UNICAL VC Pledges Full Support to New Alumni EXCO, Seeks Stronger Collaboration

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has pledged to offer maximum support to the newly elected National Executive Council (EXCO) of the UNICAL Alumni Association.

She made this commitment during a courtesy call by the new National President, Barr. Paul Eshiemomoh, and other executives of the Alumni body.

Prof. Obi, while congratulating the newly elected Alumni leadership, emphasized that their emergence was a call to duty. She said, "Your visit shows you are prepared to close ranks and work with the current administration to develop the institution." The Vice Chancellor assured the team that she is open to receiving useful suggestions and exchanging ideas with the Alumni body to help her administration achieve its goals.

She further urged the new leadership to place the interests of the Alumni Association and its members above all other interests to achieve the set objectives. "I am ready to entertain useful suggestions, as well as cross-fertilize ideas with the Alumni body, which could help us achieve the lofty goals of this administration," Prof. