UNICAL Gets New Academic Planner

By UBONG EDET

A new Director has being appointed for the Academic Planning Unit of the University of Calabar. He is Dr. Donald Enu.

Dr. Donald Enu took over the mantle upon the expiration of the tenure of Dr. Egaga Patrick who served the Academic Planning Unit of the University from 2013 to 2016.

Dr. Egaga, Patrick in his valedictory speech noted that the University academic planning unit under his saddle as the director has recorded many laudable achievements even in the face of challenges.

Among these achievements were : increase in admission quota from 4407 to 6123, introduction of new departments from the initial 67 departments to 103 departments, introduction of Anti-Corruption 1 & 2 under GSS making UNICAL the first in Nigeria to offer anti-corruption course, successful accreditation of ninety eight programmes across 10 faculties and Affiliate Institutions involving 15 post graduate programmes in administration discipline which earned full accreditation status, 47 undergraduate programmes across the 10 faculties, 33 programmes at affiliate institutions, 3 new programmes for Resource Verification.

Others includes: a total of 187 staff were sponsored for local and international conferences, 23 academic staff were funded for higher degrees/training and 8 for Needs Assessment/Bench work, creation of additional faculties, faculties of Biological Sciences and Oceanography, creation of 17 new departments and 18 academic programmes across faculties.

On his part, the Newly Appointed Director, Dr. Donald Enu, expressed appreciation to Vice Chancellor Prof. Zana Akpagu for giving the opportunity to serve in such an exalted office and promise to work according to the dictates of the office and never to renege in his promises.

Read More

Young Democratic Party Inaugurates New Leadership

By Stanley Uchegbu

The National Chairman of Young Democratic Party, Arc. Nya-Etok Ezekiel has inaugurated the Cross River State Chapter Acting Executive Members of the party that will pilot its affairs till its National Congress.

Performing the inauguration on Monday at the NAK hotel Marian, Calabar, Etok Ezekiel stated firmly that the party which begun its registration process in December 2013 has received the certificate of approval from INEC in January 2016.

The Chairman of Novone Consults LTD noted that the establishment of the party which was borne out of the conviction and struggle of a new class of
passionate young patriotic Nigerians who believed in the possibility of a new Nigeria.

The party cardinal objectives will be centered on its Principle of Corporate Governance and has come to stay in order to establish a new Nigeria of unprecedented progress, fulfilled dreams and aspirations. The era of youth are leaders of tomorrow is gone. We want to field the youth in the next General Elections, we have fielded one in Edo State gubernatorial race.
He said a new Nigeria is possible and enjoined all the party faithful to believe in the vision, own it and join in by registering through the e-registration process and actualizing it.

"The People Democratic Party has lost the vision and we determined in producing the next Cross River State governor".

Addressing the party members, the National Deputy Women Leader, Haijiah Binta Suleiman said the women are not left out in the party adding that women has their prime position in the party. She encouraged the women to join the party.

While administering the oath of office on the newly elected officials, the legal practitioner of the party, Barr. Ugochukwu Emmanuel said the inauguration according to schedules of the YDP's constitution has pronounced the executives as the legally recognised custodians of the party's ethos.

Those inaugurated include the State Party Chairman, Castro Ezama,  Deputy Vice Chairman, Engr. Charles Ironba,  Vice Chairman South, Abendnego Okon, VC North, Dominic Fred, VC Central, Hilary Ntui, Secretary General, Okanga Ogbu, Assistance Central, Simeon Osam, Assistance South, Idem Monica, Treasurer, Kate Bissang, Organising Secretary, Joe Esse, Assist. Organising Secretary North, Gladys Effa, AOS Central, Cyril Eleme, AOS South, Emmanuel Anubi. Assist. Financial Secretary, Tibala Aban, State Publicity Secretary, Ogar Emmanuel Oko, Assistance Publicity Secretary, Mr. Vincent Robat and Legal Adviser Barr. Victor Eyibio.

Speaking at the occasion witnessed by the party faithfuls, the new State Chairman Castro Ezama noted that the team has come on board with determination, courage, discipline and commitment. He urged the teeming members present at the ceremony which included the National Deputy Women leader Haijiah Binta Suleiman, National Secretary, Hon. Barr. V. H. Bamaiyi, National Legal Adviser, Barr. Ugochukwu among others to support the new leadership of the party in the state.

The new State Publicity Secretary and former National President of Nigeria Union of Campus Journalist said:" the expectation are high but God on our side, we will achieve our target and whatever will divide the party and create faction will not be allowed" We need your support to succeed and we as Acting Executive Members, must be united and give a credible alternative. Ogar, who described the members as vibrant and energetic will bring the party's dream into fruition.

Read More

'Cross River will soon be delisted from ELDS'- S.A. to Gov. Ayade

Prince Micheal Abuo is the Special Assistant to Cross River State Governor on Students Affairs and Youth Mobilisation. He once served as the Director of Information in the Students Union Government, University of Calabar (UNICAL) where he studied Microbiology. In this interview with Chinwendu Ohaeri of Campus Light Magazine, Abuo applauds Governor Ayade’s one year in office, stressing his achievements as the Special Assistant to the Governor and what Cross River Students stand to benefit next e years. Excerpt: 

