UNICAL Decries, Talks Tough On Sorting, Sex For Grades

By Patrick Obia

The management of University of Calabar (UNICAL) has lamented what it described as “obnoxious and abhorrable” acts of sorting, extortions and sexual harassments going on in the institution by lecturers.

Sorting refers to payments for grades.

And, following widespread claims that students are relying on sorting to pass while lecturers extort monies from them as well as the sex for grades phenomena, the Varsity in a memorandum with reference No: UC/DVC/ADM/003 signed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Michael Peter Okom, said it had gotten to the knowledge of the management that lecturers have resorted to giving students scripts to write exams at homes, hotels and relaxation places, warning that all those involved will face disciplinary committee.

“It has come to the knowledge of Management that some teaching staff have revived the obnoxious and abhorrable acts of sorting, extortion and sex for grades/sexual harassment.

“Some departments and lecturers have been specifically fingered and investigations have commenced. Management also has information to the effect that lecturers have resorted to giving students scripts to write exams at homes, hotels and relaxation places.

“All those involved in these despicable activities are hereby warned to desist and repent. In fact, they will soon be invited to interact with the Disciplinary Committee,” the memorandum read.

The Varsity had in July 2021 rusticated Gift Adalikwu, and Cordelie Obongha, who were 200 and 300 Level students in the Department of Library and Information Science respectively for examination malpractice and impersonation.

Also, Oyama Peter Bassey, a 300 Level law student was suspended while automatic carryover was handed down on Nsa Bassey Ekpenyong, a 300 Level student of the Department of Library and Information Science.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Banku Obi, had earlier said weeding out all forms of misconducts and sharp practices is one of her goals in the institution.

However, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Cyril Ndifon, accused of rape was later recalled into the institution.