UNICAL Graduates 7, 222

 

The University of Calabar, has graduated a total of 7,222 students, cutting across various disciplines at its 29th convocation ceremony.

In his address, Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Zana Akpagu disclosed that the university was the first university in Nigeria to introduce a course in anti-corruption, as part of efforts to support the anti-corruption crusade by President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

Akpagu stated that after a thorough assessment, the graduating students were all found worthy both in character and learning to earn the institution’s certification.

The 29th convocation, according to him, records a total of 7,222 graduating students made up of 4,868 first degree holders, 952 higher degrees and 1,402 diplomas.

The vice chancellor explained further that out of the total number of graduating students, 12 in different disciplines bagged first class, while 1,026 had second class upper degrees.

While applauding the successes recorded so far in the fight against corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari, Akpagu narrated how UNICAL pioneered an anti-corruption course, among Nigerian universities.

He said the initiative was aimed at inculcating in future leaders the virtues of hard work, honesty and patriotism; which will help to reduce corruption in the country.

The vice chancellor said, “Mr. President, your anti-corruption crusade which has earned us accolades both at home and abroad, is worthy of emulation.

“We in the University of Calabar have also joined the crusade against corruption; we are the first University in the country to introduce the anti-corruption studies, designed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), for Nigeria Universities.

“The course is compulsory for all students in the University; we strongly believe that this will go a long way to inculcate in future leaders the virtues of hardwork, honesty and patriotism, which will help to reduce corruption in the country.”

Highlight of the occasion was the award of an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) of Law and Political Science to Cross River State former governor, Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Florence Ita Giwa, respectively.