UNICAL evicts staff from quarters, gives reason 

The management of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has evicted several staff members from the institution’s residential quarters as part of efforts to curb unethical housing practices and create space for junior staff.

Speaking to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Eyo Effiong, revealed that the decision followed a directive from the school’s governing council.

According to him, investigations showed that some staff members had been renting out the Boys’ Quarters (BQs) to students and outsiders, a clear violation of university regulations.

“Letters were issued notifying them that the ownership of the quarters have been revoked, and occupants were asked to vacate on or before April 30, 2025,” he explained.

The Spokesperson further said investigations revealed that the staff collected between ₦80,000 and ₦350,000 yearly from students and outsiders while paying the university much less.

He described the practice as unethical and embarrassing to the university, adding that the institution also discovered security threats linked to some of the occupants.

According to him, the reclaimed apartments will be reallocated directly to junior staff through the university’s housing department to ensure accountability and proper rent deductions.

“This policy affects all senior staff who misused the facility, not just professors; and those with genuine grievances can approach the Governing Council, which approved the decision,” he stated.

However, following the forceful eviction of occupants from the BQs, some senior staff accused the university management of abuse of power.

One of the affected senior staff, who pleaded anonymity, said that the university security personnel and staff of the Security and Technical (SAT) Services Department recently broke into some of the quarters.

He said they threw out belongings of occupants, including those away on sabbatical or official duties.

“If I’m paying for the main house, I should have the right to use the BQ for my dependents, house-helps, or relations.

“Some of our colleagues returned to meet their doors broken and personal items thrown outside; this is not acceptable in a university environment,” he said.

Another senior staff, Mr Jacob Emmanuel described the eviction as high-handed and demeaning to senior members of the academic community.

According to him, is the management saying our house-helps should now sleep in our bedrooms because the BQs have been seized?

He warned that the situation could lead to a breakdown of law and order if not properly handled.

(NAN)