UNICAL Convocation 2026 Schedule and Gown Fees

The University of Calabar, Calabar, has announced its 38th convocation ceremony for graduands and the general public. The programme will run across seven days, from Thursday, 2 April 2026 to Sunday, 12 April 2026.

The schedule covers the press conference, service, research fair, convocation lecture, command performance, award ceremonies, gala night, thanksgiving service, and instructions for graduands. The dates are already Fixed; graduands can now track each event with ease.

Full UNICAL convocation schedule for 2026

Thursday, 2 April 2026

The Vice Chancellor’s press conference will hold at the Council Chamber, University of Calabar, Calabar, by 10:00 am.

Tuesday, 7 April 2026

The inter-denominational service will hold at the Senator Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre, University of Calabar, Calabar, by 10:00 am.

The research fair and exhibition will follow at the Hogan Bassey Parking Lot, University of Calabar, Calabar, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm.

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

The meeting of convocation will hold at the Senator Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre, University of Calabar, Calabar, by 10:00 am.

Thursday, 9 April 2026

The convocation lecture will hold by 12:00 noon at the Senator Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre, University of Calabar, Calabar.

The convocation lecturer is Major General Garba Ayoedji Wahab, PhD. The topic is “Redefining National Security in an Era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary Institutions”.

Later that day, the command performance will hold at the Chinua Achebe Arts Theatre, University of Calabar, Calabar, by 6:00 pm.

Friday, 10 April 2026

The award of diplomas, first degrees and Masters, with induction into UNICAL Alumni, will hold at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, University of Calabar, Calabar, by 10:00 am.

The gala night for all PhD graduands and their supervisors will hold at the Hall of Fame, University of Calabar, Calabar, by 7:00 pm.

Saturday, 11 April 2026

The award of postgraduate and honorary degrees, conferment of Professor Emeritus, launching of endowment fund, and induction into UNICAL Alumni will hold at the Senator Godswill Akpabio Conference Centre, University of Calabar, Calabar, by 10:00 am.

Sunday, 12 April 2026

The thanksgiving service will hold at St. Paul Catholic Church, University of Calabar, Calabar, by 10:00 am.

Academic gowns and return date

Academic gowns are to be collected from Faculty Officers on presentation of evidence of payment for the gown.

Any gown not returned by Monday, 13 April 2026 will attract a fine of N1,000 per day. That deadline is Clear enough; graduands who hire gowns will need to keep it in view.

Fees for Postgraduate School graduands

The notice lists these charges for Postgraduate School graduands:

• PhD gown, outright purchase: N105,000 each
• Masters gown, outright purchase: N100,000 each
• Masters or PGD gown, hiring: N25,000 each
• Scroll: N7,000 each
• PhD dinner: N200,000
• Endowment fund for PhD: N90,000
• Endowment fund for Masters: N50,000

The University also states that all academic gowns hired from the Graduate School must be returned within seven days from the date of convocation. Defaulters will be surcharged as appropriate.

Invitation cards for parents and guardians

Each PhD or Masters graduand will be issued one invitation card through the Faculty Officers. That card is for one guest.

Procession rules for graduands

The convocation procession will follow the Kefi Protocol for the conduct of convocation.

Graduands are expected to robe and join the procession in their various Faculties. Any graduand who does not robe will not be allowed into the convocation ground.

The notice also states that photographs will not be allowed at the procession. All photographs will be taken after the convocation.

Prizes, awards and alumni registration

Prizes and awards will be announced and presented to winners at the convocation.

Graduands are also expected to complete alumni membership registration forms through their Faculty Officers and pay the membership registration fee.

Official UNICAL website

For more details, the University directed the public to the University of Calabar website.

What graduands should note

The main ceremony dates sit on Friday, 10 April 2026 and Saturday, 11 April 2026; those are the Big days for degrees and honours. Gown collection, procession rules, invitation cards, alumni registration, and return deadlines all sit inside the same notice, so graduands have enough to prepare early.

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This post is authored by Olusegun Fapohunda, the founder and editor of MySchoolGist.

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