Prince Abua in a group selfie with Campus Light crew

Campus Light: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Prince Abuo: I am Micheal Abuo from Ogoja  in Northern Cross River State (CRS) while my mum is from Warri South,Urhobo in Delta State, my father is from Cross River State. I am from a royal family (Obet) of the Mbube Nation which is why I have a prefix, ‘Prince’ to my name. I was born in Jos, Plateau State.I attended  Nsisuk International Nursery School here in CRS. I went to both National Youth Service Corp Secondary School and St. Patrick Collage, Calabar and graduated from the prestigious University of Calabar. While in the university I was a senator of the Faculty of Science Senate as at 100 level, which was legendary. At 200 level, I contested for SUG President. After much ado, I was asked to step down for Ipuole Johnson and I was afterwards elected in same regime as Director of Information. While in the office I was a member of UNICAL Radio Steering Committee inaugurated by then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bassey Asuquo to lay a process for the start-up of the UNICAL Community Radio Station. Part of the recommendation of that committee led to the upgrade of the Department of Theatre Arts to ‘Theatre and Media Arts’ as it is called today. I was also elected as the Secretary of the Northern Senatorial District (Ex-Officio North) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter while in 300 level and served as the Deputy Chairman of the National Association of Microbiology Student, (NAMS), UNICAL chapter. After my graduation from UNICAL, I founded Cross River State Political Network, CRISPON a nongovernmental cum sociopolitical organization geared at building the gap between government and the governed and providing a platform for youths to get leadership experience and network for the good of our state. It was on the back of this platform that I was nominated by the United State Government to represent Nigeria/West Africa in the International Visitors Leadership Program, (IVLP) at the United States for the Young Political Leaders Project. We were 30 participants in that year’s IVLP, from thirty different countries across the world. I was the only Nigerian and West African. There were four Africans in all.. Other representatives were from Europe, Asia etc from the class of Ministers, Special Advisers to Presidents, State and National Parliamentarians etc. It is still on the back of this platform that I got to where I am today. I have over 230 works of poetry published in my book titled "Thoughts of A Rainforest".

Campus Light: How has it being like since you were appointed into this office?

Prince Abuo: This is my third appointment in this government. When my boss, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade came into office, he asked me to serve in this government as his Media Aide. That was due to my experience as a campus journalist those days under the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalist. After about 3 months, he reassigned me to be the Personal Assistant on Students Affairs. Media work is relatively easy compared to coordinating students’ affairs. I found it relatively easier serving as a Media Aide because your major role as a Media Aide is promoting what the government is doing and then counter propaganda against government when they come from people. Here, you deal with students who are an unpredictable set of people. There are high expectations from people all around me especially on finances. Expectations range from the issues of subvention for National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS), to scholarships, challenges of bursary, requests for support of both youth and student activities etc. Subsequently, my office was upgraded by His Excellency, Senator Prof. Ayade from Personal Assistant to Special Assistant Student Affairs and Youth Mobilization. That is how it has been.

What are your basic achievements since you got into office?

Prince Abuo: Well, my office has facilitated processes for over 100 CRS students in the Chevron Scholarship program and over 50 students for the Federal Scholarship Program. We have built a cordial relationship with National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS). On the issue of NACRISS’ subvention, the state government is looking into that since. We are currently faced with challenges. So, there is no more glitch between the students and the government. My office facilitated a face-to-face interaction between students/youths of different groups and the Governor which was the first of its kind. This government is leading the ranks in students’affairs and youth mobilization. Since His Excellency came on board there has not been any strike action in Cross River State University of Science and Technology (CRUTECH) and we will maintain that. My office has equally organized the first ever government led voluntary sanitation exercise to keep Calabar clean in partnership with different groups. We went around Calabar Metropolis to practically sensitize our people on the need to be environmentally friendly. We have also launched an anti-cultism and back-to-book project in Cross River state in order to encourage our young people to go back to their studies and to forget about cultism, hooliganism, and other social vices and go back to their books as a means of encouraging reading habit in the state. 

Campus Light: What should CRS students expect next 3 years?

Prince Abuo: There are plans for the building of a Student/Youth Complex in Calabar metropolis were students can stay for e-reading and research. The centre will have relaxation points, with a serene environment for refreshment and indoor sporting. It will also house reprographic, art and Informational and Communication Technology (ICT) Unit, Office Space with 24/7 power supply for the students of Cross River. There are plans for upgrading my office to a Department of Students’ affairs which will be a hub for students’issues in CRS. The architectural designs for these projects are on course and the source for funding is centered on the World Bank, African Development Bank, Tertiary Education Trust Fund etc. I have presented all these proposals before His Excellency and we are hoping to kick-off soon. Our attention too has been drawn to the state of the State Library and soon with the setting up of the library board those issues will be addressed. My office will be launching an initiative which will contribute to the transformation of Cross River State from an Educationally Less-Developed State (ELDS) to Educationally Developed State (EDS) in the country. This will be done in partnership with the Ministry of Education, CRS via our Back-To-Book-Project and After School Trainings for Students. I know our dreams can be achieved within 7years because His Excellency Senator Prof Ben Ayade has a burning passion for students and Youths in the State. 

Campus Light: Don’t you think that ELDS helps our students get admission in higher institutions?

Prince Abuo: Well, for me and for my Governor, we believe that if you set your mind together in a particular perspective, your body will follow. We are poised to rearrange our dynamics as a state from negative to positive. Ostensibly, if there are Nigerian sates that are making it on the platform Educationally Developed State, like Imo, Abia states, Akwa Ibom, Lagos etc then we can make it. If there are advantages for those who are EDS, then, let us have the advantages. We are looking at liberation from everything negative. The tag ‘Educationally Less Developed’ has spiritual, psychological and emotional effect on CR citizens, children and future generation. As a state known for many academic ‘firsts’ in history, we have no business being categorized under any demeaning standard. 

Campus Light: One of the pressing issues for students is the issue of bursary payment, scholarships and subvention what is your office doing about that?

Prince Abuo: You know, we have realized that there is no central bursary payment system in the state. Some local governments pay bursary while others don’t. We want to centralize the bursary payment system so that every Cross River student will benefit from it. For scholarships and subvention due to the current economic situation in the country and monumental development projects of this administration these issues are facing review and will be addressed accordingly. Several memos have been written to that effect and action will commence as soon as His Excellency gives approval.

Campus Light: Will that apply to CR students schooling outside the state?

