The University of Calabar (UniCal) has suspended one of its lecturers, Joseph Akpan, for allegedly altering examination result scripts using his privileged position as Head of Department (HOD) of Pharmacology.
Naijaonpoint learnt that the institution’s Vice-Chancellor (V-C), Prof. Florence Obi, disclosed on Wednesday in Calabar that Akpa allegedly altered students’ scores in the Introduction to General Antimicrobial Pharmacology (PHM 311) course results.
Florence claimed the HOD altered the scores in 235 result scripts out of the 242 result scripts entrusted in his care, adding that only five scripts were genuinely marked without alteration.
The V-C also noted that Akpan had admitted to the alleged misconduct before the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).
According to her, the lecturer allegedly admitted that he inflated the scores of students in PHM 311 to protect the department’s image, which management finds ridiculous and unacceptable.
She added, “The lecturer also (allegedly) gave out marks to two students, who did not participate in the examinations.
“Consequently, the management of the University has directed that he should be relieved of his appointment as HOD and Coordinator of PHM 311, as well as suspended from duty with effect from Oct. 8, 2024.
“Akpan’s official responsibilities are to be reassigned to other qualified lecturers in the department.
“He has also been directed to stay away from the university forthwith unless while responding to the invitation of relevant committees.”