By: Admin.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Banku Obi, earlier today May 1st, 2023, at the Conference Hall of Senate Chambers, address the Media on the activities that will culminate to the 35th Convocation, which kick started with the Press Conference.
According to the Vice Chancellor, it’s going to be a weeklong event with activities to herald the combined Convocation, and it’s traditional to meet with the Press and bring to fur and to the attention of the global Community on how far we have faired as an Institution and to say, thank you.
“I am constrained by obligation, respect for valuable partnership cultivated over the years and membership of the global community to tell the world that the 35 Convocation of our institution has kicked off.
“This year’s event is a weeklong one that is commencing today May 1, 2023 and will run through May 7, 2023. As reflected in our programme of activities, today is simply devoted to the Press Conference and paying homage to our revered traditional rulers who individually and collectively are the land-lords of the University.”
Prof. Obi, went on to enumerates the two events scheduled for May 2, as an Inter-Denominational Service and the Research Fair and Exhibition, a noble introduction to bring the Institution prowess before the global Community.
“On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, two events will take the centre stage. First is the Inter-Denominational Service which will commence from 10am and will be held at the Unical International Conference Centre. We do every year commit the entire Convocation proceedings to God and deliberately ask Him for his blessings, guidance and success.
“On the same day, at 11 am, the Research Fair and Exhibition will hold at the usual venue behind the Tennis Court. This years’ fair is a two-day event.
It is designed in such a way that we will extensively showcase our unique and creative potentials and research work for
the world to see as we are expecting investors and you Journalists to come in too and see our valued products and
researches.”
The Vice Chancellor was full of praises to the Fidelity Bank for supporting and sponsoring the Research Fair and Exhibition as she appeals to other Banks, Co-operate Organisations and Investors to come partner with the University of Calabar.
“Permit me to state here that for the first time our research fair is being supported by Fidelity Bank. Let me use this opportunity to call on other Banks, Investors, Co-operate Organisations to support future research fairs. We hope that such partnership and support could lead to the uptake of research results by such sponsors and supporters.
The Research Fair will be concluding with prizes for the best Faculties and Unit.
“Third Day will be a meeting of convocation involving the Institution’s Alumni, that are expected from all nooks and crannies of the nation to meet and discuss the way forward for the progress of the alumni body and the institution as well. The event is billed for 9am at the Unical International Conference Centre.
“The second event for the day is Staff Meritorious Service Award. This is scheduled to begin at 10.30am still at the Unical International Conference Centre. This is a novel development. It is a deliberate design to encourage and appreciate some staff of the University who have proved their mettle in their post of duty and have impacted positively on the progress of the institution.
During the course of the day, the Chancellor of the University, HRM Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, will arrive Calabar and proceed to pay a courtesy call on H.E Senator Professor Benedict Ayade, and the Obong of Calabar.
The day will be concluded with a Command performance in honour of the Emir and visiting dignitaries.
In the Vice Chancellor’s own words,
“Thursday, 4h May, 2023 is another event filled day. The day is a very significant one for us. The first event for that day is a milestone. It is the investiture of the 6th Chancellor of the University of Calabar, who is the current Emir of Kano. HRM, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero (Sarkin Kar) the Emir of Kano. This event will be held at the Unical International Conference Centre and will begin by 10am prompt.
“By 12noon, the 35th Convocation Lecture will commence. The Convocation Lecturer is the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari CFR. a renowned Diplomat, Seasoned Researcher, an accomplished academics and an administrator par excellence.
He will be speaking on the subject:
“The Leadership and Followership Question in Nigeria: Imperative
of Ethical Re-Orientation.”
The event will take place at the Unical
International Conference Centre.
“The day’s event will be rounded off with a Command Performance at the Chinua Achebe New Art Theatre, at 7pm.
“Friday, 5th May, 2023 is the day for the award of First Degrees & Diplomas, PGD, Masters and PGD Induction into Unical Alumni to those found worthy in character and learning.
The event is scheduled to hold at Abraham Ordia Stadium by 10am.
“Saturday, 6h May, 2023 is the climax day of the entire Convocation events. It is a day for the award of Doctorate and Honorary Degrees and Investiture of Emeritus Prof/Induction into Unical Alumni.
The event is meant to take place at 10am prompt and the venue is Unical
International Conference Centre.
Sunday, the 7th is Thankings Giving Service to return all the glory to the Organizer and Master of all the events our Almighty God at St. Paul’s Parish UNICAL by 9.15am.
In the course of answering questions, the Vice Chancellor assured parents and others responsible for the sponsoring of students that the Institution will give her best no matter what.
“I want to assure you all that, in our quest for academics excellence, we’ll continue to do all that is right.”
Thanks for your attention and valued cooperation.
Professor Florence Banku Obi, naec, mnae, fAftra, fGan Jn
Vice Chancellor.