Prince Abuo: If His Excellency approves the bursary payment, it will surely apply to all the students schooling within Nigeria. But, we will set up a selection process which will fairly apply to all students regardless of where they are.

Campus Light: What is your word of advice for the students and parents? 

Prince Abuo: Parents should advice and support their children to pursue their passion guided by the principle of God and societal ethics. During my secondary school days at St. Patrick’s College, Calabar I was the Senior Prefect. Shortly before then, I was selected to be in science class contrary to the recommendation of the Vice Principal Academics that I should be the in Arts Class. My father wanted me to be a science student.  I did better in art subjects compared to my science subjects, but my Dad wanted me in science class. Here am I today in politics which is arts-related. I later told myself that if I studied arts, I would have done better because I have the initiatives and endowments when it comes to social relations, leadership and management. Interestingly, since I graduated, I have not used my Microbiology Certificate for any job as I went into private hustle after graduation. This is my first government  job upon graduation. So, students should not give up irrespective of where they are today and should understand that it is not just their certificate that will get them a job or make them fulfilled in life but passion guided by determination and effort. Parents should not impose courses on their students. They should allow their students to explore the world and do what they can do to the best of their capacity. As young people, we should discover ourselves and grow. Self discovery is not time bound. Youths should be diligent, creative, innovative and passionate in whatever they do and success will come hugging. 

Campus Light: Do you have any political ambition?

Prince Abuo: Yes I do. My political ambition is for God’s grace to help me attain the greatest results in my current office. I want to succeed where I am and come up with ideas that will solve problems. By so doing, we will build stair cases for future platforms to serve in higher capacities.

Read More

NIGERIAN TAKES OVER I.T.M UGEP

Prof. Angba (Right) in a handshake with Dr. Pedley (Left) 

A Nigerian, Prof. Austin Angba has taken over the leadership of Institute of Technology and Management (ITM), Ugep. Prof. Angba was appointed as Acting Rector of ITM by the Cross River State Governor, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade recently.

ITM was established about 2 years ago in affiliation with Highburry Collage, United Kingdom. Since its inception, ITM was under the management of the UK government.

During the handover recently, the former Rector, Dr. William Pedley congratulated Prof. Angba for his appointment and applauded the state government for its new wave of concern for the development of the school. He promised his unalloyed commitment to the school management and the state government. He said “whenever you need my assistance, I will be there. The facilities are in order and of super standard. You can take a tour round the school and witness that yourself”.

Before his appointment, Prof. Angba was a lecturer in the Faculty of Agriculture, where he once served as a Head of Department. He was also appointed by the Vice Chancellor to serve as the Deputy Director STEP-B Project University of Calabar where he delivered meritoriously.

Dr. Pedley chatting with Prof. Angba

Prof. Angba’s appointment is expected to take effect immediately, following the mandate from the state Governor, Sen. Prof. Ayade.

Apart from being the first Cross River citizen to occupy the office, Professor Angba is the first Nigerian and the first black man to head IMT, Ugep since its inception. He took over from an European group who managed the school for some time.

During his visit to the school, Prof. Angba had an interactive session with the members of the school. The students and the staff were happily converged at the conference room when he arrived the school. Prof. Angba took out some time to give words of encouragement to the staff and students who were filled with happiness that the institution which had been on break for some time has resumed fully.

The Rector led the entire school in a prayer session which lasted for about 19 minutes. He urged teh students and the staff to take up their individual responsibilities very seriously because the school has taken off on a full swing and there is no room for liturgy.

Prof. Angba leading a prayer session

Prof. Angba noted that the problem with Nigerian education system is indiscipline, laziness and carelessness. “We have commenced in earnest and there is no going back. The students must be ready to learn and the teachers must be ready to teach. No room for laziness.

“The positive reports about this are everywhere and I am here to sustain it and make it better. This is world class institution built to the United Kingdom standard, facilities and philosophy so we will produce world class students of international repute”.

Prof. Angba led the members of the management to a tour round the ultramodern school facilities, staff quarters, refectory, lecture rooms, etc.

Read More

VC constructs new desks for students

Cross Section of desks

Not less 1600 seats have been made available by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) management for the students. This was revealed to Campus Light by Dr. James Okpiliya who is the Director Centre for Educational Services (CES), during an interactive session.

Dr. Okpiliya said the seat project was occasioned by the need to provide more comfortable classroom environment for the students during their lectures and classes.
The 400 units of classroom desk which takes up to 4 students per desk will be installed in the CES building to replace the old desks that have been grievously damaged because of long usage.

It can be recalled that when he took over as the Vice Chancellor of Unical, Prof. Zana Akpagu declared that his policies and plans are channeled to alleviating the sufferings of students and providing basic welfare which the students need to succour academic pressure on campus.

In a chat with Campus Light, Dr. Okpiliya said this driving passion of the Vice Chancellor as an alumnus of Unical is yielding positive results. “All these seats will be installed in the students’ classrooms. We want to give our students the best. We had to invite the constructing firm to fabricate the seats here in the school community where we would do step-by-step supervision of the whole process to be sure of the materials they are using. The students themselves are part of the project so they will not allow you use fake materials for their own thing. The VC has a plan and he will actualize it”, he concluded.

Read More

Abia Killers Banded

The Abia State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) working closely with the authorities of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), and the security outfits in Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), have arrested four young suspects believed to be involved in the murder of three ABSU students at Isuikwuato Local Government in which two of the victims were beheaded amd their heads dropped along the ABSU Main gate in the wake of the day.

The suspects were arrested around MOUAU and Umuahia respectively. They include Chikezie Macdonald (a.k.a Walking Dutch) aged 22; Chidozie Obi (a.k.a Small body) aged 21; Chukwuemeka Awom (a.k.a Arch Angel) aged 25 and Chigozie Francis Eberendu (a.k.a Starboy) aged 23.

