The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has described the Alumni Association as a major force in driving the growth, development and advancement of the institution.
Prof. Offiong stated this when members of the Caretaker Committee of the University of Calabar Alumni Association NEST Chapter paid a courtesy visit to the University Management.
The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Ekaete Enang, said alumni associations occupy a strategic position in the development of universities and could contribute significantly to achieving institutional goals.
According to him, alumni should be encouraged to voluntarily harness their expertise, resources and connections for the benefit of their alma mater.
He noted that the UNICAL Alumni Chapter had not been as vibrant as expected in recent times and charged the NEST Chapter Caretaker Committee to mobilise members and work towards building a stronger and more active association.
The Vice-Chancellor also reaffirmed the University Management’s commitment to alumni-related matters, stressing that the contributions of former students remain important to the institution’s development and achievements.
He congratulated the Caretaker Committee members on their appointment, describing the responsibility of repositioning the chapter and preparing for a substantive leadership as a challenging task that requires commitment, unity and effective mobilisation.
Earlier, the Director of the Directorate of Alumni Affairs, UNICAL, Prof. Saturday Etuk, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for receiving the delegation.
Prof. Etuk said the warm reception reflected the University’s commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with its alumni. He added that a vibrant Alumni Association would help strengthen institutional linkages, collaboration and development.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the NEST Chapter, Prof. Walter Mboto, said the delegation was at the University to formally introduce the Caretaker Committee to the Vice-Chancellor and present its plans and programmes.
He said the chapter was guided by the vision, “Towards a Better Institution.”
Prof. Mboto explained that the Caretaker Committee would operate for six months from the date of its inauguration, during which it would work towards repositioning the chapter and laying the foundation for the emergence of substantive leadership.
He disclosed that the chapter was also developing a platform to identify, connect and engage the large number of UNICAL alumni within the institution.
As part of its contribution to the University, Prof. Mboto said the National Body of the University of Calabar Alumni Association would organise a one-day agricultural training programme for final-year students of the Faculty of Agriculture.
According to him, the programme is designed to provide students with practical agricultural skills, encourage self-sufficiency and prepare them for life and opportunities after graduation.
Prof. Mboto also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for accepting to host the National Executive Council meeting of the University of Calabar Alumni Association in 2027.
The Public Relations Officer of the UNICAL Alumni NEST Chapter, Mr. Agare Onoriode Israel, commended Prof. Offiong for his leadership and efforts towards repositioning the University.
He also thanked Prof. Ekaete Enang for representing the Vice-Chancellor and receiving the delegation despite her busy schedule.
Other members of the Caretaker Committee present at the meeting included the Secretary, Dr. Nkang Eyam; Dr. Blessing Anam; Dr. Morod Morphy; and the Treasurer, Mrs. Ansa Edu.
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