Pre-Degree Program: A Solid Foundation for Academic Success - Dr. Virginia Ironbar

The Pre-Degree Program at the University of Calabar is designed to provide a strong academic foundation for the students who enroll in it, according to the Acting Director of the program, Dr. Virginia Ironbar.

She made this statement during the Orientation Exercise for the 2023/2024 academic session, which took place at the Centre for Educational Services (CES) Hall of the University.

She commended the students for taking the initiative to pursue higher education and urged them to be committed, eager, and willing to challenge themselves.

She assured them that they are not alone in their journey, saying, “you are joining a vibrant community of people who share your goals”.

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She explained that the Pre-Degree Program is a gateway to any degree program of their choice in the University and that the program has qualified and dedicated teachers and staff who are ready to help them discover and develop their potentials.

She added that for the Orientation Exercise, they have invited experienced and knowledgeable resource persons to guide and inspire them as they strive to become University undergraduates.

She expressed her gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the University Management, as well as the Staff of the Pre-Degree Directorate for their invaluable support in making the Orientation Exercise a success.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, in her remarks, advised the Pre-Degree students to take their studies seriously and see the program as a stepping stone for their academic advancement.

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She welcomed the Pre-Degree students to the University and described it as a Centre of Excellence, urging them not to dilute that standard.

She said, "I want you to take this program seriously. It is a stepping stone for your academic advancement. Because you did a Pre-Degree, you will have an edge over others who just wrote JAMB.

But you have to earn your admission with good grades. We don’t want to compromise the system.

“It is a one-year program and it’s either you pass or you fail. If you excel, you can get admitted into your desired course of study, even Medicine and law.”

She advised them to be humble and familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of the University, avoiding all forms of anti-social activities, saying they have no place for such activities.

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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, who spoke on “Effective Study Strategy”, encouraged the students to use their phones as tools and not distractions.

She urged them to do their best to pass their exams with good grades by studying diligently and seeking help when they encounter difficulties.

The Director of Academic Affairs, Pst. Gabriel Osang, said the university has allocated five hundred admission slots to the Pre-Degree program, provided they meet the required scores, and also urged the students to study hard.

The event also featured other presentations by officials of the Pre-Degree program, as well as representatives from various Departments.