UNICAL Begins Major Crackdown on Misconducts, Suspends Dr. Joseph Idung

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended another lecturer, Dr. Joseph Idung, from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, amidst ongoing disciplinary actions within the institution.

According to a suspension letter issued by Registrar Gabriel Egbe, Dr. Idung is facing suspension for failing to return funds collected from students intended for their induction into the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT). This decision is part of a broader crackdown on misconduct at the university.

The timing of Dr. Idung's suspension comes just days after the Acting Head of the Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Joseph Akpan, was suspended and subsequently dismissed. Dr. Akpan's dismissal followed revelations of his involvement in altering examination scores for the course PHM 311 (Introduction to General Antimicrobial Pharmacology), as detailed by the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).

The administration expressed disappointment over Dr. Idung's alleged refusal to refund the collected money. In the suspension letter, it was noted that Vice-Chancellor Professor Florence Obi has mandated his suspension from all university duties to facilitate an investigation by the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU).

As part of the suspension, Dr. Idung is required to return all university property in his possession to the Head of the Department and is advised to refrain from accessing the campus unless summoned by the ACTU. Furthermore, the Bursar has been instructed to place Dr. Idung on half salary for the duration of the suspension.