UNICAL Dismisses Eight Staff, Sanctions Senior Lecturer Over Exam Fraud, Misconduct

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has dismissed eight members of staff and imposed disciplinary sanctions on another academic staff member following findings of misconduct ranging from examination malpractice and result falsification to fund diversion, vandalism and abandonment of duty.

The disciplinary measures were approved during the institution's 174th Governing Council meeting, according to a memo signed by the University Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr. (Mrs.) Icha Chukwuka.

The memo stated that the council reviewed several disciplinary cases before approving the sanctions against the affected staff members.

Among those dismissed is Professor Emilia Oyira of the Department of Nursing Science, who was sanctioned over allegations of examination misconduct.

Also dismissed for absence and abandonment of duty are Mr. Ukachukwu Echezunachi Darlington of the Department of Chemical Pathology, Mrs. Akinrinade Opayemi Ogunluyi of the Department of Microbiology, Dr. Arum Priscilia Nchekwube of the Department of Internal Medicine, and Mrs. Okoi Nyesam Eni of the Clinical Medical Hostel.

The Governing Council also approved the dismissal of Mr. Joseph Edet Okon of the Works Department over allegations of vandalising and carting away armoured electrical cables belonging to the university.

Similarly, Mr. Eworo Valentine Ibor of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry was dismissed after being found culpable of allegedly falsifying and altering students' examination results.

In another case, Mr. Emmanuel Adariku of the Alumni Relations Office was dismissed over the unauthorised withdrawal of funds from the Friends of Malabor/Alumni Trust Funds account.

The university also sanctioned Dr. Mathias Agba of the Department of Nursing Science for negligence connected to an examination misconduct case.

Rather than dismissal, the Governing Council approved a two-year delay in his promotion and ordered the forfeiture of 50 per cent of his withheld salary.

According to the Registrar's memo, the disciplinary actions underscore the university's commitment to maintaining high ethical standards across its academic and administrative operations.

The statement reaffirmed that the University of Calabar maintains a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of unethical conduct.

It added that the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, remains committed to repositioning the institution on the principles of integrity, accountability and excellence in service delivery.

"The University continues to reiterate its zero tolerance to all forms of unethical practices," the memo stated, adding that the Vice-Chancellor's administration "remains resolute in his determination to rebrand the institution on a foundation of integrity and excellence in service delivery."

The disciplinary actions come at a time when Nigerian tertiary institutions are facing increased public scrutiny over ethical standards, particularly concerning examination malpractice, financial misconduct, abuse of office and other forms of institutional corruption.

The university's Public Relations Unit, which released the statement, said all disciplinary measures were taken in accordance with due process after the Governing Council considered and adopted recommendations contained in the disciplinary reports presented before it.