Lecturer at UNICAL Suspended for Altering Student Scores

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended Dr. Joseph Akpan, Head of the Pharmacology Department, following allegations of manipulating exam results. The incident involves the ‘Introduction to General Antimicrobial Pharmacology’ course (PHM 311), where Akpan is accused of altering scores on 235 out of 242 exam scripts, including awarding marks to two students who did not participate in the examination.

Prof. Florence Obi, Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, confirmed the suspension, expressing concern over the misconduct. She revealed that only five scripts were untouched, while the rest were tampered with. Prof. Obi added that Akpan admitted to the misconduct before the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC), citing an attempt to “protect the department’s image”—an explanation the university found unacceptable.

As part of the university’s disciplinary measures, Akpan has been removed from his roles as Head of Department and Coordinator of PHM 311, effective October 8, 2024. He has also been instructed to stay off-campus except for official inquiries related to the investigation. UNICAL assures that his duties will be reassigned to ensure academic activities continue smoothly.