The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has dismissed eight teaching and non-teaching staff members over offences ranging from examination malpractice to result falsification, absenteeism, alleged financial misconduct and vandalism.
The decision was approved during the university’s 174th Governing Council meeting after the consideration of disciplinary reports, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Dr. Icha Chukwuka.
Among those dismissed is Prof. Emilia Oyira of the Department of Nursing Science, who was sanctioned over alleged examination misconduct.
The university also dismissed Mr. Ukachukwu Echezunachi Darlington of the Department of Chemical Pathology, Mrs. Akinrinade Opayemi Ogunluyi of the Department of Microbiology, Dr. Arum Priscilia Nchekwube of the Department of Internal Medicine and Mrs. Okoi Nyesam Eni of the Clinical Medical Hostel over alleged absenteeism and abandonment of duty.
Also affected are Mr. Joseph Edet Okon of the Works Department, who was dismissed over allegations of vandalising and stealing armoured cables, Mr. Eworo Valentine Ibor of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry for allegedly falsifying and altering 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 Funds account.
In a related disciplinary action, the Governing Council approved a two-year delay in the promotion of Dr. Mathias Agba of the Department of Nursing Science and ordered the forfeiture of 50 per cent of his withheld salary over negligence of duty and alleged examination misconduct.
The university said the sanctions underscore its commitment to upholding integrity, accountability and academic excellence, stressing that the administration of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Offiong Offiong maintains a zero-tolerance policy against unethical practices.
