UNICAL Suspends Admission Officer for certificate racketeering

● VC vows crackdown on illicit certifications, says we know those “printing” our certificates at computer centres
● 52 students earn first class standing as Gov Otu bags honours

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) authorities have suspended an admission officer over allegations of exceeding admission targets as part of intensified efforts to clamp down on fake certificate syndicates and uphold academic standards in the institution.

Additionally, the management has reconstituted the Central Admissions Committee (CAC) as part of reforms aimed at sanitising the admission process and fixing the system to ensure a safe, and crime-free institution where integrity is never compromised.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Effanga Offiong, announced the latest development on Thursday during a press conference to kick start activities ahead of the university’s 38th convocation ceremony.

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Professor Offiong, who assumed office as the institution’s 12th Vice Chancellor on December 2025, said the officer involved was facing disciplinary proceedings for negligence that led to the breach, even as he expressed concern over syndicates producing fake certificates using the university’s name.

Expressing concerns that some individuals have been forging signatures of former registrars and vice chancellors to legitimise fake documents, the Vice Chancellor hinted that the University’s authorities were closing in on those involved in certificate racketeering and anyone found culpable would be made to face appropriate sanctions.

He further warned, “We are aware of these illegal practices, and we are working to apprehend those responsible. They will be exposed and made to face consequences,” stressing the need for members of the public to report any person soliciting or offering bribes for admission or employment.

Cautioning against acts that undermine the University’s integrity, Prof Offiong said the public should avoid putting pressure on the management to admit candidates beyond approved capacity, particularly in high-demand programmes.

According to him, “Where there is no space in medicine and surgery, pharmacy or nursing, please do not insist. We will not compromise standards by engaging in over-admission”, adding that the University is pursuing broader reforms, including infrastructure development, digitisation of records and stricter enforcement of discipline, as part of efforts to reposition the institution for excellence.

The Vice Chancellor, who also announced the management’s decision to honour Governor Bassey Edet Otu with the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) to mark the ceremony, said the governor’s choice is in recognition of his exemplary leadership style which has marked Cross River out as the most peaceful state in the country.

He said Governor Otu’s recognition is not because of being an alumnus of the institution, but based on his scorecard that marks him out as a leader with vision whose pragmatic approach to governance is outstanding.

On this year’s convocation, Prof Offiong announced that 10,820 students, found worthy both in character and in learning having passed the acid test of obtaining the University certificate, would be awarded various range of certificates, comprising Diploma 152, First Degree 9,173, and Post-graduates 1,495. Of the 9,173

He explained that of the 9,173 first degree graduates, 52 of them made First Class; 2,390 graded under the Second Class upper division; 5,819 backed Second Class lower division, while 666 made third class, and 246 had pass.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor said the management is determined to rebrand the University’s image with its three-point agenda of excellence, innovation and integrity that creates an environment designed to eradicate fraudulent employment, certificate forgery, and excessive admissions procedures. [Forefront]