Category: Education

  • UNICAL Awards Ayade’s Chief Of Staff, Martins Orim For His Contribution To Education

    UNICAL Awards Ayade’s Chief Of Staff, Martins Orim For His Contribution To Education

     

    The Faculty of Education of the University of Calabar on Tuesday recognized the contributions of the Chief of Staff to Governor Ben Ayade, Hon Martins Orim towards educational development.

    Alongside Orim, were the current Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Florence Obi and the immediate past provost of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, Professor James Ejue.

    The trio all passed through the faculty at different times, the Faculty’s management said.

    The faculty management maintained that these trio will be the last set of awardees from the Faculty of Education as it has been split into three new Faculties – the Faculties of Vocational and Science Education, Art and Social Science Education as well as Educational Foundation Studies.

    Reacting to the award, Mr. Orim said he did not expect the award and pledged to continue to work hard in ensuring quality education.

    Orim described the award as “the best award” he has ever received, explained that; “the University community is a very busy community and I thought that they will not have the time to know the little things we do out there in the society. But, I am surprised that the little things I do are being noticed by the University community.”

    The event also witnessed the induction of 137 graduates from the old Faculty of Education as professional teachers by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.

    Hon. Martins Orim told the inductees to discard the believe that teachers were only associated with the classroom, and noted that, “teaching is the most noble profession in the whole world”. He reminded them that two former Presidents – Shehu Shagari and Goodluck Jonathan were teachers as well as his principal, Governor Ayade.

    On the administration’s commitment to education, he said, “as the world moves away from oil to solid minerals and agro industrialization for export, Cross River State is introducing a theme to knowledge exportation through the construction of the Teachers Continuous Training Institution in Biase Local Government Area. That institution is the brainchild of an erudite professor, a proud lecturer of a university in Nigeria who thinks we should bring our teachers to a level of international standard by constructing that institution for the continuous training of our teachers.”

  • UNICAL Medical College, Flagship Of The University, Says VC

    UNICAL Medical College, Flagship Of The University, Says VC

    By UNICAL Press Corps

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has described the Medical College as the flagship of the institution, saying that her administration will always give priority attention to the College.

    Prof. Obi stated this when a verification team of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, led by the Registrar, paid a courtesy call on her in the Vice Chancellor’s Conference room.

    The Vice Chancellor assured the verification team of her continues support for the Medical College to enable them churn-out qualified medical professionals.

    “For us, the Medical College stands out, having several alumni who have made the university and the country proud. We will always give priority to the Medical College,” she assured.

    Prof. Obi also called on the Medical Council to increase the admission quota for candidates seeking to study various courses in the Medical College.

    The Vice Chancellor who was elated over the visit of the verification team, stated that the Medical College was set for the verification exercise.

    Earlier, the Registrar of the council, Dr Tajudeen Sanusi, who spoke on behalf of the verification team, said the Council is poised to provide a conducive environment for medical practitioners to enable them perform at optimum capacity.

    “We have come with the hope of making things right without fear or favor because human health is our top most priority,” he said.

    Dr Sanusi applauded the University Management and the Provost of Medical College for the newly created Faculty of Basic Sciences, even as he solicited management’s continuous support for the Medical College.

  • Pro-Chancellor Solicit For More Security Presence In UNICAL

    Pro-Chancellor Solicit For More Security Presence In UNICAL

    By UNICAL Press Corps

    The Pro-chancellor/Chairman of the 13th Governing Council of the University of Calabar, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), has solicited for more security presence in the University of Calabar.

    The Pro-chancellor made the request known when he led members of the Governing Council on a courtesy visit to the Commander of the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Peter malla in his office.

    General Martin Agwai said he was aware of the support that the Brigade has offered already in terms of security but owing to their success story with the University, more support would be requested from them.

    He eulogized the role of the army in the security architecture of the nation and charged them not to relent in their effort to keep Nigeria safe and peaceful.

    In an earlier address, the Commander of the 13th Brigade, Brigadier General Peter Malla, thanked the Council and the university management team for the visit, adding that he will work closely with the leadership of the university to maintain peace and orderliness.

    Responding, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, appreciated the Commander for his prompt support so far, especially during the conduct of the just concluded final year examination.

    Highpoint of the visit was the exchange of memento between the Pro-Chancellor and the Commander of the Brigade.

  • Traditional Rulers Council Assures UNICAL Governing Council Of Cooperation And Support

    Traditional Rulers Council Assures UNICAL Governing Council Of Cooperation And Support

    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.

  • Police To Train UNICAL Security On Mental And Combat Alertness

    Police To Train UNICAL Security On Mental And Combat Alertness

    By UNICAL Press Corps

    The Cross River Police Command has assured the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) of organising security training on combat and mental alertness for the Institution’s security personnel on campus.

    Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aminu Alhassan, gave the assurance in Calabar when the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of UNICAL Governing Council, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (Rtd) led other Council Members of the University on a courtesy call to the office of the Commissioner.