The suspects, who were paraded at the Abia State Government House during the week, are members of a cult group known as Burkina Faso which had severally troubled the students community. Students reporters revealed that the BF cult group is one of the most terrific cult outfits in ABSU as their fratanous efforts could eliminate any joint effort by any opposition cult group. Theres is the purported report that the said suspects conspired with others at large to carry out the devilish acts at the residence of the three victims at Chido Lodge, Uturu, on March 12, 2016. They maimed the students and left them in the pool of their blood.

Read More

VC constructs new desks for students

Not less 1600 seats have been made available by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) management for the students. This was revealed to Campus Light by Dr. James Okpiliya who is the Director Centre for Educational Services (CES), during an interactive session.

Dr. Okpiliya said the seat project was occasioned by the need to provide more comfortable classroom environment for the students during their lectures and classes.
The 400 units of classroom desk which takes up to 4 students per desk will be installed in the CES building to replace the old desks that have been grievously damaged because of long usage.

It can be recalled that when he took over as the Vice Chancellor of Unical, Prof. Zana Akpagu declared that his policies and plans are channeled to alleviating the sufferings of students and providing basic welfare which the students need to succour academic pressure on campus.

In a chat with Campus Light, Dr. Okpiliya said this driving passion of the Vice Chancellor as an alumnus of Unical is yielding positive results. “All these seats will be installed in the students’ classrooms. We want to give our students the best. We had to invite the constructing firm to fabricate the seats here in the school community where we would do step-by-step supervision of the whole process to be sure of the materials they are using. The students themselves are part of the project so they will not allow you use fake materials for their own thing. The VC has a plan and he will actualize it”, he concluded.

Read More

IMT gets new Rector

The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has appointed Prof. Austin Angba as the Acting Rector for Institute of Management Technology, Ugep in Cross River State.

Before his appointment, Prof. Angba was a lecturer in the Faculty of Agriculture, where he once served as a Head of Department. He was also appointed by the Vice Chancellor to serve as the Deputy Director STEP-B Project University of Calabar where he delivered meritoriously.

Prof. Angba’s appointment is expected to take effect immediately, following the mandate from the state Governor, Sen. Prof. Ayade.

Apart from being the first Cross River citizen to occupy the office, Professor Angba is the first Nigerian and the first black man to head IMT, Ugep since its inception. He took over from an European group who managed the school for some time.

In a briefing, Prof. Angba expressed sincere appreciation to the state Governor for giving him an opportunity to serve at such a capacity. He promised to contribute his quota to the development of the state’s education system by coming up with trending policies that will revamp the school and make the state outstanding.

Following his credible academic and professional achievements, members of the academic community are convinced that Prof. Angba will deliver satisfactorily in his new task. The Public Relations Officer of University of Calabar Alumni Association, Mr. Emmanuel Adariku said the personality of Prof. Angba is fit for the position. “He is a committed and devoted academician. He is surely the right man for the job”.

Prof. Angba noted that the school is a veritable platform for investors to come in and play a major role by investing to its development. “I urge our home-based philanthropists, businessmen and politicians to come in and invest in the school. This is the best time for us to show our love for the state by impacting in the education sector. We implore private individuals and corporate organizations to invest. IMT is a veritable platform for organizations to work on”.

The university don equally promised to make Prof. Ayade’s regime a legendary one while commending the Governor’s efforts and policies so far.

Read More

Text Book is not compulsory-Dr. Okpiliya

Dr. James Okpiliya is a member of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Governing Council, a member of the UNICAL Senate and a Lecturer in the Department of English and Literary Studies. Shortly after the expiration of his tenure as the Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Okpiliya was appointed as the Director Centre for Educational Services (CES). In this interview with Gift Adah of Campus Light, the don spoke about the much debated issue of sale of textbooks in universities arguing that it should not be compulsory.


CL: What has been your experience since you achieved this height as the Director of CES?
Dr. Opkiliya: I was Chairman of ASUU before I came over here. I have been used to dealing with people that are more mature than I and with different psychology from the students. I think this new job is just a carryover experience. I deal more with students here and little with staff. I work with students and their leaders to ensure that they are comfortable, to ensure that the mission and vision of the University about them are fully actualized. I have learnt a lot since I came here because life is all about lessons. I have learnt that one needs patience to deal with students. The students call me frequently. When they flash me, I would call back even without knowing who is flashing. When they send me call me messages, I would call, whether I know them or not. It is a lovely experience and of course a new lesson for me.

CL: Can you see any difference between CES students and regular students?
Dr. Opkiliya: Significantly, there is no difference between the CES and the regular students. The only difference is that while the regular students go for youth service, the CES students don’t. Another addendum there is that the CES students pay tuition while the regular students don’t. There is no other difference. The course contents are the same; they use same textbooks and are taught by same lecturers. They use same classrooms and libraries.

CL: Why are CES students not given the opportunity to participate in youth service regardless of the huge sum of money they pay and the time they spend in school?
Dr. Opkiliya: Fine. This argument has been on for a long time. We have pushed it forward to the NYSC and the National Assembly. You know that NYSC is a creation of law. There is a law establishing it. There are certain things that are contained in that law. So, unless those contents are repealed and new inclusions made, there is nothing we can do about it. The law doesn’t cater for the part time programs that are run within the country. Before now, no one ever imagined that younger people will go into part time program. But because of the quest for certificate and the slim quota universities have, students now resort to part time programs.

CL: What is your office doing about it?
Dr. Opkiliya: Well, before I became the director, I was the Deputy Director under Prof. Eze Bassey who was then the chairman of association of Directors of consultancy programs in Nigeria. Since then, we have been pushing this issue of youth service. I am worried because as the Director I want my students to be comfortable in the program they have enrolled for; I want to encourage more people to run the program, thus, raising the IGR level of the university. I want to prove my mettle. If we eventually achieve youth service mobilisation for CES students, we will end up having more influx of students in this program.  We want the students to join us in this fight. We are pushing for exclusion certificate but it is not a part of the law. We are trying. It pains me sincerely that these young ones are not allowed to serve their father’s land.

