The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has taken a decisive step in maintaining academic integrity by relieving Dr. Joseph Akpan, the Head of the Department (HOD) of Pharmacology, of his duties. Dr. Akpan faces serious allegations of gross misconduct related to the grading and manipulation of student examination scripts.
According to an internal investigation, Dr. Akpan was found guilty of marking a total of 242 scripts for the PHM 311 course, a key subject in the university’s Pharmacology department. However, the investigation uncovered that out of the 242 scripts he assessed, Dr. Akpan tampered with the marks of 235 students. These alterations included inflating or reducing grades without justification, thereby compromising the fairness and accuracy of the examination process.
In an even more shocking revelation, it was discovered that Dr. Akpan allocated grades to two students who did not sit for the PHM 311 examination at all. The fraudulent inclusion of these two students in the grading process raised significant concerns about the integrity of the examination system within the department.
The university’s administration, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi, took swift action following the findings of the investigation, which was carried out by the institution’s Examination Malpractice and Ethics Committee. In a statement, the university emphasized its zero tolerance for any form of academic dishonesty and vowed to uphold high standards of academic integrity.
An official from the university stated, “The actions of Dr. Joseph Akpan have not only undermined the credibility of our institution but have also violated the trust placed in him as a leader and educator. Such misconduct cannot be tolerated, especially in a field as critical as Pharmacology, where the future of healthcare professionals is shaped.”
The removal of Dr. Akpan from his position as HOD sends a strong message to other faculty members and students alike that unethical behavior will not be condoned. The university is currently reviewing further disciplinary measures against him, which could include suspension or dismissal, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
This incident has sparked widespread debate within the university community, with many students and faculty members calling for more stringent measures to ensure transparency in the grading process. Some have even suggested the introduction of independent oversight committees to monitor the conduct of lecturers during examinations.
The university has also promised to review the scripts of all affected students to ensure that their grades reflect their actual performance, and to provide any necessary remediation to those who have been unfairly disadvantaged by the malpractice.
UNICAL’s decisive action to remove Dr. Akpan highlights the importance of maintaining trust in the academic process and serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of compromising academic standards for personal gain.
source: Agba Jalingo
