UNICAL Launches 2026 Student Week with Colourful Ceremony at Akpabio Conference Centre

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) officially kicked off its 2026 Student Week on Thursday with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre.

The week-long event is designed to celebrate student creativity, legacy, and unity, offering a platform for engagement, talent showcase, and campus camaraderie.

The ceremony began with an opening prayer, setting a reflective yet celebratory tone, followed by a warm welcome from Hon. Bernice Ekong, Vice President of the Students' Union Government (SUG), who encouraged full participation and enthusiasm. The Master of Ceremonies then presented an overview of the activities scheduled for the week, raising anticipation among students and guests.

Students quickly took center stage with a series of dynamic performances, including pageantry, energetic dances, poetry recitations, and musical displays. The performances drew enthusiastic applause, highlighting the creativity, skill, and vibrant spirit of UNICAL’s student body.

Intellectual engagement featured prominently, with inspiring lectures from notable alumni and dignitaries. Hon. Tyron Bassey, former SUG President, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on leadership, legacy, and student empowerment. This was followed by remarks from Dr. Abassey Offiong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Student Affairs, who commended the organizing committee for their dedication and encouraged students to maintain discipline while fully participating in the week’s events.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks and closing prayer, leaving attendees energized and eager for the rest of the activities.

This year’s Student Week, running through a compact schedule, promises a mix of competitions, cultural showcases, and interactive sessions, all conducted in a lecture-free environment approved by university management to allow maximum participation.

The successful opening has set a promising tone for a week “inspired by legacy,” reinforcing unity, school pride, and student engagement across the UNICAL community.