As the University of Calabar (UNICAL) gears up for its 50th anniversary, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Ayandele, alongside others, will receive posthumous awards.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi, gave the hint while announcing plans by the institution to hold a five-month-long golden jubilee celebration.
Professor Obi, who is the eleventh vice chancellor since the establishment of the institution in 1975, said that other foundation academic and non-academic staff would be honoured and have their imprints on selected monuments around the university.
Obi stated, “Under the leadership of the foundation Vice Chancellor, late Professor Emmanuel Ayandele, the university grew from 3 to 6 faculties and a College of Medical Sciences. Our foundation Vice Chancellor had the passion to develop our university into a world-class institution.
“He traversed continents recruiting distinguished scholars thereby laying the foundation on which our university has developed. Our university remains appreciative of all foundation staff and others, who joined them.
“We would forever appreciate our foundation registrar, late Onofiok Ufot; late Professor Okon Uya, Professor Ulo Enyenihi, Professor and Mrs. Barry Floyd, Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Lyndersey amongst others.”
She added that the university would be naming streets, faculties, hostels, and other buildings in the university after past vice chancellors and distinguished interested alumni.
She explained that when they reflected on how the university started and the great transformation it had undergone, they had every reason to come together, appreciate God, and honour the alumni, staff, and principal officers who had been supportive in various ways to the growth of their great university.
The Vice Chancellor further disclosed that other aspects of the celebration would include a colloquium billed to hold in January, 2025; an anniversary book presentation, an alumni reunion and homecoming, an anniversary lecture and exhibition as well as an award and fundraising dinner in March 2025.
Speaking further, Obi remarked “the goal of the unique 50th anniversary is the promotion of excellence and the UNICAL brand. We expect to develop the sporting and recreational facilities for a successful hosting of the NUGA (Nigerian University Games Association) 2026 Games.
“Commence foundation work for a standard Senate Building befitting of a 50-year-old second-generation university and the construction of a five thousand-seating convocation arena for academic ceremonies,” she stated.
Also Read: UNICAL suspends Law Professor for violation of Institution’s Policy
The university management alongside executive members of the UNICAL alumni and the anniversary committee, hoisted the golden jubilee flag, symbolising the commencement of the five-month-long celebration.
Comments are closed.