by UNICAL Press Corps
His Royal Majesty, Etinyin Dr Etim Okon-Edet, Chairman of Cross River Traditional Rulers Council has assured the 13th University of Calabar Governing Council of utmost co-operation and support.
Dr Okon-Edet, who is also the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi Local Government Area, gave the assurance when the University Governing Council led by its Chairman, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (rtd) paid a courtesy call on him in his residence on Wednesday in Calabar.
The paramount ruler said he would foster a strong and symbiotic relationship with the new council that would translate to success in all ramifications.
“The University of Calabar belongs to us, so we need to assist it grow from strength to strength and mediate where necessary to resolve lingering crisis.
“I will work with the new governing council to ensure they deliver on their mandate,” he said.
Okon-Edet commended the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Banku Obi for her uncommon developmental strides within the eight months she assumed office as VC of the institution.
He also acknowledged the Quality Assurance policy introduced by Obi to improve the teaching and learning standard of the university.
He charged the council and the university management to always give priority attention to staff welfare.
The Royal Father urged them to provide a good and enabling environment for the development of the university.
Earlier, the council chairman said that the visit to the royal father was to seek for his fatherly advice, blessings and utmost cooperation.
Luther-Agwai said the visit was also to get acquainted with the norms, ethnic values and customs of the land, which according to him would help the council to succeed.
He appealed to the paramount ruler to use his good office to resolve lingering issues between the university and its host communities in the area of land encroachment.
“The effect of insecurity and land encroachment is detrimental to the institution and the society at large; we need your help in this regard,” he said.
