The Lumine News

Tag: #Unical

  • UNICAL Begins Academic Activities After ASUU Strike

     

    The University of Calabar has commenced academic activities for fresh and old students of the institution.

    A check by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) within the campus indicates that fresh students were already visiting some offices for their registration.

    Also, some final year students of the institution were busy doing their final clearance at different points on campus.

    A further check by NAN also indicated that most of the lecturers had visited their offices and getting set for academic activities.

    Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Obi, told NAN in an interview that she was happy to welcome Lecturers and students back on campus.

    Prof. Obi said that the senate of the university had resolved that no student will be victimized as a result of the strike by any lecturer.

    She said that with the resumption of academic activities today, the university was set for serious activities with the students with a view to catch up with the lost period of eight months.

    “During the period of the strike, we were busy on campus with our drive for infrastructural development and building of new classrooms blocks and hostels in preparation for resumption.

    “We had classrooms that were dilapidated, so we used the period of the strike to fix the desks and also completed the pavilion 1, 2 and 3, courtesy of Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

    “Today, we also have beautiful road network on campus and we got that through the intervention of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

    “During the strike, we also ran a workshop where we hosted lecturers from the Association of African Universities. In all, we were able to use the period the strike to achieve many things.

    “We just had our first mass this morning were we dedicated the resumption of activities to God,” she said.

    The VC, who used the occasion to welcome lecturers, staff and students of the institution back on campus, urged the students to be focus and dedicated to their studies.

    A final year student of the university, Ms. Jennifer Obono, told NAN on campus that she was happy to be back to school after the eight months strike.

    Obono, a final year students of Faculty of Agriculture, said she was pursuing her final clearance in preparation for graduation.

    Another student, James Okon, told NAN that the period of the strike was so devastating, adding that he was happy to be back to school were he can be engaged meaningfully.

    Okon commended the management of the institution for the building of new classroom blocks, road network and hostels, adding that the university has become more conducive for teaching and learning.

  • UNICAL Security Operatives Arrests Kinghope Ubi For Using A Dummy Gun To Threaten Students And Snatching Their Phones

    The University of Calabar security operatives has arrested Kinghope Ubi for using a dummy gun to threaten students and snatching their phones on campus.

    Ubi was arrested at the ICT Centre of the institution after leading his two friends to point the dummy gun at Akomaye Ephraim and collecting his Tecno Camon 16 Premium phone valued at N108,000.

    When interrogated, he confessed that he came into the university to visit his girl friend and thereafter, he decided to snatch some phones from students.

    Kinghope Ubi, who is not a student of UNICAL, said that his friend gave him the dummy gun to point at students and collect their phones.

    After arresting him, they found a passport of him wearing Nigeria Customs Service uniform. He told newsmen that he was dismissed from the Customs Service in 2021.

    Speaking on the arrest, the Acting CSO of UNICAL, SP Usani Okon (Rtd), said that the current administration of Prof. Florence Banku Obi frowns at any act of stealing and robbery on campus.

    He said that the VC has repositioned the security operatives in the institution with a view to protect all students and staff against any form of robbery and attack.

    Thereafter, the suspect was handed over to the Anti-Kindapping and Cultism Squad of the Police for further actions.

  • The Raging Arson In UNICAL, A Call For Concern BY PATRICK OBIA

     

    It was an English philosopher and scholar, Thomas Hobbes who postulated in his book, Leviathan, Book I, Chapter 13 that; “Whatsoever therefore is consequent to a time of war, where every man is enemy to every man, the same consequent to the time wherein men live without other security than what their own strength and their own invention shall furnish them withal. In such condition there is no place for industry… no knowledge on the face of the earth; no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

    Hobbes, in this chapter of the natural condition of mankind concerning their felicity and misery, states clearly that all men are made equal by nature while acknowledging that some men may be smarter, or stronger than others even though in the end, this does not impede man’s ability to achieve his means as man’s aspirations and quest for a better life, leads to the locking of horns which lead to hostility.

    In light of the above, life is full of protagonists and antagonists, who all bring about the reality of life stories.

    The recent arson in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) can be likened to what Hobbes described as the “state of nature,” wherein, in the past few weeks, the Ivory tower, founded 47 years ago, has lost back-to-back, academic infrastructure to fires.

    Though, the varsity has, in recent years, witnessed violent activities that have led to the destruction of infrastructure, the most recent which occurred on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 which saw the Department of Continuous Education and Development Studies razed is fresh in mind.

    This is coming three weeks after the Department of Mathematics, was razed on Sunday, 30 January 2022 by what many have described as “strange fire” at the wee hours of that day. A week later, on Sunday, 6 February 2022, the Department of International Relations was gutted by the same magical fire with no history so far with almost nothing saved.

