The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has distanced itself from what it describes as an unauthorised Distance Learning Centre operating in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which is allegedly using the university’s name and logo to mislead members of the public.
The University, in a circular signed by its Registrar, Chukwuka Icha, said the centre, known as Bori Business School, operates from the NUJ Press Centre on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the institution, the centre has been advertising academic programmes including Diploma, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programmes, despite having no affiliation with UNICAL.
The Registrar stated that Bori Business School has never been affiliated with the University of Calabar in any capacity.
She further explained that the university stopped operating satellite campuses in 2003 following a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education through the National Universities Commission (NUC), which prohibited such arrangements.
The University therefore clarified that it does not operate any satellite campus outside its approved locations and has no authorised coordinator, agent or representative empowered to admit students or run academic programmes on its behalf elsewhere.
Management urged members of the public to exercise caution and disregard individuals or organisations claiming to represent UNICAL without official authorisation.
The University also called on the Rivers State Ministry of Education to investigate the activities of Bori Business School and take appropriate steps to shut down the centre for allegedly using the university’s identity without authorisation and damaging its reputation.
UNICAL advised prospective students and the general public to verify information concerning its admissions and academic programmes through the institution’s official communication channels to avoid falling victim to fraud.