UNICAL, HBM Open Talks on Strategic Partnership
By Ekanem Asuquo
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) and HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Cement, have commenced discussions aimed at establishing a strategic partnership to foster collaboration in key areas of mutual interest and drive institutional development.
The proposed partnership is expected to explore opportunities in research, capacity building, innovation, branding, community engagement, and other initiatives geared towards advancing academic excellence and corporate growth.
The discussions began during a visit by the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Calabar, Prof. Esekong Andrew Essien, to the Communication and Public Affairs Manager of HBM Calabar Plant, Mr. Inyang Inyang.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Andrew Essien said the engagement was designed to provide a platform for exploring opportunities for robust synergy and mutually beneficial collaboration between the university and the company.
"We wish to congratulate HBM for successfully acquiring Lafarge Cement Plc. The investment demonstrates confidence in our business environment. We are here to explore glaring opportunities for mutual support and benefits," he said.
According to the dean, the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies possesses the expertise required to strengthen HBM's corporate image, deepen community relations, and expand its marketing reach.
"We have the expertise needed to brand your corporate image, deepen community liaison communication to guarantee a peaceful environment for your operations, and also expand your frontiers in terms of marketing," he stated.
Prof. Andrew Essien noted that the University of Calabar remains a vast academic community with national, regional, and global reach, adding that a partnership with the institution would provide HBM with a unique platform to enhance its visibility and engagement across diverse audiences.
"The University of Calabar is a vast community with national, regional, and global dimensions. Partnering with us to create a conducive learning environment gives HBM the opportunity to leverage our extensive reach," he added.
The dean further disclosed that the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies recently emerged from the former Department of Mass Communication under the Faculty of Arts and has since been expanded into seven departments, namely Journalism and Media Studies, Mass Communication, Broadcasting, Public Relations, Development Communication, Strategic Communication, and Advertising.
He explained that the faculty is currently preparing for accreditation by the National Universities Commission and requires support from corporate organizations and public spirited individuals to strengthen its infrastructure and academic capacity.
"Our faculty is new and in urgent need of assistance from corporate entities and public spirited individuals to scale up in readiness for accreditation by the National Universities Commission. Hence our quest for robust synergy for multiple benefits. We are ready to offer our professionalism and rich experience to advance HBM's corporate interests within the communication arena," he emphasized.
Responding, the Communication and Public Affairs Manager of HBM Calabar Plant, Mr. Inyang Inyang, expressed delight over the visit, describing it as timely and well conceived.
He commended the university for seeking areas of collaboration and assured that the company would carefully consider the proposals presented.
The meeting focused on identifying areas where the strengths and resources of both institutions could be leveraged to achieve shared goals and create lasting value for stakeholders, while laying the foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
Accompanying the Dean on the visit were the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Prof. Ene Okon; the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. Lawrence Ekwok; and Dr. Judex Okoro of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.
The visit underscored the faculty's commitment to building strategic partnerships with corporate organizations and other stakeholders to enhance academic development, research, and community engagement.
