Tension is mounting at the University of Calabar (UniCal) following the eviction of some senior staff from the institution’s residential quarters, a move the management says is aimed at accommodating junior workers and curbing unethical housing practices.

The university’s spokesperson, Mr. Eyo Effiong, confirmed the development while briefing journalists in Calabar on Tuesday. According to him, the governing council directed certain staff to vacate the Boys’ Quarters (BQs) after investigations revealed that some of them had rented the facilities to students and outsiders for personal gain.

“Letters were issued notifying them that the ownership of the quarters had been revoked, and occupants were asked to vacate on or before April 30, 2025,” Effiong explained.

He alleged that some staff were collecting between ₦80,000 and ₦350,000 yearly from non-staff tenants while paying the university much less, describing the practice as unethical and damaging to the institution’s reputation.

Effiong further stated that the reclaimed apartments would be reallocated to junior staff through the university’s housing department to ensure fairness, accountability, and proper rent deductions. “This policy affects all senior staff who misused the facility, not just professors. Those with genuine grievances can approach the Governing Council, which approved the decision,” he said.

However, the eviction exercise has sparked outrage among some affected staff, who accused the university management of abuse of power and high-handedness.

One affected staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that security operatives and technical staff broke into some quarters, throwing out personal belongings of occupants - including those away on sabbatical or official duties.

“If I’m paying for the main house, I should have the right to use the BQ for my dependents or domestic workers,” the staff member lamented. “Some colleagues returned to meet their doors broken and items thrown outside. This is not acceptable in a university environment.”

Another senior lecturer, Mr. Jacob Emmanuel, criticized the eviction as “demeaning and inconsiderate,” warning that such actions could trigger unrest within the academic community. “Is the management saying our house-helps should now sleep in our bedrooms because the BQs have been seized?” he asked.

As the controversy deepens, calls are growing for the university management to adopt dialogue and due process in resolving the crisis.