Prof. Florence Banku Obi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has removed Prof. Victor Ecoma from his position as Head of the Department (HoD) of Fine and Applied Arts.

UNICAL’s 36th convocation ceremony took place from March 18 to March 24, marking the biggest number of first-class graduates ever. 32 students were awarded first-class honours at the ceremony, 745 graduates obtained master’s degrees, and 438 graduates obtained doctorate degrees. Three pavilions and two hostels were among the five institution projects commissioned during the one-week ceremony.

Prof. Ecoma failed to bring students from his department to the 36th Convocation Ceremony, which prompted this unexpected action that shocked the University Community. In a statement released on Monday, 8th April 2024, and provided to Vanguard in Calabar, the State Capital, Prof. Ecoma’s dismissal as Head of Department was confirmed by the University’s Registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe.

“It has been determined that Prof. Ecoma exhibited egregious negligence and incompetence by neglecting to carry out his obligation and guarantee his students participation in the monumental academic event.” Because of this, the university’s management has decided to terminate his employment immediately.

As a result, “The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has immediately instructed Professor Ecoma to transfer all university properties under his control to his successor, Professor Echeta Christian Chemezie, who has been designated to take the role, in light of this development,” the statement said.

Read Also: Eid el Fitr: Zamfara NSCDC Deploys 700 Personnel