Calabar —A controversial memo allegedly issued by the Registrar of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), directing all graduating students to obtain and resubmit their academic transcripts for verification, has sparked outrage among students, alumni, and the general public. The memo, dated June 15, 2025, went viral on social media on Tuesday and provoked a wave of condemnation over what many described as “extortionist” and “illogical.”
However, the University of Calabar Management has since distanced itself from the document, labeling it “fake, misleading, and aimed at tarnishing the institution’s image.”
In a formal disclaimer released by the Public Relations Unit of the University, management described the memo as the handiwork of “masked mischief makers” and urged the public to disregard the information. The statement affirmed that UNICAL has a structured system for engaging students on academic matters and would not require graduates to procure transcripts only to return them to the issuing authority.
Despite the university’s rebuttal, the backlash continues. Several stakeholders took to social media to express anger and disbelief over the alleged policy.
“How on earth do you obtain a document from the keeper for a fee and in turn return it to the keeper? Who does that?” queried Obasesam Stephen Okoi, a social media user.
Legal practitioner Usani Odum Usani called the development “fraudulent and self-indicting,” arguing that it highlights the university’s exploitative tendencies.
“This is thievery. Madam VC, stop the extortion already,” he wrote in a public post addressed to Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi.
Another critic, Peter Eboch Ibe, described the move as “pure extortion and Yahoo Yahoo taken too far.”
Beyond financial concerns, some expressed worry over the psychological toll UNICAL’s policies are having on students.
“My son told me just yesterday that UNICAL is giving him a mental breakdown… The stress is too much,” lamented Ud Ofem, a parent.
Others accused the institution of creating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and revenue-generation schemes that burden already overstretched students and their families.
“It’s a cash-out strategy. You want students to pay for transcripts, just so they can submit it back to you. That’s criminal,” said Mike Oyi Adoga.
Not everyone dismissed the idea outright. Tony Adah, in a comment, suggested the policy—if it were real—might be aimed at curbing forgery and backdoor clearances.
“Those that forged transcripts won’t be able to comply. Maybe this is one way to sanitize the system,” he said.
Nonetheless, the dominant sentiment remains one of disbelief and frustration.
The incident has renewed calls for reform in Nigeria’s higher education system, particularly in how institutions handle student records, charges, and communication. Stakeholders are urging universities to prioritize transparency, accountability, and digital modernization of administrative processes to reduce the burden on students.
While UNICAL has now declared the controversial memo a hoax, critics say the very believability of such a policy reflects a broader credibility problem facing the institution.
“It’s a shame that our institutions have become extortion grounds with high-handed criminals disguised as leaders,” said Charity Wilfred Ohotu.
As of press time, no arrests have been made over the alleged forgery of the memo, and the University has yet to announce any internal investigation into how the document surfaced and gained traction online.
