UNICAL Senate Approves Major Academic Promotions for 50 Staff Members
The Senate of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has officially approved a significant academic promotion exercise, elevating 23 academic staff to the prestigious rank of full professor and promoting 27 others to the rank of associate professor. This announcement was made by Vice Chancellor Offiong Efanga Offiong during an emergency Senate meeting convened on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the university's Senate Chamber.
Newly Promoted Professors Across Diverse Disciplines
The list of newly promoted professors showcases the university's commitment to academic excellence across a wide range of fields. Among those elevated is Okon Patrick Ene from the Department of Mass Communication. Other notable promotions include Betiang Liwhuliwhe in Theatre and Media Studies, Etuk Ekanem Abasiekong in Agricultural Economics, and Oku Affiong Oboko in Community Medicine.
Additional professors promoted include:
- Odusolu Patience Olufemi and Abeshi Sylvester Etenikang in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Beshel Favour Nyoh in Physiology
- Okokon Okon Effiong in Animal Science
- Abosede Abimbola Usoro in Business Management
- Atelhe George Atelhe and Egbegbulem Joseph Chidi in Political Science
- Frank Mbeh Attah in Sociology
- Bessong Peter Kekung and Eme Joel Efiong in Accounting
- Takon Samuel Manyo in Banking and Finance
- Okon Gloria Bassey Igri in Modern Languages and Translation Studies
The promotion list further extends to Ekpo Paul Bassey in Genetics and Biotechnology, Ushie Ogri James in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Eteng Idongesit Efamiode in Software Engineering, Undiyaundeye Florence Atube in Guidance and Counselling, Nja Cecilia Obi in Physical Science Education, Effiong John Ben in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, and Joel Efiong in Environmental Resource Management.
Associate Professor Promotions Across Multiple Faculties
In addition to the full professor promotions, the Senate approved the elevation of 27 academic staff to the rank of associate professor. These promotions span various faculties and departments, reflecting the university's comprehensive academic development strategy.
Those promoted to associate professor include:
- Abu Solomon Edet in History and International Studies
- Francis Aniezi Nwagwu and Emmanuel Bassey Effa in Crop Science
- Michael Akomaye Akpe in Pure and Applied Chemistry
- Benjamin Odey Omang in Geology
- Joseph Essien Udosen in Surgery
- Benard Diwa Otu in Educational Foundations
- Esther Etop Ekon in Biological Education
- Sampson Akinwunmi Aderibigbe in Special Education
- Inyang Obia Gopeh in Library and Information Science
- Aniema Paul Inyang-Etoh in Mariculture
- Chimaeze Torty in Paediatrics
Further associate professor promotions include Fredrick Awhen Opoh and Sylvester Akongi Unimke in Social Studies and Civic Education, Ayuk Awunghe Achu in Criminology, Helen Akpama Andong in Adult and Continuing Education, Thomas Achoda Omang in Sociology, and Emmanuel Ene Aki in Soil Science.
The comprehensive list continues with Emmanuel Edet Agbachom in Agricultural Economics, Richard Ibor Oju in Zoology and Environmental Biology, Ofonime Eve Mboso in Biochemistry, Aniekan-Augusta Okon Eyo in Bacteriology, Virology and Mycology, Violet Bassey Eneyo and Josiah Nwabueze Obiefuna in Geography and Environmental Science, Iwasam Elemi Agbor in Community Medicine, Alphonsus Kechi Kankpang in Accounting, and Godsgift Ogban Uwen in English and Literary Studies.
Vice Chancellor's Remarks and Institutional Context
Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong explained that the emergency Senate meeting was primarily convened to deliberate on preparations for the institution's forthcoming 38th Convocation Ceremony. He noted that the promotions were part of broader efforts to strengthen academic excellence and enhance the university's scholarly reputation.
The Vice Chancellor personally congratulated all newly promoted academics, urging them to rededicate themselves to their core responsibilities of teaching, research, and community service. He emphasized that their elevation comes with greater responsibility to advance the institution's academic standards and contribute meaningfully to their respective fields of study.
This significant promotion exercise represents one of the largest academic elevation initiatives at UNICAL in recent years, demonstrating the university's commitment to recognizing and rewarding scholarly achievement across multiple disciplines. The promotions are expected to further strengthen UNICAL's position as a leading academic institution in Nigeria's educational landscape.
