UNICAL records highest first class graduands in 49 years

HOD, First class graduands, Tuition fees, UNICAL

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) in Cross River State, Prof. Florence Obi, says the university will record the highest number of first class graduands during its 36th convocation.

The VC of the 49-year-old institution made this known at a press conference on Monday ahead of the convocation ceremony slated for March 21 to March 23, 2024.

Obi said 32 first class graduands will join no fewer than 8,415 others to be conferred with various degrees and awards during the 36th Convocation ceremony of the institution.

The UNICAL VC noted that three prominent Nigerians would be conferred with honorary awards in appreciation of their roles in uplifting society and humanity.

She added that the convocation would be preceded by a convocation lecture titled, “Harmonising Diversity for National Development”, to be delivered by Bishop Matthew Kukah.

UNICAL awards scholarships to 34 students with over 4.0 CGPA

Obi said: “March 21 will be the day for a convocation lecture which will be handled by Bishop Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church.

“Friday will be the convocation of about 8,415 first degree graduands out of which 32 would be conferred with first class honours and 745 Masters graduands.

“Saturday will be the day for the convocation of 438 PhD graduands after the inauguration of five projects in the institution which include three pavilions and two hostels.”

She listed the three Nigerians to be honoured to include Dame Winifred Akpan, Chief Executive Officer, Northwest Oil and Gas; Bamijokotola Johnson, Trustee, Ecogreen Foundation and CEO Catalyst Gold Agro Allied Limited; and Dr Anyanwu Okechukwu, MD/CEO DCL Group.

The UNICAL Vice-Chancellor said the institution’s Chancellor, the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, would be one of the dignitaries to grace the event.

Obi also assured that the 36th convocation would hold despite the nationwide strike by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).

The Star