Open defecation has become a trending practice at the University of Calabar, prompting a formal partnership with UNICEF to tackle what university officials describe as a growing health threat to students and the campus environment.

A campus wide rally held in Calabar on Monday marked the first phase of UNICEF's Clean Campus Programme, a student driven initiative now running across 11 Nigerian universities, with UniCal selected on the strength of an existing three year partnership with the UN agency covering projects from the Unilever Campus Programme to the Yoma Programme.

Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Offiong Mensah, who addressed students during the rally, acknowledged that inadequate toilet facilities and habits carried from home had both contributed to the problem. "It affects the health of students and the environment they live in. The university does not find this a healthy practice. That is why we want to raise awareness and let them know the dangers," he stated.

Professor Mensah confirmed that the current vice chancellor had already directed the repair and replacement of toilet facilities across campus, with the Director of Works instructed to evacuate filled septic tanks and unblock non functional toilets. "The university is putting every effort in place to ensure toilets are accessible and open defecation is put to an end," he added.

UNICEF Young People Action Team member, Mr Dumbari Life, revealed that the campaign would move beyond sensitisation into a structured student challenge. "We will evaluate how many toilets are available and functioning, and how many UNICEF can support, so students don't have to go to the bush or defecate in the lawn," he disclosed, stressing that the goal was to make UniCal clean, safe, and healthy for learning.

Business Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Professor Markson Aniedi Abasi, urged students to take personal responsibility. "With this advocacy, students should be able to use the toilet and clean it properly. Management has done a lot to make hostels comfortable and toilets available," he stated, calling on them to serve as ambassadors of the campaign across hostels and lecture areas.

The Students' Union Government President, Emmanuel Obo, acknowledged the scale of the problem but expressed confidence that the campaign would deliver lasting change at the institution.