University of Calabar main gate
At a news conference on the 29th convocation of the institution, Prof. Zana Akpagu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, said this on Thursday, said the institution is set to offer automatic employment to its 12 first class graduates as reward for hard work and motivation for students of the institution to attain academic excellence.
According to the VC, the first class graduates are among the 7,222 graduates of the University during the 2014/2015 academic session billed for convocation on Saturday. "All the 1st class graduands are to remain with us; it is the University’s policy and they cut across all the faculties and departments," he said.
Prof. Zana Akpagu also disclosed that three individuals who had distinguished careers in the service of Cross River and Nigeria would be awarded "PhD, honoris causa" by the University during the convocation, adding that former Gov. Donald Duke would be honoured for transforming Cross River, and a former senator, Florence Ita-Giwa, for her contributions to the women folk.
Senate President Bukola Saraki would also be recognised for his contribution to the development of Kwara as governor and to Nigeria in general, adding that the university will graduate 4,868 with first degrees, 952 with Masters Degrees and 1,402 with Diplomas.
The vice-also said that during the academic session under review, 30 students were either suspended or dismissed from the University for Disciplinary Reasons. "These include examination malpractice, cultism and social other vices. This administration has zero tolerance for indiscipline," he said.
Prof. Akpagu concluded that the university retired a Professor and a Doctor, following their indictment by a disciplinary committee set up by management to investigate them over allegations of plagiarism.