University of Calabar (UNICAL)
UNICAL Announces 38th Convocation Ceremony Schedule For 2026

The University of Calabar has officially announced its 38th convocation ceremony, scheduled to run from Thursday, 2 April 2026 to Sunday, 12 April 2026.

The week-long programme includes a press conference, religious services, research fair, convocation lecture, award ceremonies, gala night, and thanksgiving service, giving graduands a structured timeline to follow.

Full UNICAL Convocation Schedule For 2026

Thursday, 2 April 2026

  • Vice Chancellor’s press conference
  • Venue: Council Chamber
  • Time: 10:00 am

Tuesday, 7 April 2026

  • Inter-denominational service
    • Venue: Senator Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre
    • Time: 10:00 am
  • Research fair and exhibition
    • Venue: Hogan Bassey Parking Lot
    • Time: 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

  • Meeting of convocation
  • Venue: Senator Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre
  • Time: 10:00 am

Thursday, 9 April 2026

  • Convocation lecture
    • Time: 12:00 noon
    • Venue: Senator Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre
    • Lecturer: Garba Ayoedji Wahab
    • Topic: Redefining National Security in an Era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary Institutions
  • Command performance
    • Venue: Chinua Achebe Arts Theatre
    • Time: 6:00 pm

Friday, 10 April 2026

  • Award of diplomas, first degrees, and Masters
  • Induction into Alumni
  • Venue: Abraham Ordia Stadium
  • Time: 10:00 am
  • Gala night (PhD graduands and supervisors)
    • Venue: Hall of Fame
    • Time: 7:00 pm

Saturday, 11 April 2026

  • Award of postgraduate and honorary degrees
  • Conferment of Professor Emeritus
  • Endowment fund launch & alumni induction
  • Venue: Senator Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre
  • Time: 10:00 am

Sunday, 12 April 2026

  • Thanksgiving service
  • Venue: St. Paul Catholic Church
  • Time: 10:00 am

Academic Gowns And Return Date

  • Gowns are to be collected from Faculty Officers upon proof of payment.
  • All hired gowns must be returned by Monday, 13 April 2026.
  • Late returns attract a fine of ₦1,000 per day.

Fees For Postgraduate School Graduands

  • PhD gown (purchase): ₦105,000
  • Masters gown (purchase): ₦100,000
  • Masters/PGD gown (hire): ₦25,000
  • Scroll: ₦7,000
  • PhD dinner: ₦200,000
  • Endowment fund (PhD): ₦90,000
  • Endowment fund (Masters): ₦50,000

All hired gowns must be returned within seven days after the ceremony to avoid penalties.

Invitation Cards For Parents And Guardians

  • Each PhD or Masters graduand will receive one invitation card.
  • The card admits one guest only.

Procession Rules For Graduands

  • The convocation will follow the Kefi Protocol.
  • Graduands must robe within their Faculties before joining the procession.
  • Unrobed graduands will not be allowed into the venue.
  • Photography is not permitted during the procession; it will take place after the ceremony.

Prizes, Awards And Alumni Registration

  • Prizes and awards will be presented during the ceremony.
  • Graduands must:
    • Complete alumni registration forms
    • Pay the required alumni membership fee

Official Information

Further details are available via the official portal of the University of Calabar.

What Graduands Should Note

  • The main ceremony days are Friday, 10 April 2026 and Saturday, 11 April 2026.
  • Strict adherence to gown return deadlines is essential to avoid fines.
  • Procession rules must be followed carefully to gain access to the venue.

EducationNGR reports that early preparation—especially regarding payments, gowns, and documentation—will help graduands avoid last-minute complications.

Summary Of Key Details

Item Details
Institution University of Calabar
Convocation 38th
Duration 2 April – 12 April 2026
Main Ceremony Dates 10 & 11 April 2026
Gown Return Deadline 13 April 2026
Late Return Fine ₦1,000 per day
Guest Access One guest per PG graduand
Key Venues Conference Centre, Stadium, Arts Theatre
University of Calabar (UNICAL)
University of Calabar – UNICAL

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is a federal university located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The university was established in 1975 by the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of the country’s efforts to expand access to higher education and promote academic excellence.

UNICAL was originally a campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before it became an independent university in 1975. Since its establishment, the university has grown into one of Nigeria’s prominent higher institutions, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in diverse fields such as sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, engineering, medicine, and management sciences.

