Alumni Key to Institutional Growth, Says UNICAL VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has described alumni associations as a major driving force behind the growth and development of universities.

Prof. Offiong 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.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Ekaete Enang, said alumni associations occupy a strategic position in advancing the developmental goals of institutions.

According to him, alumni should be encouraged to harness their potentials and resources towards the growth of their alma mater without being compelled to do so.

Prof. Offiong observed that the UNICAL Alumni Chapter had not been as vibrant as expected in recent times and charged members of the NEST Chapter to mobilise alumni towards building a stronger and more vibrant association.

He stressed that the university management attaches great importance to alumni affairs, noting that their contributions remain critical to strengthening the institution and driving development and breakthroughs across various sectors.

The Vice-Chancellor also congratulated members of the Caretaker Committee on their appointment, describing their responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the chapter and preparing for a substantive election as an uphill task requiring commitment, unity and effective mobilisation.

Earlier, the Director of the Directorate of Alumni Affairs, UNICAL, Prof. Saturday Etuk, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the warm reception accorded the delegation.

Prof. Etuk said the gesture reflected the university’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with its alumni, adding that the Alumni Association plays an important role in strengthening institutional linkages, collaboration and development.

He called for sustained efforts to lay a solid foundation for the growth of both 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 brief him on the chapter’s plans and programmes.

He said the chapter was guided by the vision, “Towards a Better Institution,” adding that the Caretaker Committee would serve for six months from the date of its inauguration.

Prof. Mboto explained that during the period, the committee would focus on repositioning the chapter and preparing the ground for the emergence of substantive leadership.

He disclosed that, given the large number of UNICAL alumni within the institution, the chapter was developing a platform to identify, connect and engage members.

As part of its efforts to give back to the university community, 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 initiative is designed to equip students with practical agricultural skills, promote self-sufficiency and prepare them for life after graduation.

Prof. Mboto also expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for accepting to host the 2027 National Executive Council meeting of the University of Calabar Alumni Association.

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. Ekaete Enang, for representing the Vice-Chancellor and taking 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.