The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar has affirmed that no university can flourish without the support and patronage of a vibrant alumni body.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi made the affirmation when she received officials of the University of Calabar Alumni who came on a solidarity visit and in response to the yearning of management after the recent heavy downpour that caused massive destruction in the institution.
Prof Florence Obi specifically thanked the Unical Alumni for the support of the sum of ten million naira from the national body, and the pledge of one million naira from the National Vice President 1, Mr. Alexander Belgam and another pledge of a hundred thousand naira from the Nest Chapter as well as provision of over 200 face masks and a plague to the Vice Chancellor.
She also lauded another prominent and pivotal alumnus, the Minister for Niger Delta and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Godswill Akpabio for his unrelenting effort in responding to financial calls and challenges noting his recent redeeming of pledge to the university.
Prof Obi who commended the body for their financial support over the years even before her assumption of office assured that the donation will be used judiciously.
She commended the National President, Prof Yakubu Ochefu for his exemplary leadership which she said has given direction to many, adding that when “the head is well, followers have no choice than to follow”.
The University helmsman used the occasion of the visit to intimate the alumni of her plans in working with the leadership to erect a befitting Alumni secretariat in the next academic session and also promote a wholistic Alumni Home-Coming.
Prof Florence Obi spoke glowingly of her activities in her tenure as former University of Jos (Unijos) Alumni President and her decision to make former Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke the face of Unical alumni owing to his passion to make the body more functional and responsive.
In an earlier address, the National vice President 1 of Unical Alumni, Mr Alexander Bell-Gam who represented the Alumni National President, Prof Yakubu Ochefu said the news of the extent of devastation engendered by the heavy downpour was disheartening and shocking.
The National President said that the unpleasant news compelled the National Executive of the Alumni to summon an emergency meeting to quickly decide on a course of action that will bring immediate relief to the institution.
He assured the Vice Chancellor of the continuous support and encouragement of members of Unical Alumni worldwide
In his own remark, the Director of Unical Alumni, prof Ernest Asikong said that the challenge the Vice Chancellor gave the Directorate on assumption of office was yielding fruit as the Alumni is now positioned to provide the much-needed partnership that the institution craves for.
The Chairman Nest Chapter, Prof Enang Udah also pledged the solidarity of his chapter and availability to join force with the Vice Chancellor to actualize her vision for the Alumni and also move the institution to an enviable height.
Other officials of the Alumni who came on the visit include Sir Charles Bell-Gam, National Auditor, Okori Benard Oko, National Financial Secretary, John Owan, Former National Secretary, Maxwell Eba, Secretary, Calabar Chapter, Moses Tawo, Nest Chapter Secretary, Apeh James, Daniel Bassey Esq and Deputy Director, Mr Emmanuel Adarikwu.
