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