UNICAL sacks eight over examination fraud, others

The University of Calabar has dismissed eight teaching and non-teaching staff members over various offences, including examination misconduct, absenteeism and abandonment of duty, while delaying the promotion of one other staff member by two years.

The decision was contained in a statement signed by the university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr Icha Chukwuka, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Calabar.

The statement read, “No fewer than nine (9) staff of the University of Calabar, teaching and non-teaching, have found themselves at the wrong end of the institution’s disciplinary rod for sundry offences.

“The decision was taken at the 174th Meeting of the University’s Governing Council, upon deliberating on the report of disciplinary cases presented to it.”

According to the statement, Prof. Emilia Oyira of the Department of Nursing Science was dismissed over alleged examination misconduct.

Four other staff members — 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 — were dismissed for alleged absence from duty and abandonment of post.

Also dismissed were Mr Joseph Edet Okon of the Works Department over allegations of vandalising and carting away armoured cables, and Mr Eworo Valentine Ibor of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry for alleged falsification and alteration of examination results.

In addition, Mr Emmanuel Adariku of the UNICAL Alumni Relations Office was dismissed for the alleged unauthorised withdrawal of funds from the “Friends of Malabor Alumni Trust Funds” account.

The council also approved a two-year delay in the promotion of Dr Mathias Agba of the Department of Nursing Science, with 50 per cent forfeiture of his withheld salary, for negligence of duty and alleged examination misconduct.

The university management reiterated its zero tolerance for all forms of unethical practices, adding that the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, remains committed to rebranding the institution on the foundation of integrity and excellence in service delivery.

“The administration of the Vice Chancellor; Prof. Offiong Offiong remains committed to rebranding the institution on the foundation of integrity, excellence in service delivery and zero tolerance for all forms of unethical practices,” it stated.