UNICAL Inaugurates New Students' Union Excos

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

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