The management of the University of Calabar , UNICAL, has evicted several senior staff members from their official quarters after uncovering evidence that some of them had sublet the apartments to students and local residents for personal gain. The decision, according to the university, aims to curb unethical housing practices and ensure that accommodation is used solely for official purposes.
The institution’s spokesperson, Eyo Effiong, confirmed the development in a statement to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday. He disclosed that the university’s governing council had issued a directive mandating the eviction of the affected staff following findings from an internal investigation.
“Letters were issued notifying them that the ownership of the quarters had been revoked, and occupants were asked to vacate on or before April 30, 2026,” Effiong said.
“This action follows the discovery that some staff had sublet the university’s property to students and locals, collecting between ₦80,000 and ₦350,000 annually while remitting a lower amount to the university.”
The spokesman described the act as unethical and a breach of the institution’s housing policy, adding that it not only undermined the integrity of the university but also posed security risks. He said the management discovered that some of the unauthorized occupants included non-staff members whose presence raised safety concerns on campus.
According to Effiong, the reclaimed apartments will now be reallocated to junior staff through the university’s housing department. This, he said, will promote fairness, accountability, and ensure that rent deductions are made transparently through the appropriate administrative channels.
“This policy affects all senior staff who misuse the facility, not just professors,” Effiong noted. “Those with genuine grievances can approach the Governing Council, which approved the decision after careful deliberation.”
He further emphasized that the university’s housing scheme was designed to support staff welfare, not to generate private income. By reallocating the quarters to junior staff, the management hopes to reduce housing challenges among lower-level employees who often struggle to secure accommodation within Calabar’s high-cost residential areas.
However, the decision has sparked controversy within the university community, with some affected staff members accusing the management of high-handedness and abuse of power. They allege that the eviction exercise was carried out without sufficient notice or consideration for due process.
One of the affected staff, who requested anonymity, alleged that security personnel and members of the Security and Technical (SAT) Services Department forcibly broke into some quarters, throwing out personal belongings of occupants, including those who were away on sabbatical or official duties.
“If I’m paying for the main house, I should have the right to use the boys’ quarters for my dependents, house-helps, or relations,” the staff member said. “Some of our colleagues returned to meet their doors broken and personal items thrown outside. This is not acceptable in a university environment.”
Another staff member, identified as Jacob Emmanuel, described the eviction as demeaning to senior members of the academic community. He expressed concern that the decision could damage staff morale and lead to unrest if not properly managed.
“Is the management saying our house-helps should now sleep in our bedrooms because the boys’ quarters have been seized?” Emmanuel asked. “This is a high-handed approach that undermines the dignity of senior staff. If not handled carefully, this situation could lead to a breakdown of law and order.”
Despite the backlash, the university insists that its actions are consistent with regulations governing staff accommodation and were taken in the best interest of the institution. The administration maintains that the move aligns with its broader reform agenda aimed at promoting transparency, fairness, and adherence to ethical standards.
Education observers have noted that the situation underscores the need for Nigerian universities to strengthen their internal governance structures, particularly in areas of staff welfare and resource management. Housing remains a major challenge in many public universities, where limited on-campus accommodation often forces staff and students into informal arrangements.
The University of Calabar, one of Nigeria’s oldest federal universities, has in recent years implemented several reforms targeting efficiency and accountability in its operations. The latest eviction exercise, though controversial, reflects the institution’s effort to reclaim control over its housing assets and ensure they are used appropriately.
As the affected staff weigh their options, the university’s governing council is expected to review appeals from those seeking reconsideration. Meanwhile, the management says it will continue to prioritize transparency and discipline in line with its vision of maintaining a responsible and ethical academic community.
