UNICAL imposes “No ID Card, No Lectures” on students

By Our Reporter

Freshmen of the University of Calabar, UNICAL have been told to obtain their identity card during registration as they will not be admitted into lecture and examination halls without it.

The Vice-Chancellor UNICAL, Prof. Florence Obi stated this at the institution’s International Conference Centre during the 2023/2024 Orientation Programme for Freshmen of the institution.

According to her, the development is in their best interest, adding that, her administration has put modalities in place to ensure that freshmen get the Students’ Identity Card during registration.

The Varsity Administrator said to prevent intruders and non-students from gaining access to lecture and examination halls, bonafide students will be required to present their ID cards before they are allowed access to lecture and examination halls.

This came as she urged them to work hard, and obey the University rules and regulations, warning that, her administration would not condone unruly behaviour, indecent dressing and laxity in academic pursuit.

While assuring the freshmen of her administration’s commitment towards helping them achieve their academic dreams, she called on them to avoid situations that can lead to sexual harassment or abuse.

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As part of the Orientation Programme, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Eno Grace Nta highlighted some processes, students must undertake to make them bonafide students of the University.

She took them through the process of registration, adding and dropping of courses, examination processes, deferment and other steps required to aid their registration.

Similarly, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita educated the students on how to communicate adequately by channelling their requests and complaints to the right office.

She admonished them to be polite to university staff and put more effort into their studies.

On her part, the University Librarian, Prof. Aniebiet Inyang Ntui said the University library is well-equipped to cater for the Students’ academic needs and can be accessed online wherever they are.

She described the University E-library as ‘top-notch’, saying it is the only Library in Nigeria that has gone online with an App on Google Store.

The University Registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe, who was represented by the Director of Council Affairs, DrMrs Chukwuka Icha said that Unical has laid down rules, regulations, and laws that must be obeyed by students.

According to him, the laid down rules and regulations include the admission of candidates into the University, student conduct, examination, library and hostel regulations, among others.

Mr Egbe said the consequences of violating these rules and regulations can result in expulsion, rustication and prosecution.

The Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Tony Eyang welcomed the new students to the University, congratulating them for being the few successful students who got admitted into the institution.

While describing UNICAL as a centre of excellence, Prof. Eyang said for them to graduate from the institution, they must be found worthy in character and learning.

He reminded them that the University is governed by rules, regulations, ethics, and values which are enshrined in the university handbook that will be given to them.

The Orientation Programme also featured presentations on the role of Counseling in the University system by Dr Margaret Atsu, Security Consciousness and Safety measures on Campus by the Chief Security Officer, Capt. Augustine Bisong (rtd), Students’ Hostel Accommodation by Students Affairs Officer, Mr Patrick Ibiang, Student’s Health Services by Director of Health Services, Dr Kaisier Eta, Registration and Screening Procedures in the University system by the Director, Academic Affairs, Mr Gabriel Osang, among others.