CL: Here, in the campus, the answer scripts of CES students have ‘CES’ inscription boldly written on them which is not applicable to regular students. Why is it so?
Dr. Opkiliya: There are two different sets of students. There is nothing strange there. It is for administrative purposes. It doesn’t affect the marking and grading systems.

CL: If you go to IPPA, IOC and IOE which have higher concentration of CES students, you will find out that there are a lot of practices there which call for questions such are sale of textbooks. What is your opinion about textbook marketing in universities?
Dr. Opkiliya: Good. If you are a farmer you cannot go to farm without your tools. If you are a human being you must eat. If you are student, you must read books. Those books must be relevant to the program and the course you are doing. There is nothing wrong about sale of textbooks in the universities but it is wrong to force them on students. Textbooks are not compulsory. If books are recommended by the department, there should be a benchmark to the cost at which those books are sold. I have told students in all those places that if there are practices which they are not comfortable with, it is their duty to report them to me. They can put the complains on a piece of paper, list the names of those involved and pass under my door. Don’t write you names on it. Make it anonymous and I will surely investigate act on it.

CL: Do you have any advice for the students?
Dr. Opkiliya: The students should read their books and make their parents proud. This is not a time for them to freelance and move about. They should shun unethical practises and be focused.

Read More

UNICAL Registrar Lauds Campus Light crew

By Chinwe Ohaeri, Gift Adah

Members of Campus Light crew, the publishers of Campus Light magazine and owners of campuslightpress.blogspot.com have received commendation for their efforts in projecting the image of University of Calabar in good light through their publication.

The Registrar of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Mr. Moses Abang gave the commendation when members of the Campus Light crew paid him a courtesy visit in his office recently.

According to Abang, he feels a sense of pride reading stories from students, stressing that the management holds campus journalists in high esteem since their stories is a reflection of what students are going through.

He however, cautioned campus journalists to practice within the framework of principles guiding the journalism profession which he noted were truth, objectivity, balance and fairness.

He said: “As campus journalists, you should be advocates of fairness, justice and integrity.  These tools, will give you an edge over your peers in the political, economic, and social set up"

On his part, the Chairman editorial board of the magazine Emmanuel Shebbs congratulated Mr Abang on his appointment and intimated him on campus journalists' activities in the school and as well seek moral support and counsel from the registrar.

Shebbs revealed that the magazine which started as a tabloid have advanced to magazine, stressing that Campus Light magazine remains the voice of the students and conscience of the public, who must understand issues and engineer social change.

He thanked the management of the institution for the opportunity given them and promised that Campus Light magazine will be used to showcase the research breakthroughs and other achievements of the institution to the outside world.

Shebbs pledged the crew's commitment to the present administration's programmes through their reporting and publications.

Also speaking, Stanley Uchegbu, the Associate Editor of the magazine said they were impressed with the level of development witnessed during the last and the incumbent administration. This, he said has continued to spur them in carrying out their duties as campus journalists.

"As Campus Light reporters, we also report for different national newspapers, including The Nation, Daily Sun and Vanguard newspaper among others," Stanley added.

Others who formed part of the crew who visited the registrar were Chinwe Ohaeri, 400 level Human Anatomy, Gift Adah, 100 level Faculty of Law and Raymond, 500 level Electronic and Computer Technology ( ECT).

..........

Follow me on Twitter @zackmensah

Read More

UNICAL Inaugurates New Students' Union Excos

By Chinwe Ohaeri, Ubong Edet, Gift Adah and Raymond
__________

The members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), who were recently elected through e-voting system have been sworn in.

The SUG officials led by Daniel Joseph, a 500 level student of Medicine and Surgery were sworn in last week in a ceremony held at the varsity’s new Senate Chambers.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Zana Akpagu, who came in the company of other principal officers of the university, assured the union leaders of his administration support stressing that student's welfare still remained his cardinal objectives.

Prof. Zana charged the union leaders not to see him as the VC rather as one of them who was once a resident of malabor republik adding that the spirit of a malabite still dwells in him.

The VC promised to create an enabling environment that would improve the academic standards of students.

He reminded them that the essence of their election was to render reputable services as well provision of good governance to the students, even as he implore them to always use dialogue to resolve issues among themselves and always maintain a cordial and long lasting relationship with the management.

Prof Zana while commending the Calabar University Electoral Commission (CUECO) for a perfect job well done, expressed his administration’s commitment to partner with the students’ union and assist them to enhance smooth operation activities.

Presenting the new executive for oath taking, the CUECO Chairman and Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Patrick Egaga stated that the task saddled on them was onerous but thanked God that it was successfully executed.

On his part, the Director of Center for Educational Services, Dr. James Okpiliyi noted that the electioneering process was not an easy one but was peaceful conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Student's union constitution.

The oath of office was first administered to the president followed by his executive by Barr. Mannix Nyiam , a legal adviser

Speaking on behalf of the new executive, Joseph said integrity would be the watchword of his administration and that he and his fellow leaders will ensure a sound bridge between the students and the school authority.

He solicited for the support of the school authority stressing that gone were the days when aluta spirit was known for violence.

While praising the courage of students for electing him as their leader, he commended his predecessor for keeping the tradition of the union noting that
the outgoing executive led by Ekpo Tete raised the bar of performance.

Other members of the SUG leaders sworn in are Nkpoikana Abasi - Vice President, Isong Eugene - Secretary General, Precious Ikunisi - Deputy Secretary General, Peace Ezenwa - Financial Secretary, Emmanuel Akpan - Director of Welfare, Sunday David - Director of Sports, Victor Iheanacho - Director of Social and Michael Ikyar - Director of Information.

In their separate interviews with CAMPUS LIGHT, Essien Ukeme , a 300-Level Political Science, said from what he heard about the union president, he believes the SUG would work more for the student with the new VC whose objective of his administration is student's welfarism.

