UNICAL Declares War on Admission Fraud and Certificate Racketeering
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has launched a comprehensive crackdown on systemic malpractices, including admission irregularities and certificate racketeering, with Vice Chancellor Prof. Offiong Offiong vowing to expose and prosecute all perpetrators. This bold announcement came during a press briefing at the Senate Chambers, held to mark the institution's upcoming 38th convocation ceremony.
Disciplinary Actions Already Underway
Prof. Offiong revealed that his administration has already initiated disciplinary proceedings against university officials implicated in over-admission scandals. "We have taken a firm position, no more over-admissions. The officer under whose watch this persisted is currently facing disciplinary action," he stated emphatically. The Vice Chancellor made it clear that the era of unchecked abuses within the university's admission processes has definitively ended.
Targeting Certificate Forgery Networks
Beyond admission fraud, the university is actively pursuing individuals involved in forging certificates and signatures of past principal officers. Prof. Offiong described these perpetrators as "enemies" of the institution and disclosed that UNICAL is closing in on those operating fake certificate printing operations in local business centers. "We are tracking those behind the printing of fake certificates in business centres. Once apprehended, we will not hesitate to expose them," he added, underscoring the administration's zero-tolerance approach.
Convocation Amidst Reform Push
Despite these sweeping reforms, the university is preparing to celebrate academic achievement during its 38th convocation ceremony, scheduled from April 2 to 12, 2026. A total of 10,820 students are set to graduate, with 52 earning first-class honors. Prof. Offiong emphasized that this convocation represents a defining moment for his administration, being the first under his leadership since assuming office in December 2025.
Vision for Excellence and Integrity
The Vice Chancellor reiterated that his vision for UNICAL is firmly anchored on three pillars: excellence, innovation, and integrity. He stressed that restoring public confidence in the university's systems is paramount, with these anti-corruption measures serving as critical steps toward rebuilding trust and ensuring the institution's reputation remains untarnished. This comprehensive reform initiative signals a new chapter for UNICAL, one where transparency and accountability take center stage.
