UNICAL Sacks Eight Staff, Sanctions Lecturer Over Examination Fraud, Misconduct

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has dismissed eight members of staff and imposed disciplinary sanctions on another lecturer following findings of misconduct involving examination malpractice, financial impropriety, absenteeism and vandalism.

The disciplinary measures were approved at the institution's 174th Governing Council meeting after the council considered reports presented by relevant disciplinary committees.

A statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Dr Mrs Icha Chukwuka, said the decisions were reached after due process and a review of the cases before the council.

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

Others affected include Mr Ukachukwu Echezunachi Darlington of Chemical Pathology, Mrs Akinrinade Opayemi Ogunluyi of Microbiology, Dr Arum Priscilia Nchekwube of Internal Medicine and Mrs Okoi Nyesam Eni of the Clinical Medical Hostel, all dismissed over prolonged absence and abandonment of duty.

Also dismissed were Mr Joseph Edet Okon of the Works Department for allegedly vandalising and stealing armoured cables, Mr Eworo Valentine Ibor of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry for alleged falsification and alteration of examination results, and Mr Emmanuel Adariku of the Alumni Relations Office over the alleged unauthorised withdrawal of funds from the Friends of Malabor/Alumni Trust Fund account.

In a separate disciplinary action, Dr Mathias Agba of the Department of Nursing Science received a two-year promotion delay and forfeited 50 per cent of his withheld salary over negligence linked to an examination misconduct case.

The university said the sanctions reflect its commitment to maintaining discipline, accountability and ethical standards across all units of the institution.

According to the Registrar, the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, remains committed to strengthening integrity and promoting excellence in service delivery.

The university added that the disciplinary actions were taken in line with established procedures and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy against examination malpractice, financial misconduct and other unethical practices capable of undermining the institution's reputation.