The University of Calabar (UNICAL) will graduate a total of 10,820 students at its 38th Convocation Ceremony, with 52 students earning First Class honours and 463 graduating with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, made this known on Thursday during a press conference marking the commencement of the convocation activities at the institution.
According to him, the graduating students comprise 152 diploma holders, 9,173 first degree graduates, and 1,495 postgraduate students.
A breakdown of the first degree results shows that 52 students obtained First Class, 2,390 earned Second Class Upper Division, 5,819 graduated with Second Class Lower Division, while 666 obtained Third Class and 246 recorded Pass degrees.
Professor Offiong described the convocation as a significant milestone, noting that it is the first to be held under his administration since assuming office on December 1, 2025.
“This is a special moment for me as Vice Chancellor. I give God the glory and appreciate the media for their continued support in projecting the image of the university,” he said.
He outlined activities lined up for the ceremony, which began on April 2 with a press briefing and will continue after the Easter break from April 7 to April 12, 2026.
Events scheduled include an inter-denominational service at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, a research fair and exhibition at the Hogan Bassey Parking Lot, a convocation lecture to be delivered by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, and a command performance at the Chinua Achebe Arts Theatre.
The ceremony will also feature the award of diplomas, first degrees, and master’s degrees at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, as well as the conferment of PhDs and honorary degrees, alongside the launch of an endowment fund.
Professor Offiong said the 463 PhD graduands reflect the university’s growing research strength and academic advancement.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the institution through excellence, innovation, and integrity.
“We have begun to sanitize our processes. There will be no more over-admissions, and we are taking firm steps to address sharp practices and restore the integrity of our systems,” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that efforts are underway to tackle certificate fraud, improve digital operations, and enhance infrastructure and student services.
He called for sustained support from stakeholders, particularly the media, as the university pursues reforms aimed at restoring its image and achieving global standards.
Kingsley Agim
