision, built on three pillars: excellence, innovation, and integrity. He outlined strategic goals, including academic excellence, research, innovation, student experience, and welfare.

Addressing concerns on corruption, Prof. Offiong stated, “We are determined to commit our energy to confront these awful and damaging perennial practices that have undermined an attempt to relegate the status of our great and prestigious institution.”

He emphasised that the university has begun sanitising the admissions process, with a central admissions committee in place.

“I promise to maintain steady communication with you on issues bordering on our overall welfare. Thank you, and God bless us all,” he said.

The VC urged the public to report anyone soliciting a financial inducement for admission or employment, saying, “We don’t employ attendants.”