UNICAL Prepares for 38th Convocation with 10,820 Graduands and 52 First Class Honours
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is gearing up for a momentous academic celebration as it announces its 38th convocation ceremony, scheduled to take place from April 2nd to 12th, 2026. During a pre-convocation press conference held on Thursday, April 2nd, at the University Senate Chambers, Vice Chancellor Prof Offiong Effanga Offiong revealed that a total of 10,820 undergraduate and postgraduate students will be graduating. Among these, an impressive 52 students have achieved first class honours for undergraduate degrees and distinction for postgraduate programs, highlighting the institution's commitment to academic excellence.
Breakdown of Graduating Students and Academic Achievements
Prof Offiong provided a detailed breakdown of the graduating cohort. Out of the 10,820 students, 9,173 will receive first degrees, 152 will be awarded diplomas, and 1,495 will obtain postgraduate degrees. Specifically, among the first degree graduates, the distribution of honours is as follows: 52 students earned first class, 2,390 achieved second class upper division, 5,819 secured second class lower division, 666 received third class, and 246 attained a pass grade. Additionally, 463 graduands will be conferred with doctorate degrees (PhD) on April 12th at the Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre, underscoring the university's robust postgraduate programs.
Week-Long Convocation Activities and Key Events
The convocation festivities kick off with the pre-convocation press conference and will span a series of events throughout the week. On April 7th, the Research Fair and Exhibition will commence at 12 noon at the Hogan Bassey Parking Lot. This annual event serves as a platform for UNICAL to showcase research innovations across various faculties and institutes, with invitations extended to investors and organisations to participate, expecting a larger turnout compared to previous years.
Further events include the convocation meeting on April 8th at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, which aims to bring together alumni and staff to discuss the university's growth. On April 9th, the 38th Convocation Lecture, titled "Redefining National Security in an era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary Institutions," will be delivered by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, Ph.D., followed by a command performance at the Chinua Achebe Arts Theatre at 6 pm.
Award Ceremonies and Closing Events
The highlight of the convocation week is on April 10th, when diplomas, first degrees, and master's degrees will be awarded, along with inductions into the UNICAL Alumni, starting at 10 am at the Abraham Ordia Stadium. Later that day, a Gala Night for PhD graduands and their supervisors will be held at the Prof Emmanuel Ayandele Hall of Fame at 7 pm. On April 11th, the ceremony for awarding PhDs, honorary degrees, and launching the endowment fund will take place.
The convocation activities will conclude on April 12th with a thanksgiving service at the St. Paul Catholic Church, University of Calabar, at 10 am, offering gratitude for a successful event. This comprehensive schedule reflects UNICAL's dedication to celebrating academic achievements and fostering community engagement.
