The University of Calabar has announced automatic employment for its first-class graduates in a major policy shift aimed at retaining top academic talent, as it graduated over 10,000 students at its 38th convocation ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, who made the announcement on Friday, said the decision targets critical areas of need within the university and is designed to strengthen institutional capacity.

“In recognition of exceptional performance, this administration will offer immediate employment to first-class graduates,” he said, describing the move as part of broader reforms to promote excellence and reward merit.

A total of 9,173 students received first degrees, including 52 first-class graduates who are expected to benefit from the initiative. The convocation also saw 743 master’s degree graduands and 152 diploma recipients.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that, beyond academic success, graduates must see themselves as contributors to national development, stressing that the university is committed to producing individuals grounded in integrity and service.

Offiong also outlined key reforms undertaken by his administration, including the centralisation of admissions to ensure transparency and strict compliance with approved quotas.

“The era of over-admission is over,” he declared.

To safeguard academic integrity, the university has introduced the serialisation of certificates, embedding verifiable student data to eliminate forgery and enhance credibility.

In line with its expansion drive, the institution has established new faculties, including Media and Communication Studies and Laboratory Sciences, with students from both faculties already among this year’s graduating class.

The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that a comprehensive five-year strategic plan would soon be launched to guide development across infrastructure, research, digital transformation and global competitiveness.

The Chancellor of the university and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, in his address, urged the graduates to apply knowledge with humility and character, emphasising that education should translate into meaningful societal impact.

“True knowledge reveals itself through restraint, humility and service, not in the number of certificates acquired,” he said.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Rtd DIG Udom Ekpoudom, commended the university management for stabilising the institution and addressing key challenges, including staff welfare and academic programme accreditation.

He highlighted the payment of academic allowances, settlement of arrears owed to adjunct lecturers, and ongoing efforts to revamp the university’s library and strengthen programmes such as Dentistry in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

The convocation also featured the recognition of more than 200 prize winners, each backed with cash awards, as part of efforts to encourage academic excellence.

The ceremony marked a leadership transition, with the Chancellor congratulating Offiong on his appointment and acknowledging the contributions of former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi.

The event drew dignitaries from across government, academia and traditional institutions, underscoring the university’s role in shaping Nigeria’s human capital development. (Tribune News)