The challenges of inadequacy of office accommodations and infrastructures currently facing the University of Calabar will soon be alleviated, according to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi.
Obi gave this assurance recently at a reception organized in her honour, following her appointment as the first lecturer from the Faculty of Education to be appointed as the institution’s Vice-Chancellor.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Obi She said her administration would prioritise infrastructural development as well as sustenance of academic excellence and research in UNICAL.
She expressed joy that the Faculty of Education, which is her “mother faculty”, has produced scholars of great repute.
“As the VC from the Faculty of Education, my administration would prioritise infrastructural development, research and academic excellence. “I want to assure the Faculty of Education that as VC, I will do my best to attract a building to the Faculty so that when I leave as VC, I will have where to return to.
“I want to urge this Faculty to always meet result deadline, we want our students to always graduate on time. Let the example start form this Faculty.
“Let me also advise staff and lecturers of the Faculty of Education to shun animosity and forgive always,” she said.
The VC, who thanked members of the Faculty for the reception, said she sees it as a challenge for her to strive for more service delivery.
Earlier, Acting Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Cecilia Ekwueme, said that the Faculty has no doubt that Obi would make a difference in managing the her dealings and sustenance of academic excellence.
Ekwueme added that UNICAL was already experiencing a radical transformation in learning, human and infrastructural development within the period Obi took over as institution’s vice chancellor .
According to her, within 100 days of Obi’s reign as VC, the long awaited dream of the Faculty to be split into three faculties was achieved.
“The Faculty of Education is blessed to have you come on board at this period. Your achievements during your tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Education remain visible to everyone to date.
“I have no doubt that you will replicate a greater feat in your administration of UNICAL given your commitments to take UNICAL to the greatest heights as already shown and expressed during your 100 days in office.
“We have serious accommodation problem that have hindered proper coordination of staff in the Faculty as our staff are scattered all over campus,” she said.
She appealed to the VC to facilitate the provision of a building for the faculty with a view to helping lecturers and officers of the Faculty to carry out their duties efficiently.