Calabar — The University of Calabar has conferred degrees on more than 10,000 students during its 38th convocation ceremony, as its Chancellor, Aminu Ado Bayero, and Vice-Chancellor, Offiong Effanga Offiong, announced extensive reforms aimed at improving academic quality, institutional transparency, and physical infrastructure.
Victoria Omini.
Speaking at the ceremony on April 10, Bayero, who also serves as the Emir of Kano, described the institution as a thriving centre of learning and urged graduates to demonstrate integrity, humility, and a spirit of service in their pursuits.
He emphasized that education goes beyond certificates, noting that true knowledge is reflected in wisdom, discipline, and the responsible application of learning, rather than arrogance.
Established in 1975, the university was praised for upholding its guiding principle, “Knowledge for Service,” and for producing graduates who positively impact national growth.
A breakdown of the graduating class shows that 9,173 students earned first degrees, 743 obtained master’s degrees, and 152 received diplomas. Among them, 52 graduates achieved first-class honours, a feat described by the Vice-Chancellor as outstanding.
In a significant policy shift, Offiong announced that first-class graduates would be automatically employed in key areas of the university to retain exceptional talent.
He also revealed sweeping changes to admission and certification processes, noting that admissions have now been fully centralized to curb irregularities and ensure adherence to approved quotas.
Declaring an end to excessive admissions, he further disclosed the introduction of serialized certificates embedded with matriculation details and verifiable student data to combat forgery.
The university has also broadened its academic scope with the establishment of new faculties, including Media and Communication Studies and Laboratory Sciences, with students from these disciplines already graduating this year.
Looking ahead, Offiong disclosed plans to roll out a five-year strategic roadmap focused on infrastructure development, research advancement, digital innovation, and global competitiveness.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Udom Ekpoudom, commended the university’s leadership for stabilizing operations and addressing longstanding issues.
He highlighted achievements such as the payment of staff allowances, settlement of outstanding debts to adjunct lecturers, and ongoing efforts to upgrade the institution’s main library.
Ekpoudom also pointed to renewed moves to secure accreditation and admission quotas for the Dentistry programme in partnership with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of building stronger collaborations with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international academic institutions to boost funding, innovation, and competitiveness.
The event also marked a transition in leadership, with Bayero congratulating Offiong on his appointment and acknowledging the contributions of his predecessor, Florence Banku Obi.
While celebrating the graduating students, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need to improve key infrastructure, including lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries, and a befitting Senate building, to sustain academic excellence.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from government, academia, and traditional institutions, reinforcing the university’s pivotal role in advancing human capital development in Nigeria.
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