Security personnel at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have evicted several lecturers and senior staff from their campus residences, prompting accusations of abuse of power.
One affected staff member, who requested anonymity, said security officers forcibly broke into the Boys’ Quarters, removing belongings of staff who were away on sabbatical or official duties.
“Some colleagues returned to find their doors broken and personal items thrown outside. This is not acceptable in a university environment,” he said. Another staff member, Dr Benard, described the eviction as “high-handed and demeaning,” noting that the quarters were initially meant for domestic staff and dependents of senior employees.
The university management defended the move, saying it followed due process and aimed to address accommodation shortages for junior staff while preventing misuse of the residences. UNICAL’s Head of Public Relations, Mr Eyo Effiong, said some senior staff had rented the quarters to students and outsiders, collecting sums ranging from N80,000 to N350,000.
“The Governing Council directed that all staff vacate the Boys’ Quarters. Letters were issued notifying occupants to leave by April 30, 2025,” Effiong said. The decision has sparked criticism and raised concerns over potential unrest on campus.
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