The University of Calabar has disowned an illegal distance learning centre operating in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and fraudulently using the institution's name and logo to deceive members of the public.

A circular issued by the Registrar, Dr Chukwuka I. Icha, identified the centre as Bori Business School, located at the NUJ Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, where it allegedly advertises Diploma, B.Sc., B.A., PGD and Ph.D. programmes purportedly affiliated with the University of Calabar.

Icha stated that Bori Business School has no affiliation with the University of Calabar and has never had any form of association with the institution. The circular further recalled that the university discontinued all satellite campus operations in 2003 following a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education through the National Universities Commission, which prohibited universities from running such centres.

"The University has no satellite campus, coordinator or agent authorised to admit students or operate academic programmes on its behalf anywhere outside its approved campuses," the Registrar stated.

Management warned that any person dealing with the Port Harcourt centre did so entirely at their own risk, adding that the institution completely dissociates itself from the activities of the illegal centre.

The university called on the Rivers State Ministry of Education to investigate Bori Business School and ensure its closure for unlawfully impersonating the institution and bringing its reputation into disrepute.

Management advised prospective students and parents to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to individuals or groups falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the University of Calabar. The public was further urged to verify all information relating to admissions and academic programmes exclusively through the university's official channels.