UNICAL Security Forces Remove Lecturers from Campus Housing

Table of Contents

1. Strike and Eviction at UNICAL
2. Accusations Against Management
3. Security Personnel Actions
4. University Management's Defense
5. Conclusion

In light of the ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) across the nation, security personnel at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have forcibly removed several lecturers and other senior staff from their on-campus residences.

Numerous senior staff members have accused the university administration of abusing its authority, while the school has clarified that the eviction was mandated by the Governing Council of the institution.

One senior staff member, who requested anonymity, informed reporters that security personnel gained entry into the Boys’ Quarters of their residences.

He spoke with journalists in Calabar, stating that campus security officers discarded the belongings of residents, including those who were away on sabbatical or official assignments.

“Some of our colleagues returned to find their doors broken and personal belongings thrown outside. This behavior is unacceptable in an academic environment,” he asserted.

Another senior staff member, identified as Dr. Benard, characterized the eviction as excessive and humiliating.

He explained that the Boys’ Quarters were initially intended for domestic staff and the dependents of senior university personnel, although a few family members had been residing there.

Recently, however, the university administration had reassigned these quarters to junior staff.

Benard questioned, “Is the administration implying that our domestic helpers should now sleep in our bedrooms because the Boys’ Quarters have been taken away?”

Another affected senior staff member warned that the eviction could lead to a breakdown of law and order if not managed properly.

Nevertheless, the university management defended its actions, stating that the procedure followed was appropriate and aimed at resolving accommodation issues for junior staff and preventing unethical practices.

The head of public relations at UNICAL, Mr. Eyo Effiong, mentioned that there was evidence indicating that many of the quarters were allegedly rented out to students and outsiders by senior staff members.

Some occupants reportedly paid rents ranging from N80,000 to N350,000.

Eyo revealed that the Governing Council had instructed all staff to vacate the Boys’ Quarters.

“The Council decided that staff must relinquish their Boys’ Quarters. Notices were sent informing them that the BQs had been revoked, and occupants were required to vacate by April 30, 2025,” Effiong clarified.