The university is known for its strong research culture, academic programmes, and contributions to national development.

Location

University of Calabar
Calabar
Cross River State
Nigeria

Faculties / Colleges / Schools

The University of Calabar operates several faculties and academic units including:

  • Faculty of Agriculture

  • Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences

  • Faculty of Arts

  • Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences

  • Faculty of Biological Sciences

  • Faculty of Education

  • Faculty of Engineering and Technology

  • Faculty of Environmental Sciences

  • Faculty of Law

  • Faculty of Management Sciences

  • Faculty of Pharmacy

  • Faculty of Physical Sciences

  • Faculty of Social Sciences

  • Faculty of Dentistry

  • Faculty of Clinical Sciences

List of Courses Offered by University of Calabar (UNICAL)

Some of the major undergraduate programmes offered at UNICAL include:

  • Accounting

  • Adult Education

  • Agricultural Economics

  • Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology

  • Animal Science

  • Architecture

  • Banking and Finance

  • Biochemistry

  • Botany

  • Business Management

  • Chemistry

  • Computer Science

  • Dentistry

  • Economics

  • Education and Biology

  • Education and Chemistry

  • Education and English

  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering

  • English and Literary Studies

  • Environmental Protection and Resources Management

  • Geography and Environmental Science

  • Geology

  • Guidance and Counselling

  • History and International Studies

  • Human Anatomy

  • Human Physiology

  • Law

  • Library and Information Science

  • Linguistics and Communication Studies

  • Mathematics

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Medicine and Surgery

  • Microbiology

  • Nursing Science

  • Pharmacy

  • Physics

  • Political Science

  • Public Administration

  • Sociology

  • Statistics

  • Theatre Arts

  • Zoology

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admission

  • Candidates must sit for the UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

  • Applicants must obtain at least five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in relevant subjects.

  • Candidates must choose the University of Calabar as their preferred institution during UTME registration.

  • Applicants must participate in the UNICAL Post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the university.

Admissions portal
https://www.unical.edu.ng/admissions.php

Direct Entry Admission

Candidates with advanced qualifications such as ND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or equivalent may apply through the JAMB Direct Entry admission process into appropriate levels of undergraduate programmes.

Postgraduate Admission

The University of Calabar offers postgraduate programmes including Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s degrees (MSc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) across many faculties and departments.

School Fees

The last known school fees for undergraduate students vary depending on programme and level of study.

  • Fresh students: approximately ₦140,000 – ₦180,000 per session depending on faculty and programme.

  • Returning students: approximately ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 per session.

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

Cut-off Mark

The last known minimum JAMB cut-off mark is around 160 for eligibility to participate in the UNICAL admission screening exercise. Competitive programmes such as Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy may require higher scores.

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

Post-UTME Information

Candidates seeking admission into the University of Calabar must participate in the Post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the university.

Post-UTME Portal
https://myunical.edu.ng/post-utme/

Hostel / Accommodation

The university provides on-campus hostel accommodation for students.

The last known hostel accommodation fees range between ₦35,000 – ₦60,000 per session depending on hostel type and availability. Hostel allocation is usually completed through the student portal after payment of the required fees.

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

Notable Alumni

Some notable alumni of the University of Calabar include:

  • Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu – Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources

  • Joke Silva – Nigerian actress and theatre director

  • Kate Henshaw – Nigerian actress and politician

  • Uti Nwachukwu – Nigerian actor and media personality

  • Donald Duke – Former Governor of Cross River State

Official Website/Login Portal Links

Official Website
https://www.unical.edu.ng/

Admissions Portal
https://www.unical.edu.ng/admissions.php

Post-UTME Portal
https://myunical.edu.ng/post-utme/

Online Learning Portal
https://unicalonline.edu.ng/

Contact Information

University of Calabar
Calabar
Cross River State
Nigeria

Phone: +234-803-123-4567 (last known)

Email: info@unical.edu.ng (last known)

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

TAGS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the University of Calabar located?

The university is located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

When was UNICAL established?

The University of Calabar was established in 1975.

What courses are offered at UNICAL?

UNICAL offers programmes in agriculture, engineering, sciences, law, management sciences, humanities, social sciences, medicine, and education.

Does UNICAL conduct Post-UTME screening?

Yes. Candidates seeking admission must participate in the UNICAL Post-UTME screening exercise.

What is the cut-off mark for UNICAL?

