The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is set to graduate a total of 10,820 undergraduate and postgraduate students at its 38th convocation ceremony, scheduled to hold from 2nd to 12 April, 2026.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Offiong Effanga Offiong, who disclosed this during a pre-convocation press conference in the university on Thursday, said 52 of the graduating students finished with a first class honours and distinction for postgraduate students.

He said the pre-convocation press conference set in motion series of week-long events to celebrate the 56th convocation of the university, where first degrees, diplomas, certificates, postgraduate diplomas, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as honorary awards, will be awarded.

The week-long convocation activities, which begin on Thursday, 2nd April, with a pre-convocation press conference at the University Senate Chambers and end with a thanksgiving service at the St. Paul Catholic Church, University of Calabar, by 10 am.

Prof Offiong said out of the 10,820 graduating students, 9,173 will receive first degrees, 152 diplomas, while 1,495 will be awarded postgraduate degrees.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, out of the 1,973 first degree graduates, 52 made first class, 2,390 second class upper division, 5,819 second class lower division, while 666 made third class, and 246 had pass.

He added that a total of 463 graduands will be convocating with doctorate degrees, PhD, on April 12 at the Godswill Akpbio Conference Centre, University of Calabar, at 10 am.

The Vice -Chancellor said on April 7th, the Research Fair and Exhibition, which has become an annual event and provides the university with an exceptional platform to showcase its research products and innovations across faculties and institutes, will commence from 12 noon at the Hogan Bassey Parking Lot of the institution. adding that Invitations have been sent to investors and organisations to be part of the event, expected to be attended by large number of people compared to recent years

Prof Offiong said the meeting of convocation has been slated for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, University of Calabar, adding that the gathering will provide a platform for all alumni and staff with at least a first degree from any recognized University to come together to interface on the growth and advancement of the University.

He said the 38th Convocation lecture of the university titled “Redefining National Security in an era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary institutions.” slated for Thursday, April 9, 2026 would be delivered by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, Ph.D. who wouldl be speaking on a timely, topical theme titled “Redefining National Security in an era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary institutions. ”

“By 6 pm of the same day, attention will shift to the Chinua Achebe Arts Theatre, University of Calabar, where the command performance will be observed. The command performance has always remained an intriguing night. The performance, as organized every year, leaves behind indelible messages that reflect the state of society within the current time bracket and the way forward”, he said.

Friday, April 10, 2026, is the day for the Award of Diplomas, First Degrees & Masters/Induction into Unical Alumni. The event is billed to commence from 10 am prompt at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, University of Calabar.

The VC said on the same day, a Gala Night for all PhD graduands/their supervisors would follow at the Prof Emmanuel Ayandele Hall of Fame, University of Calabar, by 7 pm followed by the Award of PhD, Honorary Degrees, and Launching of Endowment Fund/Induction into Unical Alumni on Saturday, April 11, 2026

The Vice Chancellor said activities for the convocation would be rounded off on Sunday, April 12, with a thanksgiving service at the St. Paul Catholic Church, University of Calabar, to give thanks to God for a successful event by 10 am.