UNICAL convocation lecture to focus on national security — VC

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has announced that its 38th convocation lecture will address the pressing issue of national security, with Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, Ph.D., billed as the keynote speaker.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing to herald the institution’s 38th convocation ceremony.

According to him, the lecture, scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, will centre on the theme: “Redefining National Security in an Era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary Institutions.”

Offiong described the topic as timely and relevant, given the prevailing security challenges facing the country, noting that the lecture is expected to generate practical insights on the role universities can play in addressing insecurity.

He added that the convocation lecture, to be held at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, has over the years remained a key intellectual highlight of the university’s convocation activities.

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The Vice Chancellor said the choice of Major General Wahab (Rtd) reflects the institution’s commitment to bringing experienced and knowledgeable voices to engage critical national issues.

Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab (Rtd) is a retired senior Nigerian Army officer, renowned as the former Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC).

Offiong also disclosed that UNICAL will graduate a total of 10,820 students at its 38th convocation ceremony, with 52 students emerging with First Class honours.

A breakdown of the graduating students shows that 9,173 will receive first degrees, 152 diplomas, while 1,495 are postgraduate students. Out of the 9,173 first-degree graduands, 52 made First Class, 2,390 earned Second Class Upper division, 5,819 obtained Second Class Lower division, 666 graduated with Third Class, and 246 finished with Pass degrees.

The Vice Chancellor added that 463 Ph.D. graduands will also be awarded degrees on April 11, alongside honorary degrees and the launch of the university’s endowment fund.

He called on stakeholders, including members of the academic community and the public, to participate actively in the lecture and other scheduled activities.