The last known minimum JAMB cut-off mark is around 160. Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

 

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UNICAL Extends 2025/2026 Admission Exercise to 17 November 2025

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has announced an extension of its 2025/2026 admission exercise, following a directive from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The new deadline for submission of applications is 17 November 2025.

EducationNGR reports that qualified candidates who scored 150 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are eligible to apply for admission into the programmes still open at UNICAL.

Available Programmes at UNICAL

Applicants may submit their applications to the following faculties and departments:

  • Faculty of Agriculture
  • Faculty of Education
  • Department of Religious and Cultural Studies
  • Department of Modern Languages and Translation Studies
  • Department of Mathematics
  • Department of Statistics

Only the listed programmes are open for admission at this stage; other departments remain closed for the 2025/2026 academic session.

EducationNGR also advises all prospective applicants to complete their applications before the new deadline of 17 November 2025 to secure a chance for admission into the available programmes at UNICAL.

University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Rush Now: UNICAL Hostel Accommodation Exercise 2025/2026

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has released an official notice on the Hostel Accommodation exercise for the 2025/2026 academic session. All fresh and returning students who wish to stay in the university hostels must follow the outlined steps and meet the stated conditions.

The hostel allocation process will only apply to students who have completed full payment of their school charges for the session.

 

 

Eligibility and Requirements for UNICAL Hostel Accommodation

The university management has stated that only students who provide proof of full payment of school fees will be considered for hostel allocation. To be eligible, each student must:

  1. Have paid all school charges in full for the 2025/2026 academic session.
  2. Submit a photocopy of the verified school charges receipt for 2025/2026.
  3. Clearly indicate their preferred hostel at the back of the receipt before submission.
  4. Ensure the receipt is submitted on or before Friday, 24 October 2025 to the Dean of Students’ Office.

Students who do not meet these requirements or miss the submission deadline will not be included in the accommodation list.

How to Apply for UNICAL Hostel Accommodation

  • Make full payment of all approved school charges through the university’s official payment channels.
  • Verify your payment receipt through the UNICAL portal or authorised verification desk.
  • Indicate your choice of hostel (for example, Hall 6, Hall 8, or Hall 9) clearly on the back of the verified receipt.
  • Submit the document to the Dean of Students, University of Calabar, before the deadline.

Applications without verified payment evidence will not be processed.

Important Information for Students

  • Hostel spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Students are encouraged to pay early and submit their documents promptly.
  • The hostel allocation process is managed directly by the Dean of StudentsProf. Egaga Patrick, who can be reached at 08037084414 during office hours for related enquiries.

University of Calabar (UNICAL)
See UNICAL Revised Academic Calendar 2025/2026

University of Calabar has released its revised academic calendar for 2025/2026. It covers first and second semester dates, from resumption to exams and breaks. Students are advised to note the schedule and follow carefully.

University of Calabar, UNICAL Acceptance Fee for Admission

First look at the UNICAL Academic Calendar

The University of Calabar has put out its revised academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session. For students, this is more than a dry timetable. It is the clock that shapes daily life on campus, the guidepost for when to sit tight and when to take a breath.

Let’s walk through what the year looks like, month by month.

First Semester dates

The first semester begins with fresh arrivals and key campus events.

September 2025

  • 24th – Inaugural Lecture
  • 26th – New students arrive
  • 29th – Screening and registration for new students
  • 30th – Returning students arrive

October 2025

  • 2nd – Registration for returning students starts
  • 2nd – Lectures for all students begin
  • 6th – Solemn Assembly
  • 8th – Inaugural Lecture
  • 22nd – Inaugural Lecture
  • 27th to 31st – Supplementary Examination

November 2025

  • 3rd to 7th – Summer Examination
  • 5th – Inaugural Lecture
  • 10th – Late registration begins
  • 13th to 14th – Freshers’ Orientation
  • 17th – Late registration ends
  • 19th – Inaugural Lecture
  • 21st – Matriculation Ceremony
  • 24th to 28th – Continuous Assessment
  • 26th – Inaugural Lecture

December 2025

  • 1st – Add and drop courses close
  • 3rd – Inaugural Lecture
  • 8th to 12th – Students’ Week
  • 17th – Inaugural Lecture
  • 19th – Christmas Break begins

January 2026

  • 9th – Students return from break
  • 19th to 24th – Revision week
  • 21st – Inaugural Lecture
  • 26th to 31st – GSS Exams

February 2026

  • 2nd – Other course exams begin
  • 26th – All exams end, semester closes

First Semester Summary

  • 12 weeks of lectures
  • 4 weeks of exams
  • Total: 16 weeks

Second Semester dates

The second semester also runs its full cycle of lectures, assessments, and exams.

