UNICAL Dismisses Eight Staff Over Examination Fraud, Other Misconduct
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has dismissed eight teaching and non-teaching staff members over various acts of misconduct, including examination malpractice, absenteeism, abandonment of duty, falsification of examination results and unauthorised withdrawal of funds.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr Icha Chukwuka, following the 174th meeting of the institution’s Governing Council.
According to the statement, the disciplinary action was taken after the council considered reports on several cases involving members of staff.
Among those dismissed is Prof. Emilia Oyira of the Department of Nursing Science, who was found guilty of examination misconduct.
Also dismissed were 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 allegations of absenteeism and abandonment of duty.
The council also approved the dismissal of Mr Joseph Edet Okon of the Works Department for allegedly vandalising and carting away armoured cables.
Similarly, Mr Eworo Valentine Ibor of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry was dismissed over the alleged falsification and alteration of examination results, while Mr Emmanuel Adariku of the Alumni Relations Office was dismissed for allegedly making unauthorised withdrawals from the Friends of Malabor Alumni Trust Funds account.
In addition to the dismissals, the university delayed the promotion of Dr Mathias Agba of the Department of Nursing Science by two years and ordered the forfeiture of 50 per cent of his withheld salary over negligence of duty and alleged examination misconduct.
The university management reiterated its commitment to maintaining high ethical standards, stating that the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, remains focused on repositioning the institution through integrity, excellence in service delivery and zero tolerance for unethical practices.
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