    While the cause of the fire remains a mystery to management, students and the public, there are allegations that, some aggrieved students in the varsity have hands in the destruction as a result of the management’s increment in school fees as well as courses registration which have generated public uproar.

    Also, there are insinuations that students are vexed over the fact that the school is yet to finish its first semester talk less of starting second semester especially as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) indefinite strike has commenced.

    Whichever is correct or wrong, there is no reason to justify destruction in any guise. Meanwhile, this is not time for blame game on whose fault it is.

    It is time to look at the continuous arson with eagle eyes whether done by students or enemies of the institution or whoever; it calls for all hands to be on deck, lest it renders academic activities in the varsity impotent.

    UNICAL management should, as a matter of urgency, beef up security in the campus to protect its assets especially during odd hours but must be careful in order not to affect the innocent ones. Though it is said management has imposed curfew and halted night classes to checkmate insecurity.

    Furthermore, in as much as the institution has increased its fees/service charges, there is needed for an extension in the closure of the portal.

    Like the holy book says: “while men slept, the enemy came and sowed a wrong seed,” It is not time to input damage charges in the service charges to innocent students rather, it is a wake up call for management and relevant security agencies to dive into action and carry out tight investigation and bring perpetrators to book.

    Finally, when a child is beaten, the child runs back to who beats him or her for consolation. Therefore, the management of the University of Calabar as a parent should listen to the wailing of their children (students). A stitch in time saves nine.

    Patrick Obia is a journalist and writes from Calabar, Cross River State.

    NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Patrick Obia and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.

  • UNICAL Signs MoU With MTN For Provision Of Internet Services On Campus

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has signed a memorandum of understanding between the university and MTN to enhance internet services in the institution.

    The move by the Vice Chancellor marks the beginning of a paradigm shift in the area of telecommunications and internet services in the University of Calabar.

    According to Dr Adie Edward of the Faculty of Arts, “the Vice Chancellor was highly elated that this giant stride has been achieved under her administration because activities such as internet browsing, phone calls, SMS, ATM, POS etc will happen with relative ease and speed as soon as this very important project is concluded”.

    Accordingly, the VC expressed happiness with the Dean of Arts, Prof Stella Effa Atoe and the entire Faculty for initiating a laudable move of putting ICT and digitalization on a speed lane in the university, just as she promised to drive the project to a logical conclusion in no distant time.

  • 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.

  • 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

    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.

  • UNICAL Law Student On The Run For Raping A Minor, Beware Of Fraudulent Job Adverts – CP

    By Archibong Jeremiah – CrossRiverWatch

    The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Sikiru Akande warned that Cross Riverians and dwellers should be aware of fraudulent job advertisement.

    CP Sikiru Akande gave the admonition following the defilement of a minor by a final year Law student of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, who is currently on the run.

    The alleged rapist, Mr. Emmanuel Friday Udofah committed the crime in a hotel he manages, Specs Investment Limited, State Housing Estate, Calabar Municipality.

    He had placed a vacancy notice in front of the hotel and the victim whose name is not mentioned in print unsuspectingly applied. In what was supposed to be an interview, she was pushed into one of the rooms and repeatedly raped.

    Speaking to this reporter, the State Chairperson of Child Protection Network, CPN, Barrister James Ibor disclosed that, “the victim which he knowingly defiled is still in critical condition, we are tracking him and will bring him to justice.”

    Barrister James Ibor who is the Principal Counsel, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, condemned the act and urged all and sundry to support the fight against child abuse.

  • No Amount Of Blackmail Will Change Akpagu’s Legacies – Unical Staff

     

    Some staff of the University of Calabar, Unical have raised alarm that some disgruntled elements who felt they didn’t benefit enough from the administration of the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Zana Akpagu are sponsoring smear campaign against him.

    Speaking on the condition of anonymity, they warned those behind the blackmail to desist from it and repent adding that their campaign won’t change the fact that Akpagu was and still remain the best Vice Chancellor of the University since its inception.

    One of them, a former Director in the university said that, “what is happening in Unical is very shameful. It is shameful in the sense that some cabal in the University, most of whom Prof. Akpagu gave name in the university, in a bit to show the current leadership loyalty have resorted to sponsoring smear campaign against him on social media.

    “Yesterday, I stumbled on one where they even claimed the University was given COVID-19 funds but was stolen under his administration. The FG announced resumption of school when Akpagu had almost left. And besides, when did they give the money when we were on strike throughout the peak of the pandemic? Even when we called off the strike, school didn’t resume immediately”.

    He added that “to succeed in pulling Akpagu down, they should go and undo all the faculties and departments he created, break all the gigantic buildings he built, destroy the roads he rehabilitated, make the University insecure. They should just do away with everything he did in Unical because it’s only then they can succeed”.

    Another, a Professor in the school of medical sciences who also didn’t want his name mentioned for fear of victimization said that fighting Akpagu is like fighting the wind because his performances will remain very tall in the history book of the University.