“Our expectations from the new administration are high and I believe he would perform better than his predecessors,” Ukeme said.

Jennifer Abang, a 100 Level student, said the challenges before the union are enormous, noting that only a visionary leader could surmount those problems.

Other dignitaries at the event include, the Registrar Mr. Abang Moses, Deputy Vice Chancellor on Administration, Prof. Ndifreke James,  Dean of student's affairs, Prof. Felix Akpan, Director CES, Dr. James Okpiliyi, Librarian Dr. Mrs. Ruth Bassey, Bursar, Mr. Peter Agi among others.

..............
Be the reporter! Send us stories of event making the rounds in your school and we will publish them. Send it via e-mail Aimdking88@yahoo.com.

__________
Follow me on Twitter @zackmensah

Read More

UNICAL Bursar Welcomes Campus Light Crew

"Campus Light is a worthy vision" said Mr. Peter Abang, the Registrar University of Calabar .

Read More

Refuse Overtakes Students Market

The most popular market for University of Calabar (Unical) students and the gateway for about 45% of students into the University community has been overtaken by debris and presently passerby are forced to climb a stinking mountainous heap before they could gain entrance into the university through the Goldie gate. A huge part of the market has been converted to refuse dump reports Idiongesit Imuk

Goldie Market is a popular students’ market in Calabar. With more than 150 shops, kiosk, shades, stalls, etc the market is the commercial nerve centre of Goldie Street as students go there to buy domestic articles on daily basis. The market features a bee hive of business activities from 6:00 am to 10pm every day. Goldie Market has recently lost its glory as pile of refuse dumped close to the market has overtaken its face.

Students rubbing on refuse hip while passing into the school

Goldie Market serves as a major thoroughfare for Unical students residing off campus. They make use of the market’s isle while passing into Unical small gate popularly known as ‘Goldie Small Gate’. Many students prefer passing through the Goldie Small Gate as it is a treckable distance to Unical especially for students who reside in Calabar South area.

One major advantage of the market is its proximity to the school. The market shares boundary with Unical students’ hostel, known as Malabo. More than 90% of Unical students live off campus.

Recently, students have raised complains regarding the indiscriminate dumping of refuse at the market which has caused a huge stack of refuse dump, blocking the narrow isle through which students pass. The huge refuse emit an odious stench which booms around the area even into the school community.

At the entrance of the gate is a security booth which is usually occupied by Unical security personnel. A security officer who spoke with Campuslife said the odious smell oozing from the refuse dump is nauseating and very disgusting for a clean city like Calabar.

A 300 level student in Faculty of Education, Effiong Samuel lamented in nostalgia the recent degradation of the market and its environs. He said: “Gone are days when Calabar was clean. That was in the days of Gov. Donald Duke. Successive governments have not tried at maintaining the cleanliness of the city. When you go to the media they show you clean Calabar Street; that is the Government House and the tourist sites. They do not show you the real residential area where the real Calabar people dwell liek this Goldie Street.”

Campus life gathered that there is a refuse bin usually kept at the market. “Whenever the bin gets full, the officials will come and lift them”, said one of the market women who gave her name as Eka Harry. But recently, the market people have not seen the officials come to empty the refuse bin which has filled up beyond its capacity.

It is usually the duty of Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) to keep Calabar clean. CUDA officials drop waste bins at strategic points in Calabar for people to drop their home-used refuse therein. When each refuse bin gets filled-up, the CUDA officials would come with a towing van and pack them away, empty the waste bin and return it back to the location. In the absence of waste bin in particular location, people would litter the area with refuse on the floor. The CUDA officials would shove the refuse back into waste bin when they come around.

Some time ago, the refuse bin at Goldie Market got filled and the CUDA officials jacked it away without returning it. The refuse has been abandoned unkempt from more than 2 months. A market seller who spoke with Campuslife said “the last time they came to pack the refuse bin was second week of February. Since then we haven’t seen them again”.

But, there is another issue which bothers the market people in addition to the refuse stench. The market sellers complained that they were robbed by some persons who claimed to be officials in a bid to help them clear the refuse. One of the market women, Madam Charity said: “a group of boys came here last month and robbed us. They claimed to be CUDA officials. They told us that the waste bin they use for carrying refuse from our market has gone bad, so we should contribute money for the purchase of a new one. Everyone in the market contributed N500 each and gave to those boys.

“After collecting the money, they disappeared and we didn’t see them again and the refuse has not been packed. When we went to CUDA office, they told us that there was nothing like that. They said those boys were touts and they robbed us. They took advantage of the situation to rob us”.

“Goldie Market is an ancient market” said an elderly woman who claimed she was born Calabar. “The market has been here before I was born. We used to burn refuse each time it gets filled up. When Donald Duke came in as the governor, he started clearing up refuse by putting refuse bin there. That has been the practice since 1999. But recently we discovered that the CUDA officials are no more serious about the sanity of the market”.

A 300 level student of Medicine who simply gave his name as Jerry said the state government should choose another dumping site for refuse rather than causing a huge stench around the market area. Adebayo, 300 level Political Science said the market is very uncomfortable for sale of consumables.

Close to the refuse is a woman who sells fresh fruits, tomato and pepper. She said she can’t close her market because of refuse. “It is not our duty to pack this refuse. It is the government’s duty. I have my children at home to feed. I will not close shop”. 

Sellers use rusted roofing sheets to create a demarcation between their shops and the refuse which lies at the middle of the road while they chase flies from time to time off their sales. Vultures and wild birds perch on the refuse to search for meals, often times scattering them. The refuse grow up every day as people come at night with refuse bags and empty them on the high-heaped refuse dump in the market.

