PRESS RELEASE: ALUMNI DRIVING FORCE BEHIND INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH, SAYS UNICAL VC
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has described the Alumni Association as a driving force behind the growth and development of any institution.
The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Ekaete Enang, stated this when members of the Caretaker Committee of the NEST Chapter of the University of Calabar Alumni Association paid a courtesy visit to the University Management.
Prof. Offiong said alumni associations occupy a strategic position in the development of universities, adding that they serve as a pivot upon which institutions can rely to advance their developmental goals and processes.
According to him, “The Alumni should be in a position to woo its members to harness their potentials towards the growth of the institution without being compelled.”
The Vice-Chancellor, who noted that the UNICAL Chapter had not been as vibrant as expected in recent times, charged members of the NEST Chapter to brace up and mobilise alumni of the University of Calabar towards building a formidable and vibrant chapter.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the University Management attaches great importance to alumni-related matters, noting that the strategic contributions of alumni are critical to driving the university's development and breakthroughs in all ramifications.
Prof. Offiong congratulated members of the Caretaker Committee on their appointment to oversee the affairs of the Chapter and midwife the forthcoming election.
He described the assignment as an uphill task that requires commitment, unity and effective mobilisation.
Earlier, the Director, Directorate of Alumni Affairs, University of Calabar, Prof. Saturday Etuk, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the warm reception accorded the delegation.
He said the gesture demonstrated the true spirit of the University of Calabar and its commitment to maintaining strong relationships with its alumni.
Prof. Etuk stressed that the Alumni Association holds the key to strengthening linkages, institutional growth and collaboration.
He added that there was need to sustain efforts towards laying a solid foundation for the development of the Association and the University.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NEST Chapter, Prof. Walter Mboto, said the visit was to pay homage to the head of the institution and formally intimate him of the plans and programmes of the Chapter.
He said the Chapter was being driven by the vision of “Towards a Better Institution.”
Prof. Mboto explained that the Caretaker Committee would serve for a period of six months from the date of its inauguration.
He said within that period, it would work towards repositioning the Chapter and preparing the ground for a substantive leadership.
He disclosed that, considering the large number of UNICAL alumni members within the institution, the Chapter was developing a platform that would provide a common space for identifying, connecting and engaging members.
The Chairman further disclosed that as part of efforts to give back, the National Body of the University of Calabar Alumni Association will organise a one-day agricultural training programme for final-year students of the Faculty of Agriculture.
He said the initiative was aimed at equipping the students with practical skills, promoting self-sufficiency and empowering them for life after graduation.
Prof. Mboto also expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for accepting to host the National Executive Council meeting of the University of Calabar Alumni Association in 2027.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the UNICAL Alumni NEST Chapter, Mr. Agare Onoriode Israel, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership and efforts towards repositioning the University.
He also appreciated the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Ekaette Enang, for representing the Vice-Chancellor and for creating time to receive the delegation despite her busy schedule.
Other members of the Caretaker Committee present were the Secretary, Dr. Nkang Eyam; Dr. Blessing Anam; Dr. Morod Morphy; and the Treasurer, Mrs. Ansa Edu.
_Public Relations Unit
University of Calabar_
