VC lauds alumni on infrastructural development

THE Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar ( UNICAL), Prof Florence Obi, has commended the school’s alumni for their contribution towards infrastructural development of the institution.

Obi who spoke at the Lagos State chapter of the association’s workout day, lauded the national body for its contribution towards the renovation of the school hostel destroyed by rainstorm.

Obi, who participated in the 7.5 kilometres walk, called for closer ties between the association and management.

“When I got your invitation, I quickly accepted it because rebranding and repositioning of alumni featured in my vision statement before my appointment as vice chancellor. I know that in developed countries, old students play a major role in funding and d e v e l o p i n g universities through endowment and contributions to critical infrastructural projects.

“Funding of universities still poses a challenge and institutions have always relied on old student associations.

Prof. Obi expressed her readiness to work with the association towards rebuilding the school.

“I want us to work together towards building our school. I know there are lots of challenges. Many of you left school and couldn’t get your certificates; some of you who applied for your transcripts have not been able to get the same. This has of course imposed a lot of hardship on you and naturally you are not happy with the school and may have found it difficult to give back to the school. I want to assure you that the University of Calabar is changing under my administration.

“We want to actually change the narrative of the university such that our students will graduate and get their certificates on the day of convocation. We started last year, though the timing made it difficult to achieve a 100 per cent success, we are committed to achieving it,” Obi said.