Introduction

The University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa, has addressed concerns regarding the delay in issuing certificates to graduates of its affiliate degree programmes. This clarification aims to provide context and reassurance to stakeholders amidst reports of a planned protest by affected graduates.

Background

Before transitioning to UEE, the institution operated as the Cross River State College of Education, Akamkpa, offering degree programmes through an affiliation arrangement with the University of Calabar (UNICAL). Under this arrangement, the College handled academic activities, while UNICAL retained responsibility for results, approvals, and certificate issuance. Although the affiliation is being wound down, UNICAL remains responsible for issuing certificates to graduates admitted under the affiliation.

Planned Protest

The University has noted reports of a planned protest by some graduates over the delay in certificate issuance, which is required for the forthcoming National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization exercise. Management understands the anxiety and concerns of the affected graduates but seeks to correct misconceptions and reassure stakeholders that UEE has fulfilled its obligations and is working towards a speedy resolution.

Certificate Issuance

UEE has forwarded academic results and records of qualified affiliate graduates to UNICAL within the stipulated timeframe for processing and issuance of certificates. The University does not possess the statutory mandate or administrative authority to produce or issue certificates on behalf of UNICAL. This position has been consistently communicated to the affected graduates through official channels.

Statement by the University Registrar

Amb. Gabriel O. Egbe, Ph.D., University Registrar, reaffirmed that UEE has fulfilled its responsibility by forwarding academic results to UNICAL for processing and issuance of certificates. The Registrar clarified that the statutory responsibility for issuing certificates rests solely with UNICAL, the affiliating institution. Through official memoranda and approved communication channels, the University has informed affected graduates of the status of the matter while maintaining engagement with UNICAL towards securing the release of outstanding certificates.

Systemic Challenge

The delay in certificate issuance is not peculiar to UEE graduates. Graduates from other institutions affiliated with UNICAL, as well as some UNICAL graduates, are also awaiting certificate issuance. This demonstrates that the challenge is systemic and should not be misconstrued as an issue affecting only UEE's affiliate programmes.

Resolution Efforts

Despite not being directly responsible for certificate production, UEE's Management has remained proactive and committed to achieving a timely resolution. The University has maintained continuous engagement with UNICAL authorities and received assurances that all outstanding certificates will be processed and released before the next NYSC mobilization portal opens.

• The University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE) has fulfilled its obligations under the affiliation arrangement.
• The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is responsible for issuing certificates to graduates admitted under the affiliation.
• UEE has forwarded academic results to UNICAL for processing and issuance of certificates.
• The delay in certificate issuance is a systemic challenge affecting multiple institutions.
• UEE's Management is committed to achieving a timely resolution and has maintained engagement with UNICAL authorities.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar has taken a significant step towards resolving issues related to affiliate programs by convening a round-table meeting with the heads of all affiliated institutions.

This meeting aims to address the challenges faced by affiliate students, strengthen collaboration among institutions, and develop lasting solutions to the administration of affiliate programs, particularly the timely processing and issuance of certificates.

Given the progress made so far, the ongoing engagements with the University of Calabar, and the regular updates provided to affected graduates, it appears there is no justification for the planned protest. If there are other grievances, they have not been formally communicated to the University Management through established channels.

• The University Management encourages all affected graduates to use the appropriate channels for dialogue and peaceful resolution of legitimate concerns.
• The Management operates an open-door policy and is willing to engage with stakeholders in the best interest of graduates and the institution.

The University of Calabar remains committed to resolving issues and appeals for calm amid the planned protest.