UNICAL Suspends HOD For Allegedly Altering 235 Exam Result Scripts

By Akinwale Kasali

The Management of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, has annouced the suspension of one of its Lecturers, Dr Jospeh Akpan, who is also the Head of Department, of Pharmacology.

Dr.  Akpan, was suspended for, allegedly, altering examination result scripts.

Akpan was said to have engage in this illicit action using his privileged position as the HOD.

UNICAL’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, disclosed that Akpan, allegedly, altered students’ scores in the Introduction to General Antimicrobial Pharmacology, PHM 311, Course

results.

Obi claimed the HOD altered the scores in 235 result scripts out of the 242 result scripts entrusted in his care, adding that only five scripts were genuinely marked without alteration.

The VC also noted that Akpan had admitted to the alleged misconduct before the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee, SEMC.

According to her, the Lecturer, allegedly, admitted that he inflated the scores of students in PHM 311 to protect the department’s image, which management finds ridiculous and unacceptable.

She added: “The lecturer also (allegedly) gave out marks to two students who did not participate in the examinations.

“Consequently, the Management of the University has directed that he should be relieved of his appointment as HOD and Coordinator of PHM 311, as well as be suspended from duty with effect from Oct. 8, 2024.

“Akpan’s official responsibilities are to be reassigned to other qualified lecturers in the department.

“He has also been directed to stay away from the University forthwith, unless while responding to the invitation of relevant Committees.”