The university started its second semester examination on October 16, 2023 and the GSS paper was the last examination to be taken.

In what will come across as a really startling development, as many as 20 Nigerian students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have been reportedly hospitalized.

They were hospitalsed at the university’s teaching hospital following a stampede at an examination hall on the campus.

According to various reports though not yet confirmed by the school authorities, the stampede happened on Saturday when the new students were rushing to secure a sit from available spaces to write the General Studies and Communication Skills (GSS) examination.

Sources who witnessed the incident said the GSS examination which was for the 100-level students from all the faculties of the university was supposed to be taken on Friday but due to some exigencies, the paper was moved to Saturday (today).

The examination, one of the sources said, was meant to be taken in batches, but in an attempt by some students to secure space and be among first to sit for the examination, the rush led to the unfortunate incident. 

The university started its second semester examination on October 16, 2023 and the GSS paper was the last examination to be taken.

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters’ efforts to speak with the university management were unsuccessful as the public relations officer of the university could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.