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 |
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