Issues Arising At College of Nursing Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) Moore Road Over Alleged Petition

Petition Over Alleged Malpractices And Administrative Irregularities in College of Nursing Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar

We, the aggrieved students of the College of Nursing Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, located along Moore Road, Calabar, write to formally express our deep concerns and grievances regarding ongoing unethical practices within the institution.

The nursing profession is one that deals directly with human life. It demands the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and competence. Unfortunately, it is disheartening to observe that some individuals entrusted with training future nurses are allegedly compromising these values.

 

1. Examination Malpractice and Favoritism

Upon admission, students are clearly informed that examination malpractice is strictly prohibited and not tolerated at any level. The examination system is structured to prevent communication among students, emphasizing discipline and accountability.

However, there are strong allegations that certain senior staff members, including the Deputy Provost (Academics), Mrs. Funmi Syianbade, and the Examination Officer, Mrs. Nene Antia, are involved in:

* Granting undue admission privileges to preferred candidates.
* Assisting certain students to remain in school despite repeated academic failures.
* Allegedly leaking examination questions to favored students.

There are also claims that specific students are allowed to sit together during exams, contrary to standard rules, enabling communication and unfair advantage.

 

2. Unequal Enforcement of Examination Rules

The institution has designated a specific area (popularly known as “OSCE Arena”) for students caught in malpractice to write exams under strict supervision. However, there are reported cases where:

* Students caught in malpractice were relocated to more favorable environments instead of being sanctioned appropriately.
* Some students received preferential treatment, while others faced strict disciplinary actions.

3. Attendance Policy Violations

According to institutional and Nursing Council regulations, students who do not meet the required attendance are not permitted to sit for examinations.

However:

* Some students who failed to meet attendance requirements were initially barred but later granted supplementary examinations after petitions.
* These supplementary exams were reportedly easier, with fewer questions compared to the original exams.

This raises serious concerns about fairness, consistency, and integrity in academic assessment.

4. Allegations of Administrative Bias and Influence

We are concerned about the involvement of key administrative figures, including:

* The Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Pastor. Dr. Innocent Abang
* The Deputy CMAC (Research & Training), Dr. Felix Archibong

These individuals allegedly intervened to ensure that certain students were allowed to write exams despite not meeting requirements.

This selective enforcement of rules undermines discipline and creates inequality among students who diligently meet all academic obligations.

 

5. Intimidation and Lack of Accountability

There are reports of:

* Students allegedly insulting lecturers without consequences due to connections with senior staff.
* Lecturers being intimidated or warned against taking disciplinary action.
* Selective targeting of certain lecturers, particularly non-nursing staff ( Dr. Etta & Mr Adeniran), while others involved in alleged misconduct are not investigated (Mrs. Mary Awatt, Mrs. Uche Egbe).

 

6. Impact on Professional Standards

These practices, pose a serious threat to the integrity of the nursing profession. Graduating incompetent nurses due to favoritism and malpractice endangers lives and undermines public trust in healthcare services.

 

7. Call for Investigation and Action

We respectfully call on:

* The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
* The Management of UCTH
* Relevant oversight bodies

to urgently investigate these allegations and ensure:

* Transparency in examination processes
* Equal enforcement of rules
* Accountability for all staff and students involved
* Protection of students who speak out

 

Conclusion

We emphasize that this petition is not driven by malice but by a genuine concern for fairness, justice, and the future of the nursing profession. A system that rewards misconduct and punishes diligence cannot produce competent healthcare professionals.

We trust that this matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves.

Thank you.

 

*NOTE* : The above Write up was not done by Calabargist correspondents