href=”https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/unical-suspends-nine-students-over-exam-malpractice-forged-results-2/” target=”_blank”>The Senate of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has approved the promotion of 23 academic staff, including Okon Patrick Ene of the Department of Mass Communication, to the rank of Professor.

Vice Chancellor, Offiong Efanga Offiong, announced the promotions during an emergency Senate meeting held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the university’s Senate Chamber.

Other newly promoted professors include Betiang Liwhuliwhe (Theatre and Media Studies), Etuk Ekanem Abasiekong (Agricultural Economics), Oku Affiong Oboko (Community Medicine), Odusolu Patience Olufemi and Abeshi Sylvester Etenikang (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Beshel Favour Nyoh (Physiology), and Okokon Okon Effiong (Animal Science).

Also elevated are Abosede Abimbola Usoro (Business Management), Atelhe George Atelhe and Egbegbulem Joseph Chidi (Political Science), Frank Mbeh Attah (Sociology), Bessong Peter Kekung and Eme Joel Efiong (Accounting), Takon Samuel Manyo (Banking and Finance), and Okon Gloria Bassey Igri (Modern Languages and Translation Studies).

The list further includes Ekpo Paul Bassey (Genetics and Biotechnology), Ushie Ogri James (Electrical and Electronics Engineering), Eteng Idongesit Efamiode (Software Engineering), Undiyaundeye Florence Atube (Guidance and Counselling), Nja Cecilia Obi (Physical Science Education), Effiong John Ben (Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology), and Joel Efiong (Environmental Resource Management).

In addition, the Senate approved the promotion of 27 other academic staff to the rank of Associate Professor across various faculties.

Those promoted to Associate Professor include Abu Solomon Edet (History and International Studies), Francis Aniezi Nwagwu and Emmanuel Bassey Effa (Crop Science), Michael Akomaye Akpe (Pure and Applied Chemistry), Benjamin Odey Omang (Geology), and Joseph Essien Udosen (Surgery).

Others are Benard Diwa Otu (Educational Foundations), Esther Etop Ekon (Biological Education), Sampson Akinwunmi Aderibigbe (Special Education), Inyang Obia Gopeh (Library and Information Science), Aniema Paul Inyang-Etoh (Mariculture), and Chimaeze Torty (Paediatrics)

Also promoted are Fredrick Awhen Opoh and Sylvester Akongi Unimke (Social Studies and Civic Education), Ayuk Awunghe Achu (Criminology), Helen Akpama Andong (Adult and Continuing Education), Thomas Achoda Omang (Sociology), and Emmanuel Ene Aki (Soil Science).

The list further includes Emmanuel Edet Agbachom (Agricultural Economics), Richard Ibor Oju (Zoology and Environmental Biology), Ofonime Eve Mboso (Biochemistry), Aniekan-Augusta Okon Eyo (Bacteriology, Virology and Mycology), Violet Bassey Eneyo and Josiah Nwabueze Obiefuna (Geography and Environmental Science), as well as Iwasam Elemi Agbor (Community Medicine), Alphonsus Kechi Kankpang (Accounting), and Godsgift Ogban Uwen (English and Literary Studies).

Professor Offiong explained that the emergency Senate meeting was convened primarily to deliberate on preparations for the institution’s forthcoming 38th Convocation Ceremony, noting that the promotions were part of efforts to strengthen academic excellence.

He congratulated the newly promoted academics and urged them to rededicate themselves to teaching, research, and community service, adding that their elevation comes with greater responsibility to advance the institution’s standards.