The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has dismissed eight members of staff for various acts of misconduct, including examination malpractice, absenteeism and abandonment of duty, in a move the institution says reflects its determination to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism within the university system.
The disciplinary measures were approved during the 174th Meeting of the University’s Governing Council after it considered reports on several disciplinary cases. The decisions were conveyed in a statement signed by the university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr Icha Chukwuka, who disclosed that nine teaching and non-teaching staff members were found culpable of different offences, with eight dismissed from service and one receiving a separate disciplinary sanction.
Among those dismissed was Professor Emilia Oyira of the Department of Nursing Science, who was sanctioned over alleged examination misconduct. The university also terminated the appointments of 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. Other affected staff members were also found to have committed offences that violated the institution’s conditions of service.
In addition to the dismissals, the Governing Council approved the deferment of the promotion of another staff member by two years as part of the disciplinary actions taken during the meeting. According to the university, the sanction was considered appropriate after a review of the individual’s conduct and the recommendations contained in the disciplinary report.
The Registrar stated that the Council’s decisions underscore the university’s commitment to enforcing institutional regulations without fear or favour. According to the statement, “No fewer than nine 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,” adding that the actions followed extensive deliberations by the Governing Council on the disciplinary committee’s report.
The latest action reinforces UNICAL’s position that unethical conduct, whether academic or administrative, will not be tolerated within the institution. University authorities maintained that maintaining high standards of accountability and ethical behaviour remains essential to preserving the credibility of academic processes and strengthening public confidence in the institution.
The development comes amid increasing efforts by Nigerian universities to strengthen internal disciplinary mechanisms, protect the integrity of examinations and ensure that members of staff adhere strictly to professional and ethical standards expected within higher education institutions.
