UNICAL: Utilize Skills Available at SET-P for Your Benefit, VC Charges Students
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has charged students undertaking courses at the Science Engineering and Technology Project (SET-P) on skills acquisition to utilize the skills available at the directorate for their benefit.
philips22 
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has charged students undertaking courses at the Science Engineering and Technology Project (SET-P) on skills acquisition to utilize the skills available at the directorate for their benefit.
Read also: UNICAL VC Commends Women Group for Seeking To Promote Gender-Based Initiatives
Prof. Obi who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof Eno Nta, gave the charge during a one-day Set-P Certificate Award ceremony on Innovative Skills Acquisition held at the Directorate's Premises.
The varsity administrator commended the Director of Set-P, Prof. Ernest Asikong and his staff for ensuring that the directorate produces men and women who will be employers of labour shortly, noting that, if the skills acquired by the students are consciously utilized, it will be a source of revenue for the institution.
She urged the students to be serious, dedicated and committed to acquiring requisite skills, adding that they should think outside the box and look beyond securing white-collar jobs after graduation.
The Director of Set-P, Prof. Ernest Asikong, in his welcome address, said that the essence of the one-day certificate award ceremony was to promote skill acquisition within the institution.
Read also: University of Calabar (UNICAL) Clarifies Stance on Worship Centers within Campus
He said that in the wake of graduate unemployment and the shrinking number of work-based placements for students, skill acquisition programmes need to be introduced to help students develop work-ready skills that could connect them with prospective employers for part and full-time placement.
Prof. Asikong further stated that the directorate of Set-P specializes in training students on innovative skills domiciled in the Sciences, Engineering and Technology courses especially in Agricultural Sciences, Biological Science, Physical Sciences, Allied Medical Science, Basic Medical Sciences, and Science Education, among othersWhile calling for a robust relationship between the Academic and the industrial sector, he expressed optimism that the relationship and collaboration will help create sustainable opportunities for creativity and innovation in science, Engineering and technology-based programmes.
According to him, the collaboration will significantly promote the Technology-driven concept of the University and foster student internship programmes that will guarantee the acquisition of specific sectoral skills for employability especially in the Science-based programmes.
He disclosed that an American-based Non-governmental Organization( NGO), Foundation for the Presentation of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria(FOPCHEN) is partnering with the SET-P on behalf of the University to train students and external participants in solar energy (solar panel), welding and mushroom cultivation skills soon.
This is even as he urged students who are yet to register for SET-P to do so for their best interest, stressing that, the Set-P programme is compulsory for all year one students in the Sciences.
The Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the Vice Chancellor of the University for her sterling leadership and outstanding contributions towards the growth of the Centre.
Read also: UNICAL DEANSHIP: VC Commends Out-Gone Dean, Charges Successor to Perform Better
The event also featured the presentation of certificates to students who have finished their certificate courses and deserving staff in the directorate, as well as, resource persons.
