The University of Calabar says it will graduate a total of 10,820 students, including 52 First Class graduates and 2,390 Second Class Upper degree holders, during its 38th Convocation ceremony scheduled to begin on April 2, 2026.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Offiong Offiong, disclosed this during a press briefing to herald the convocation, noting that the ceremony will be the first under his administration since he assumed office as the 12th Vice Chancellor on December 1, 2025.
According to him, the graduating cohort comprises 152 diploma recipients, 9,173 first degree graduates and 1,495 postgraduate students. Of the 9,173 first degree graduands, 52 earned First Class honours, 2,390 made Second Class Upper division, 5,819 graduated with Second Class Lower division, 666 obtained Third Class, while 246 recorded Pass degrees.
He explained that convocation activities commenced on Thursday, April 2, 2026, with a press briefing, after which the university proceeded on Easter break and will reconvene on April 7.
The Vice Chancellor said events on April 7 will begin with an interdenominational service at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre at 10 a.m., followed by a Research Fair and Exhibition at the Hogan Bassey Parking Lot from 12 noon to 6 p.m. The exhibition is designed to showcase innovations and research outputs from faculties and institutes.
He further announced that the convocation meeting will hold on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, providing a platform for alumni and staff to deliberate on the advancement of the institution.
The convocation lecture is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre. It will be delivered by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, Ph.D., on the theme “Redefining National Security in an Era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary Institutions.” A command performance will follow later that day at the Chinua Achebe Arts Theatre.
Prof. Offiong added that Friday, April 10, 2026, has been set aside for the award of diplomas, first degrees and master’s degrees, as well as induction into the University of Calabar Alumni Association at the Abraham Ordia Stadium. A gala night for Ph.D. graduands and their supervisors will also hold later in the evening.
He noted that the award of Ph.D. and honorary degrees, alongside the launching of an endowment fund, will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026. A total of 463 Ph.D. graduands are expected to receive their degrees.
The convocation activities will conclude on Sunday, April 12, 2026, with a thanksgiving service at St. Paul Catholic Church, University of Calabar.