UNICAL Withdrawal: Management Petitioned, As Lawmaker Lays It Before House Of Reps

By Alphonsus Iormaan

The Management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has been petitioned for the withdrawal of 566 students over poor grades.

The petition titled: “Petition against the Management of the University of Calabar over the withdrawal of 638 students by the University Management” is signed by three parties – Peter Ogar, Akor Joseph, and Adie Maryanne.

Presenting the petition on the floor of the House of Representatives late last week, the member representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Honorable Peter Akpanke drew the attention of the House to a publication released on social media on 25th July 2023 indicating that 566 students from various Departments in the University have been withdrawn by the school Management against existing regulations contained in the Revised Students Handbook.

Among other grievances, the petitioners alleged that the action of the University’s Management violates their rights protected by the Data Protection Act which forbids the publication of citizens’ names on social media platforms in such a sensitive matter.

 The petitioners also complained that due process was not followed in deciding the fate of the affected students.

Top on the list of their prayers is that the House of Reps should direct the Management of the varsity to suspend the implementation of the withdrawal policy with immediate effect.

 They also seek that the House should set up a committee to investigate the issues surrounding the decision of the University’s Management.

In a release made available by the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Hon. Akpanke – Awade Friday, the lawmakers wished the students well in their attempt to acquire degrees from UNICAL.