Follow Us on Google
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Governing Council of the University of Calabar has dismissed eight members of staff and sanctioned another for gross misconduct, in what management described as a major step to enforce discipline and restore integrity in the institution.
The decision, taken at the Council’s 174th meeting, affects both teaching and non-teaching staff found culpable of offences ranging from examination misconduct and falsification of results to theft, vandalism and unauthorized withdrawal of funds.
According to a memo signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr. Mrs. Icha Chukwuka, the affected staff were found guilty after deliberations on the report of disciplinary cases presented to Council.
Those dismissed include Prof. Emilia Oyira of the Department of Nursing Science for alleged examination misconduct, and Dr. Arum Priscilia Nchekwube of Internal Medicine, Mrs. Akinrinade Opayemi Ogunluyi of Microbiology, Mr. Ukachukwu Echezunachi Darlington of Chemical Pathology, and Mrs. Okoi Nyesam Eni of the Clinical Medical Hostel, all for alleged absence and abandonment of duty.
Also sacked are Mr. Joseph Edet Okon of the Works Department for alleged vandalization and theft of armoured cables, and Mr. Eworo Valentine Ibor of Pure and Applied Chemistry for alleged falsification and alteration of examination results.
Mr. Emmanuel Adariku of the UNICAL Alumni Relations Office was dismissed for alleged unauthorized withdrawal of funds from the ‘Friends of Malabor/Alumni Trust Funds’ account.
Dr. Mathias Agba of the Department of Nursing Science escaped outright dismissal but will have his promotion delayed for two years, with 50% of his withheld salary forfeited, for negligence of duty in connection with alleged examination misconduct.
The University Management said the action underscores its zero-tolerance policy to unethical practices.
“The Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong-led administration remains resolute in its determination to rebrand the institution on a foundation of integrity and excellence in service delivery,” the memo stated.
The dismissals come amid growing concerns over academic integrity and accountability in Nigeria’s public universities.