All efforts to reach the management of CUDA proved abortive. But an Environmental Health Officer who spoke with Campuslife at Calabar South Local Government said it is not the duty of the Local Government Council to clean up the streets. It used to be our duty. We can do it more effectively. But, since politicians came in, they decided to take over the whole duty. We sit here in the local government to collect salaries but politicians take over our jobs.
“It is duty to of CUDA to clean up Calabar streets. When their attention is called to it, they will do it”, he said.

Read More

Kidnapped Unical 3 Released

3 persons kidnapped from the staff quarters of University of Calabar (UNICAL) have regained their freedom after spending 10 days in the underworld.

Dr. David Iniama and wife and Daughter of Dr. Wilfred Ndifon were kidnapped on May Day holiday by a group of gun men who raided Unical staff quarters at around 8PM. After they were kidnapped, the gunmen made away with their human-booty with a ready speed boat. They took through the Qua River which shares boundary with the University campus via the Staff Quarters region.

Dr. David is the son of Barr. Iniama who is the Deputy Registrar of Unical Graduate School while Dr. Wilfred Ndifon is a lecturer in the Unical Medical Collage.

The gunmen, numbering about 9, raided Unical staff quarters, shooting sporadically into the air. There was no report of bullet injuries after the operation.

The hoodlums who troubled the peace of staff quarters for a period of not less than 20 minutes were unchallenged by security personnel around the area including the Unical security team and a group of policemen who were contracted by the residents to assist the security of the quarters.

After 10 days of abduction, the Unical 3 were released to join their families who had been engaged in intensive prayers.

In a chat with our correspondent, Barr. Iniama expressed appreciation to God for the return of his son, Dr. David Iniama to the family. “We thank God that our loved ones have rejoined us. I have nothing much to say but to give glory to God”.

Barr. Iniama refused to make comments regarding ransom paid for release, negotiations following to the release of the abductees.

The residence of Dr. Ndifon was under lock and key when our correspondent visited.

However, English Puppies (baby dogs) were seen chained to the corridors of most lecturers who reside in the quarters. There are indications that the puppies were acquired recently to assist keep the quarters secure. The university management is yet to approve the use of pets in the University environment.
Our correspondents were not informed if the University management played any role in the negotiation and release of the abductees.

Meanwhile, there were indications that the security around the staff quarters area of the University has been beefed up following the incident. When our reporters visited, security officials were seen around the axis.

Read More

UNICAL 67th Inaugural Lecture

 

By Ubong Edet

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) 67th inaugural lecture which took place on 11th May, 2016 started at about 3pm with a procession by the Vice Chancellor, Management team and the inaugural lecturer. The event that took place in UNICAL International Conference Center witnessed a great turnout within and outside the school community.

The Vice Chancellor who was ably represented by DVC Academics Prof. Florence Obi in her welcome/opening speech thanked God for making the day a reality, also expresses gratitude to everyone who sidelined their different engagements to be in the lecture.

At the end, she implored everyone to sit back and listen careful as the lecture goes on.

After due introduction of the inaugural lecturer Prof. Mildred John, here comes the lecture - VALUE-ADDED NURSING CARE: BEST PRACTICE OR WISHFUL THINKING?

Prof. Mildred started the lecture by reprimanding the words of Florence Nightingale which is “Unless we are making progress in our nursing every year, every month, every week, take my word for it we are going back” and “I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results”.

According to her, at a time the Nursing profession was at the crossroads especially in Nigeria and many other developing nations, stressing that there are so many challenges confronting the Nursing Profession  in Nigeria.

These challenges according to her are the fact that the public image of the nurse is still far from good, nurses are not practicing optimally as stipulated by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) as well as the shortage of Nurses have led to task shifting, and evidence-based practice  not fully implemented.

She blamed the scenario in the health sector where a 21st-century medical Technology is being delivered with 20th century organizational structures and management practices, as the reason why many protocols put in place to improve patient care generally and nursing care delivery in particular merely add quantity but fail to improve the value of the care being delivered.

She noted that the ability of the nurse to respond to people’s needs within the rapidly changing environment of health care depends on the way in which nursing work is organized in the health care delivery system, the way in which nursing practice is regulated, the quality of care assured, the way in which nurse practitioners are prepared, and the way that nursing itself is defined.

Speaking further, she said the Nursing profession should be seen as an art, a science, a vocation, a profession, a practice discipline and a career about caring and it is a crucial part of healthcare delivery and the largest health care occupation accounting for about 70% of the clinical workforce in any country with goals to promote health and wellness, prevent illness and injury, restore health and alleviate suffering, ensuring that individuals, families and communities attain, maintain and/or recover optima health and wellbeing.

She concluded that value-added care is therefore the best practice and nurses must strive to use it when caring for patients in order for the profession to survive in the contemporary health care system.

She said: "based on the above discoursed, is it possible to achieve value-added nursing care as best practice in Nigeria, or is this mere wishful thinking?

" The answer to this question is a definite ‘Yes’ if the care given by the nurse involves this 7Cs – Care, Compassion, Competence, Effective Communication, Courage, Commitment, and Change in attitude (humanitude).

"These are implied in the global standards of nursing practice for patient-centered care.
A value-added nurse must contribute the following; Serving locally, transforming regionally and leading globally."

She recommended the following as prerequisites to achieving Value-Added Nursing in Nigeria:

(i) Preparing nurses in Nigeria to provide value-added care through appropriate nursing education.

(ii) Investing in up-skilling of the current workforce and employment of more nurses with Bachelor of Nursing degree in direct patient care.

(iii) Internship in nursing.

(iv) Leading change through research.

(v) Effective leadership and mentoring in nursing.

(vi) Use of theoretical models of care in patient care, especially the nursing process and caring models in Nigeria.

(vii) Improving the work environment to make it conducive to practice value-added nursing care.

(viii) Evidence- based and best practice guidelines.

(ix) Enforcing appropriate and supportive human resources policies for value-added nursing practice.