    Alhassan said that the University and the Police Command enjoys a cordial working relationship that should be sustained through peaceful co-existence.

    He told the team from UNICAL that the command will enhance operational efficiency of the police post on campus with a view to always respond to cases of emergency on time.

    “I want to assure you of the state command’s support and collaboration in maintaining a peaceful environment for both students and staff.

    “We are also going to train some of our personnel with a view to impact the needed security tips and knowledge on campus policing.

    “The University is a place for research and teaching, we will do our best to maintain our presence there always,” he assured.

    Earlier, Luther-Agwai told the CP that he was in his office on a familiarisation visit and to thank the command for their support to the university.

    He charged the Police Commissioner to organise training courses for its personnel on campus for optimal combat and mental alertness.

    “We have come here as a council to seek your continues support and collaboration in maintaining peace and orderliness in UNICAL.

    “We thank the Nigerian Police for all they have done in securing the University of Calabar community. But, we want to ask for more of their presence on campus,” he said.

    Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Obi, thanked the Command for always responding to the management calls whenever there were cases of insecurity on campus.

    She assured the CP that the university would continue to partner with the police on all its activities.

  • Insecurity: C’River Gov’t To Establish Naval Base At UNICAL

    Insecurity: C’River Gov’t To Establish Naval Base At UNICAL

    1. The Cross River Government has disclosed plans to establish a Naval base in partnership with the Nigerian Navy at the riverine area of the University of Calabar.

    The state governor, Prof Ben Ayade disclosed this on Monday in Calabar when the Chairman and Pro Chancellor of the University of Calabar Governing Council, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (rtd), led the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi and other members of the Council on a visit to his office.

    The Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu, who stood in for the Governor informed the Chairman and other Council members that the decision to establish the base was reached during the state security meeting.

    He said that it was important to establish the base so as to curb insecurity around the riverine area of the university and beyond.

    Esu, who is a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, said that the state government places premium on the management, welfare and running of the university.

    “I am glad to receive this great team today because we are all partners in the growth and development of UNICAL.

    “On the issue of insecurity, I want to inform you that we have agreed in our last security meeting that we establish a naval base at the riverine area of the university to stem cases of insecurity on campus.

    “Most of the bad boys were using the riverside to strike into the university community. We are passionate about UNICAL; we will do our best to ensure the security of students and staff.

    “For me as a person, I’m very concerned because I was a Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Calabar,” he said.

    He assured the team of the state government‘s support for all their activities that would move the university forward.

    Earlier, the Chairman appealed to the state government to also look into the issue of land encroachment by some individuals and host communities.

    He said that they needed the support of all stakeholders in the state with a view to positioning the university as one of the best in the country and around the globe.

    The Chairman of the University’s Governing Council called on other members to support them in their bid to reposition the university for the benefit of all.

  • FCE Obudu Holds 38th Matriculation Ceremony, Administered Oath To 1,110 Students

    FCE Obudu Holds 38th Matriculation Ceremony, Administered Oath To 1,110 Students

    The Federal College of Education, Obudu held her 38th NCE matriculation ceremony for 1,110 fresh students that took the matriculation oath for the 2020/2021 Academic session.

    While welcoming both the students and their parents, guardians that graced the occasion in their numbers, the Acting Provost, Alhaji Ladan Chado noted the delay in the conduct of the exercise for the academic session. He attributed the delay to the long period of lockdown caused by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which led to the shutdown of the College between March and October, 2020.

    Chado noted that this prolonged closure affected the academic programmes of the institution. However, he said the lecturers and Staff showed uncommon resilience and perseverance in the performance of their duties by embarking on what he referred to as “crash” arrangements to successfully navigate the past session and be able to hold this matriculation ceremony in their honour.

    Addressing the new Students, Alhaji Ladan Chado said the 2020/2021 set of students are unique in the sense that it is during their time that the College is gradually restoring back the distorted academic calendar. He therefore demanded that the students must play commensurate role to move the College forward by working hard for their individual successes. He advised them to take up the gauntlet and ensure that they try to overcome those distractions that may prevent them from achieving their goal in the College.

    To achieve their objectives in the College, the Provost further advised the students to focus more on their studies. He equally enumerated a number of unacceptable practises and conducts that the students should not be involved. These include examination malpractices, cultism, stealing, sexual immorality, inability to abide by established approved dress codes among others.

    The Chief executive of the College reiterated on behalf of the Governing Council, the commitment of the Management towards the creation of an enabling and conducive environment for effective teaching and learning. He therefore mentioned a number of projects that has been attracted, completed and handed over to the Management for the use of both staff and students. They are the Technical Education Department Building at the Bebi Campus, Technical Education Workshop also at the Bebi campus, School of Early Childhood Care Education Building, School of Adult, Non-formal and Special Education Building, Science Complex and the College Pavilion.
    He also explained that both the Theatre Arts Auditorium and the 250 capacity lecture Theatre that was abandoned over the years would soon be completed and handed over as well.