    According to him, “let me tell you, what is happening in Unical today cannot happen in the West or North. The other day I saw that they setup committee to investigate the employment done by Akpagu. What a shame. I was in Nasarawa State for an assignment when I saw one big man with 74 employment letters for his people. Most of those people didn’t even apply for jobs. We’ve not heard noise like we’re hearing in Unical.

    “I’m not a Cross Riverian but I know that Akpagu did everything within his power to employ qualified Cross River indigenes in Unical. It wasn’t like that before. Now, you setup a commitee with a predetermined agenda to sack all the people he has employed because you feel he didn’t support you to become Vice Chancellor. Are you doing him or the innocent people you want to render jobless?

    “Even if Akpagu was a devil, being the first alumnus to become VC, he deserves better. He deserves some respect. I’m not saying Akpagu is a saint but who is that saint that wants to cast the first stone? The current VC has made history as the first woman just like Akpagu did as the first alumnus, what we expect is that she should complement the efforts of her predecessor, where she see loopholes, correct and not try to wipe out the memories of him because she doesn’t know who will come after her “.

    Another who simply introduced himself as Dr. Effiom said that “when I came here, many people tried to poison my mind that the VC was fighting Akwa Ibom people but I later saw that that wasn’t the case. He employed me even when we have never met before. And if you check what Zana has done, you’ll struggle to justify why some people think they should bring him down by all means. He made some mistakes which is normal as human but what do they stand to benefit from all these? Cross River people should learn from the North. They like fighting themselves too much.

    “I know he was a tough guy but to achieve what he did, he needed to be tough. I saw one funny writeup about him increasing acceptance fee or running a no fee, no exams policy. These things are makebelief stories to misinform the public. No Vice Chancellor, no matter how powerful can take these decisions single handedly. These are Senate decisions and the University Senate compromised of intellectuals, Professors who don’t look at any body’s face to talk.

    “Another funny issue I hear them talk about is that he didn’t implement promotion arrears. I don’t know where they get these kinds of stories from but the truth is that, there’s no Senate in Unical history that has promoted more people to professorial rank like the one under Zana.

    “Also, remember that the federal government had more influence on salary payment under Zana than any other administration before him. When the government was paying incomplete salaries, people said it was Zana. If there were issues with promotion arrears, then it was with government not him. Now there’s IPPIS, would you blame the current VC over some people that are being short payed?

    “My appeal is for those looking for favour from the new administration to look for other means of doing that. Distracting the new VC or poisoning her mind against her former boss whom she served under as Deputy is not doing anybody any good. It’s just too early. If these things are not properly managed, don’t forget that Zana still enjoys strong support in the university. If his supporters start talking, the University not Zana will be the biggest victim “.

  • If Track Records And Competence Is Anything To Go By, UNICAL Governing Council Need Not Search Further With Prof. Offiong E. Offiong

    By Admin

    Professor Offiong E. Offiong is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry who is purpose driven to build on the legacies of past Vice Chancellors of the University of Calabar.

    Prof. Offiong is poised to strengthen areas that may not have been given priority and adequate attention in the past.

    University of Calabar, like some other varsities have other businesses which implies that the institution does not only teach Entrepreneurship education in theory, but the students have the opportunity to practice what they learn.

    The University of Calabar currently produce UNICAL table water as a means of income generation. However, there are several ventures that have remained untapped and unexplored within the university system despite the available market opportunities.

    Apart from the university’s core mandate of Academics, UNICAL houses several investments which can be liken to a jewel in her crown.

    The University of Calabar is however in dare need of that leader who sees the multi-sectoral opportunities and has the the goodwill to explore and harness these opportunities to boost the internally generated revenue IGR to change the narratives of over-dependence on subvention from the federal government.

    Prof Offiong is an Entrepreneur per excellent, and has prior to his ambition to serve the university in the position of Vice Chancellor, laid down plans to revamp UNICAL businesses.

    It is imperative to note that this erudite Professor is integrity and humility personified, he is a man of his words, a trail blazer, a pathfinder, a social engineer and mobilizer of very high repute.

    Prof. Offiong has all it takes to build, expand, sustain and reinvigorates university of Calabar ventures.

    If competence, experience, track records and merit is anything to go by in the circumstance of the Vice Chancellorship appointment, the Governing Council of the University does not need to search further, as the quintessential Prof. Offiong’s intimidating CV and achievements which are visible and speaks volume and  has eased the work for the Council.

    Prof. Offiong is vested with the capacity, zeal, content, managerial, influential and managerial skills to consolidate on the virtues and gains of the past Vice Chancellor to move the University of Calabar to the next level.

    We can only pray the Governing Council saddled with the onerous responsibility of appointing a Vice Chancellor, finds a trust worthy servant-leader, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, the substantive 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar.