UNICAL graduates 8,422

The events to mark the 26th University of Calabar (UNICAL) convocation ceremony began with a lecture on March 1, 2012. The lecture was delivered by Prof Pia Obanya, an International Education strategist, on the topic: 21st century higher education in Nigeria and skill acquisition: The issue of curriculum. It was held at the faculty of Arts auditorium. 
On March 2, all roads led to the Abraham Hogan Stadium, the venue of the convocation. The university wore aesthetic outlook with exceptional décor. Nigeria’s national colour adorned the school from the main gate to the convocation ground, with security agents parading the vicinity regularly. 
At the elevated stage were the principal officers of the university and invited guests.
In his convocation address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Bassey Asuquo, said UNICAL produced over 8,422 students for the award of diploma and degree with the faculty of education producing over 1,922. There were only six first class students from departments of Religious Studies, Mathematics and Statistics, Education and Law.
Philip Obaji with Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.55 from Law was the overall best graduating student. The VC described him as “a bountiful harvest for the labour market”. Prof Asuquo added that the rich curriculum of the university had not only equipped the students for the demand of the labour market but has also made them self-reliant. He admonished the students to be good ambassadors of the university and justify the award of degree in character and in learning.
Some of the graduates who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE expressed joy. Samuel Abang, a graduate of Economics, said: “It is a moment of happiness for me. The days of hustle and bustle are over. The journey of a thousand mile begins with a step and that step has just finished.
” The ceremony was rounded up on March 3 with convocation of post-graduate students and award of post-graduate diploma, M.Sc. and PhD certificates to over 526 people.