The Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar (Unical), Professor Florence Banku Obi, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for building roads in the university. Professor Obi, who spoke when she led a delegation of the alumni association of the university on a courtesy call on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana in his office in Abuja, also praised President Muhammadu Buhari for finding Umana, an alumnus of Unical, worthy of the high office of the Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Professor Obi briefed the Minister on ongoing infrastructure projects in the university, including the optimisation of internet connectivity to turn the school into a smart community, as well as the construction of a hostel for medical students, and asked for support from the Minister to complete some of those projects. The Vice Chancellor also made a case for government to optimise security infrastructure on the university campus with the building of an observation tower and the provision of adequate high-intensity lighting for maximum security.
The Vice Chancellor also made appeals for gun boats for security, road network and a further appeal for the NDDC to complete the hostel project they started.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied on the visit by the President University of Calabar Alumni world -wide Professor Yakubu Ochefu, Dr Richard Orim and Mr Vincent (both Members of Governing Council) and the university’s Alumni Relations Officer, Dr. Dorncklaimz Enamhe.
The Minister, who described the visit as a special event for him, promised to keep up the flow of support for the university from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC. “I want to assure you we have taken note of your need areas,” the Minister said. “We will support you, working with the NDDC. I am happy you started with an appreciation of the support you have received from the Commission.”
Umana added that he was proud of his heritage in the University of Calabar and would always do his best to be a good ambassador of the school.
