The University of
Calabar (UNICAL), Cross River State, is set to graduate about 15,000 students during its 27th convocation ceremony slated for February 22, tomorrow according to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Epoke.
Epoke said this in Calabar when he paid a courtesy visit to Dr Thomas Ika Ika, Oqua III, the traditional ruler of the Quas and Grand Patriarch of the Qua and Ejagham nations.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Austin Obiekezie, Epoke said the convocation would be for the award of certificates, diplomas, first degrees and post-graduate diplomas.
He also said that Masters and Ph.D degrees would be awarded to deserving students in various disciplines as well as awards and prizes for academic excellence.
He said that the University management was at the palace to inform the traditional ruler of the event and also to invite him in line with the institution’s tradition.
He said that the traditional ruler’s presence would add grandeur to the occasion.
He said that graduating such a large number of students was a landmark achievement for the university and the Epoke-led administration.
Responding on behalf of his community, Dr Thomas Ika-Ika -Qua III, commended the vice-chancellor and his entourage and thanked them for the gesture.
He solicited for continued harmonious and cordial relationship between the community and the institution.
He also expressed happiness that the institution had produced numerous graduates, who were contributing their quota to national development.
While accepting the invitation, the traditional ruler expressed the hope that the students would find job opportunities after graduation.
The visit witnessed the exchange of gifts between the palace and the university.
UNICAL is one of Nigeria’s second generation universities. It was a campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, until 1975, when it became a fullfledged university.
