The management of the University of Calabar has evicted some employees from its quarters to accommodate junior staff and curb unethical practices. The university’s spokesperson, Eyo Effiong, disclosed this to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday.
Mr Effiong said the university’s governing council directed some staff to vacate the boys’ quarters after evidence showed that they sublet the apartments to students and locals.
“Letters were issued notifying them that the ownership of the quarters had been revoked, and occupants were asked to vacate on or before April 30, 2025,” he said.
Investigations revealed that the staff collected between ₦80,000 and ₦350,000 yearly from students and locals while paying the university a lesser amount, according to the spokesman.
He described the practice as unethical and embarrassing to the university, adding that the institution also discovered security threats linked to some of the occupants.
According to him, the reclaimed apartments will be reallocated directly to junior staff through the university’s housing department to ensure accountability and proper rent deductions.
“This policy affects all senior staff who misuse the facility, not just professors; and those with genuine grievances can approach the Governing Council, which approved the decision,” he stated.
However, following the forceful eviction of occupants from the BQs, some senior staff accused the university management of abuse of power.
An employee, Jacob Emmanuel, described the eviction as high-handed and demeaning to senior members of the academic community.
“Is the management saying our house-helps should now sleep in our bedrooms because the BQs have been seized?” said Mr Emmanuel.
He warned that the situation could lead to a breakdown of law and order if not properly handled.
(NAN)