Deborah Hundenu
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended the Head of its Pharmacology Department, Dr. Joseph Akpan, following allegations of tampering with examination results.
Dr. Akpan is accused of manipulating the scores for the course Introduction to General Antimicrobial Pharmacology (PHM 311), involving 235 out of 242 exam scripts.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof. Florence Obi, confirmed the suspension and detailed the extent of the misconduct, which she described as alarming.
Prof. Obi explained that the alteration was so widespread that only five scripts remained untouched.
“The remaining scripts were allegedly tampered with, including awarding marks to two students who did not sit the examination,” she revealed during a press briefing.
The alleged malpractice was brought to light during an investigation by the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC). Dr. Akpan, during the investigation, reportedly admitted to the act.
However, his justification for the tampering, which he claimed was to “protect the department’s image,” was met with strong disapproval by the university’s administration.
Prof. Obi described his reason as “both ridiculous and unacceptable,” emphasizing that such behaviour undermines the integrity of the institution and sets a dangerous precedent.
Consequently, the university has taken swift action to address the situation.
“The university has decided to relieve Akpan of his roles as HOD and Coordinator of PHM 311, effective October 8, 2024,” Prof. Obi announced, underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the university’s zero-tolerance policy on academic misconduct.
In addition to his suspension, Dr. Akpan has been directed to stay away from the university premises, except when required to respond to official inquiries from university committees.
This step is seen as part of UNICAL’s broader efforts to maintain discipline and restore public confidence in the institution’s academic processes.
Prof. Obi also reassured the academic community that Dr. Akpan’s duties would be reassigned to other qualified faculty members.
She emphasised that the continuity of academic activities within the Pharmacology Department remains a priority, and students will not be adversely affected by the leadership change.
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