The highpoints of the lecture were the presentation of award by the vice chancellor to the Inaugural Lecturer as University of Calabar 67th Inaugural Lecturer and also declaring the lecture closed.

__________________

Follow me on Twitter @zackmensah 

Read More

In Photos: University of Calabar 67th Inaugural Lecture

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) last Wednesday, 11th May, held her 67 inaugural lecture on the topic 'valued-added nursing care: best practice or wishful thinking? '

The inaugural lecture presented  by Prof. Mildred E. John was held at the University International Conference Centre amid great attendance.

See the pictures of the event after the cut.

Photo 1: The inaugural lecturer, Prof. Mildred E. John  in an excited mood after doing justice to the lecture. 

Photo 2: Prof. Mildred E. John making her presentation. 

Photo 3: the academia at the event  

Photo 4: Students of Nursing science were not left out. The were fully represented. 

____________________
Follow me on Twitter @zackmensah

Read More

Get our latest edition

Right here is our latest edition.

Its sleeky, smooth and crystal with the translucent lamination of the cover page.

Its sold in major book shops and media stands.

Place order and have it distributed to your doorstep (only in Nigeria).

Price: $2:00
Shipping cost: $1:00
Total: $3:00

Contact+2348063400402 for more information.

Read More

Korean Ambassador Lectures the Academy

By: Ubong Edet

It was insightful, impacting and imparting as University of Calabar (Unical) receives the Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Nigeria, His Excellency Ambassador Noh Kyu-Duk who came for 2016 Biennial Lecture series.

The university management declared the day lecture-free for the academic community members to attend.

The lecture had the propensity of drawing people from far and near to the University the likes of the Prelate, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN), His Eminence, Most Rev. Prof. E. M. Uka and others too numerous to mention.

The Chairman of the event Prof. Chris Nwamoh, Director Center for Asian-African Studies Unical in his opening remarks welcomed Management, Staff and Students of the University to the 2016 Biennial Lecture Series of Ambassador of Republic of Korea.

Prof. Zana Akpagu, the Chief Host in his speech said “on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, Staffs and Students welcome His Excellency to University of Calabar. We are particularly delighted that you’ve chosen our University for your lecture.

“I want to quickly give credit to my predecessor Prof. Epoke for this initiative, for attracting very honorable and collaborative partners to this University”.

“I want to also thank His Excellency for choosing us; we are just one University among one hundred and eight (180) now in the nation. For us it’s a privilege. We also see it as some form of recognition; sometimes we tend to forget our work, so an occasion like this will help revive the dormant spirit in us. This is an opportunity to foster closer time with you, because Korea doesn’t have oil like Nigeria but one of the most developed countries in the world, all of these are achieved with the investment in human capital. We want to learn from you because even our oil is becoming a curse to us, for we’ve not been able to harness the benefit and transform our country to be like that of Dubai, Saudi Arabia or any of the developed states. This is so because we’ve missed from the starting point and thank you for choosing our students, for they are the future leaders.

As I told you earlier in the meeting we had behind closed doors in my office, I’ll be visiting you with a long shopping lists, for you to help us establish hydro-electrical project, we also want to establish Malabo FM, we want to introduce E-Learning so you can help us achieve all of these, due to your inclination in technologies., we are also going to establish the Korean Cultural Centre in the University so we want to collaborate with you to help us do Students/Lecturers exchange, so we can build a closer time with you and the Republic of South Korea. Once again, you are welcomed”.

Speaking on the topic, the underbelly of South Korea’s economic Development; Korea and Nigeria at 36, Korean Amassador dissects history revealing that Korea has a protracted challenge but in the challenge is a miracle that led to the economic glory.

A country born some decades ago among other Asian Tigers, Korea was in worst economic condition than Nigeria. However, with determination, Korea engineered the trajectory in their history that gave them the effrontery to pull out to greatness.

He said Korea’s economy suffered because of series of wars that eventually resulted in economic glory.

How can Nigeria spur up to economic glory? The elite adviced that the Nigerian can overcome oil curse to become top global economy in the world when the youths are equipped with updated skills and technologies, provided platforms for secured jobs. He adds that income should be effectively generated to reduce the high verve poverty to its barest minimum by the Nigerian government.

He expressed Korea’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in order to develop both countries.

“Why I chose to come to Nigeria again as Korean Ambassador to Nigeria is because Nigeria is the future of Africa”, he opined.

He likened Nigeria to Korea of yesteryears noting that “Korea started its journey of development in the 1960s and 1970s. From 1970 it went into Petroleum thereafter in 1980s delved into electricity.

The story is different for Korea today as “Korea produces 80,000 mega watts per day. We later went into Saemaul (New Village) Movement – Rural development, whereby the capital city gave funds and materials such as housing, road, bridges materials to rural environment to remove all the thatch houses and make good road network to help boost their economy.

“Today Korea is one of the largest in the world as regards ship building, Kia Automobile, Samsung, LG product to the Labour Market. Korea has nothing less than 50,000,000 populations”.

Nigeria’s friendliness with Korea is age long as Presidents of both countries visit themselves occasionally for business talks, seminars and signing of agreements.

President Chun visited Nigeria 1982 during Shagari’s regime. President Obasanjo went to Korea in the year 2000. President Roh came to Abuja in 2006; that was in Obasano’s regime. Obasanjo, the same year visited Korea. In 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan visited Korea for a Nuclear Security Summit. President Buhari visited Korea also in 2015.

Korea is establishing some project and companies in Nigeria such as Samsung Heavy Industries, FPSO, Hyundai Car Plant, Daewoo Nigeria Building Limited and Solar-Powered Internet School. Other establishments include Taekwondo Classes, K-Pop Dance Competition of which Nigeria won last year in Korea and that shows that Nigeria is indeed a nation embedded with much natural abilities.

Ambassor Noh Kyu-Duk disclosed that Korean government is making plans to establish E-Government System in Nigeria to help foster transparency in the government.

Read More