UniCal Evicts Staff Over Misuse of Quarters, Reallocates Apartments to Junior Workers
By IKE UZOR-NZUBECHI
The University of Calabar (UniCal) has evicted some staff members and reclaimed several official residences after uncovering that parts of the university’s staff quarters were being illegally rented out to students and non-staff occupants.
The university’s spokesperson, Eyo Effiong, told journalists in Calabar on Tuesday that the exercise followed a directive from the Governing Council aimed at sanitizing staff housing and curbing unethical practices.
“Letters were issued notifying affected staff that ownership of the quarters had been revoked. They were directed to vacate on or before April 30, 2025,” Effiong said.
According to him, investigations revealed that some senior staff were collecting between ₦80,000 and ₦350,000 yearly from outsiders while paying the university a much smaller amount. He described the act as unethical and embarrassing, noting that some unauthorized occupants also posed security risks.
Effiong stated that the university’s housing department will reallocate the reclaimed Boys’ Quarters (BQs) to junior staff to ensure transparency and fairness.
“This policy affects all senior staff who misused the facility, not just professors,” he explained. “Those with genuine grievances can approach the Governing Council for redress.”
However, the eviction exercise has sparked protests among affected staff, who accused the management of high-handedness and disregard for due process.
One displaced lecturer, who preferred anonymity, alleged that security personnel broke into apartments and threw out belongings — including those of staff on sabbatical or official assignments.
“If I pay for the main house, I should have the right to use the BQ for dependents or house-helps,” he said. “Some colleagues returned to find their doors broken and their belongings dumped outside.”
Another academic, Dr. Jacob Emmanuel, described the move as demeaning to senior staff, questioning the administration’s approach.
“Is the management saying our house-helps should now sleep in our bedrooms because the BQs have been seized?” he asked, warning that the situation could escalate if not properly managed.
Despite the backlash, UniCal insists that the housing clean-up is part of broader reforms to promote accountability and restore discipline within the university community.
