UniCal Evicts Staff Over Misuse Of Quarters, Reallocates Apartments To Junior Workers
By IKE UZOR-NZUBECHI
THE University of Calabar (UniCal) has reclaimed several staff apartments and evicted some occupants after uncovering that parts of the university’s residential quarters were being illegally rented out to students and outsiders.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, the institution’s spokesperson, Eyo Effiong, said the action followed a directive from the Governing Council to sanitize staff housing and curb unethical practices.
“Letters were issued notifying affected staff that ownership of the quarters had been revoked, and they were asked to vacate on or before April 30, 2025,” Effiong stated.
According to him, investigations showed that some senior staff collected between ₦80,000 and ₦350,000 yearly from non-staff tenants while paying the university far less. He described the practice as “unethical and embarrassing,” noting that some unauthorized occupants also posed security threats.
Effiong added that the reclaimed Boys’ Quarters (BQs) would now be reallocated to junior staff through the university’s housing department to ensure transparency and fair rent deductions.
“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 has sparked protests among affected staff, some of whom accused the university management of high-handedness and disregard for due process.
One displaced lecturer, who requested anonymity, alleged that security personnel broke into apartments and threw out belongings, including those of staff on sabbatical or official assignment.
“If I pay for the main house, I should have the right to use the BQ for dependents or house-helps. Some colleagues returned to find their doors broken and their items dumped outside,” the lecturer said.
Another academic, Dr. Jacob Emmanuel, described the action 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 carefully 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.
