The Senate of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has approved the promotion of Okon Patrick Ene of the Department of Mass Communication and 22 other academics to the rank of Professor.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Offiong Efana Offiong, announced the promotions during an emergency Senate meeting held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the University’s Senate Chamber.
The newly promoted professors include Betiang Liwhuliwhe (Theatre and Media Studies), Etuk Ekanem Abasiekong (Agricultural Economics), Oku Affiong Oboko (Community Medicine), Odusolu Patience Olufemi and Abeshi Sylvester Etenikang (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Beshel Favour Nyoh (Physiology), and Okokon Okon Effiong (Animal Science).
Others are Abosede Abimbola Usoro (Business Management), Atelhe George Atelhe and Egbegbulem Joseph Chidi (Political Science), Frank Mbeh Attah (Sociology), Bessong Peter Kekung and Eme Joel Efiong (Accounting), Takon Samuel Manyo (Banking and Finance), and Okon Gloria Bassey Igri (Modern Languages and Translation Studies).
The list also includes Ekpo Paul Bassey (Genetics and Biotechnology), Ushie Ogri James (Electrical and Electronics Engineering), Eteng Idongesit Efamiode (Software Engineering), Undiyaundeye Florence Atube (Guidance and Counselling), Nja Cecilia Obi (Physical Science Education), Effiong John Ben (Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology), and Dr. Joel Efiong (Environmental Resource Management).
In addition, the Senate approved the promotion of 27 other academic staff to the rank of Associate Professor across various faculties.
Those elevated to Associate Professor include Dr. Abu Solomon Edet (History and International Studies), Francis Aniezi Nwagwu and Dr. Emmanuel Bassey Effa (Crop Science), Dr. Michael Akomaye Akpe (Pure and Applied Chemistry), Dr. Benjamin Odey Omang (Geology), and Dr. Joseph Essien Udosen (Surgery).
Others are Dr. Benard Diwa Otu (Educational Foundations), Dr. Esther Etop Ekon (Biological Education), Dr. Sampson Akinwunmi Aderibigbe (Special Education), Dr. Inyang Obia Gopeh (Library and Information Science), Dr. Aniema Paul Inyang-Etoh (Mariculture), and Dr. Chimaeze Torty (Paediatrics).
Also promoted are Dr. Fredrick Awhen Opoh and Dr. Sylvester Akongi Unimke (Social Studies and Civic Education), Dr. Ayuk Awunghe Achu (Criminology), Dr. Helen Akpama Andong (Adult and Continuing Education), Dr. Thomas Achoda Omang (Sociology), and Dr. Emmanuel Ene Aki (Soil Science).
The list further includes Dr. Emmanuel Edet Agbachom (Agricultural Economics), Dr. Richard Ibor Oju (Zoology and Environmental Biology), Dr. Ofonime Eve Mboso (Biochemistry), Dr. Aniekan-Augusta Okon Eyo (Bacteriology, Virology and Mycology), Dr. Violet Bassey Eneyo and Dr. Josiah Nwabueze Obiefuna (Geography and Environmental Science), as well as Dr. Iwasam Elemi Agbor (Community Medicine), Dr. Alphonsus Kechi Kankpang (Accounting), and Dr. Godsgift Ogban Uwen (English and Literary Studies).
Professor Offiong explained that the meeting was convened primarily to deliberate on preparations for the institution’s forthcoming 38th Convocation Ceremony, adding that the promotions were part of efforts to strengthen academic excellence in the university.
He congratulated the newly promoted academics and urged them to rededicate themselves to teaching, research, and community service, noting that their elevation comes with greater responsibility to advance the institution’s standards.
Kingsley Agim