    In the same vein, the Acting provost informed the distinguished audience that the ground breaking ceremony for both the School of Languages Building and the New Library Complex at the Bebi Campus had taken place and the projects would soon be compiled. He paid glowing tribute to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari for sponsoring these projects through Tetfund.

    Alhaji Ladan Chado explained that the present administration has evolved a workable arrangement that would ensure that certificates are issued to deserving students at the end of their studies. As a matter of fact, he announced that even the certificates for gradaunds up till 2020 are now ready and awaiting collection by the successful students.

    The Acting Provost conveyed the goodwill of the Chairman of the 7th Governing Council of the College, Professor Taoheed Adedoja who expressed great commitment and enthusiasm towards moving the College forward.

  • Jos 24hrs Curfew: NACRISS UNIJOS Solicits Support

    Jos 24hrs Curfew: NACRISS UNIJOS Solicits Support

    By Elijah Ugani

    The National Association of Cross River State Students NACRISS, University of Jos chapter has cried out to spirited individuals to consider sending support to assist them survive the predicament associated with the 24hrs curfew imposed by the state government in view of the ongoing crisis in Jos, the Plateau state capital.

    NACRISS in a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Public Relation Officer, Comr.Emmanuel Ushie, indicates that “students within the university environment are finding it difficult to get basic necessities for their daily survival as they can’t go out to get something to eat nor do they have the finance to do so”

    Find the release in full:

    National Association of Cross River State Students University of Jos.

    I bring you solidarity greetings!!!

    In accordance to the violetic seizures within part of Jos metropolis.
    The leadership of the National Association Of Cross River State Students UNIJOS, has observed that due to the 24hrs curfew imposed by the state government because of the civil unrest and killings, students within the university environment are finding it difficult to get basic necessities for their daily survival as they can’t go out to get something to eat nor do they have the finance to do so.

    In view of the foregoing, we are calling and soliciting for your support in cash or kind as you may want to or may know someone that can facilitate the delivery of food items to them as nothing is too small.

    Your sons and daughters of Cross River State are in need of your support and prayers.

    For more information or support please contact..

    Contact:
    +234 813 040 1297
    +234 813 625 4642

    Please 🙏 we solicit for your support.

    Comr. USHIE EMMANUEL
    08136254642
    PRO.

    For

    COLLINS AKAH COLLINS
    PRESIDENT
    +234 813 040 1297

  • Barr Bukola Breaks Record, Won Best Graduating Student In All Schools She Attended Including Law School Where She Won 16 Awards

    Barr Bukola Breaks Record, Won Best Graduating Student In All Schools She Attended Including Law School Where She Won 16 Awards

    The Gazelle News

    Bukola Alada is a first class academic enigma. She has proven to be a genius all round.

    She is the young lady who emerged as the Best Graduating Student at the just concluded Nigerian Law School graduation which took place on Thursday, July 29, 2021. At the Law School graduation, apart from graduating with First Class honour, Bukola went home with 16 different awards.

    But that was not her first academic achievement. An alumnus of the first University in Nigeria, University of Ibadan, Bukola was the best graduating student at the University’s graduation ceremony, apart from bagging a First Class honour from the Law Faculty. To cap it all, she was the Valedictorian at the University’s convocation ceremony which took place on 12 November, 2020.

    Flashback to her early education, in July, 2008, Bukola was the best graduating student at the University of Ibadan Staff School.

    After that, she still emerged the best graduating student at the International School, University of Ibadan for her secondary education.

    Born to the family of Prof. & Mrs. A.R.A. Alada, Bukola had emerged as Best Graduating Student in all the educational institutions she attended.

    Therefore, for the Kwara-born academic genius, the sky is just the beginning as more laurels await her. #nigeriangems #ProudlyNigerian #proudofourcitizens #genius #LegalLuminary

  • The Guru Foundation Commends Unical VC On Zero Tolerance To Sorting, Other Vices

    The Guru Foundation Commends Unical VC On Zero Tolerance To Sorting, Other Vices

     

    The Guru foundation has lauded Prof Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar for showing courage in stamping out all forms of mechanically orchestrated marks and other vices across the university.

    In a letter to the Vice Chancellor dated 13th August 2021, Comrade Oyo Effiom, founder of the group said that the foundation is impressed that the administration is taking concrete steps to sanitize the system and ensure that moral rectitude reigns in the university.

    According to Guru Foundation, “as the biggest community for ambitious young people in Cross River state, we are optimistic that actions in this direction will make the citadel of learning a global university that will compete with other top universities across the world “.

    Recalled that the Vice Chancellor has put  modalities in place to ensure that sorting and other vices that bring shame to the university are eradicate  through a sincere commitment to change the narrative.