March 2026

  • 18th – Inaugural Lecture
  • 20th – Students return to campus
  • 23rd – Registration begins for 500 Level (Stream B)
  • 23rd to 28th – 38th Convocation Ceremony
  • 30th – Lectures begin for all students

April 2026

  • 8th – Inaugural Lecture
  • 22nd – Inaugural Lecture
  • 27th – Late registration begins for 500 Level (Stream B)

May 2026

  • 4th – Late registration ends for 500 Level (Stream B)
  • 6th – Inaugural Lecture
  • 11th to 16th – Continuous Assessment
  • 20th – Inaugural Lecture

June 2026

  • 1st – Add and drop courses close for 500 Level (Stream B)
  • 3rd – Inaugural Lecture
  • 15th to 19th – Revision week
  • 22nd to 27th – GSS Exam
  • 29th – Exams for other courses begin

July 2026

  • 20th – Exams end
  • 21st – Long Vacation begins

Second Semester Summary

  • 12 weeks of lectures
  • 4 weeks of exams
  • Total: 16 weeks
University of Calabar (UNICAL)
UNICAL Announces Resumption Date for 2025/2026 Session

The University of Calabar has fixed resumption dates for the 2025/2026 academic year. New students are to resume on 29th September while returning students resume 2nd October. All students are encouraged to follow the schedule closely.

University of Calabar, UNICAL Acceptance Fee for Admission

Official word from UNICAL

The University of Calabar has now made public the resumption timetable for the 2025/2026 academic year. The notice, signed by the Registrar, Dr (Mrs) Chukwuka Icha, clears the air and puts dates in black and white

For many students, this is more than just a line in a release. It is the start of a new pace, a reminder that the holiday clock is ticking down.

Key dates for UNICAL resumption

  • New students: Arrival on campus Monday, 29th September 2025. Screening and registration start Tuesday, 30th September.
  • Returning students: Expected back on Thursday, 2nd October 2025. Registration opens that same day.
  • Lectures for all: Begin on Monday, 6th October 2025.
  • Late registration: Runs from Monday, 13th October to Friday, 14th October, closing fully by Wednesday, 19th October 2025.
  • Supplementary exams: Scheduled Monday, 3rd November to Friday, 7th November 2025.
  • Summer exams: Hold Wednesday, 5th November 2025.

A gentle reminder

The management has urged students to keep in step with the revised calendar. Missing a date, whether by choice or mistake, could mean stress later on. So mark it down, circle it in red if you must.

For those who want to see the bigger picture, you may check the full UNICAL academic calendar.

University of Calabar (UNICAL)
UNICAL 1st Batch Merit Admission List 2025/2026

The University of Calabar has released its first batch merit admission list for 2025/2026. All candidates who took part in the Post UTME are advised to check their status on the JAMB CAPS portal. Read below for full steps on how to confirm and accept your admission.

University of Calabar, UNICAL Acceptance Fee for Admission

Official release of the list

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has made public the admission list for the 2025/2026 academic year. The list carries the names of candidates who passed the Post UTME screening and have been given provisional admission into various degree programmes.

 

If you wrote the exam and have been anxiously waiting, this is the time to check.

How to check the UNICAL admission list

For now, admission status is only available on the JAMB CAPS portal. Candidates can follow these steps to confirm their admission:

  • Visit the JAMB EFacility portal.
  • Log in using your JAMB username and password.
  • Scroll and click Check Admission Status.
  • Select Access my CAPS.
  • Click on Admission Status to see if you have been admitted into UNICAL.

What to do after checking

  • If offered admission, send ACCEPT or REJECT to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number linked to your JAMB profile.
  • Print your JAMB admission letter once you have accepted.
  • If your status reads “Admission Still in Progress” or “Not Admitted”, do not lose heart. Keep checking, as changes may be updated at any time.

Note for phone users

Some phone users may not see the admission status option on CAPS. In such cases, use Chrome browser, switch to desktop mode, and the full page will appear. That way, you will see every option clearly.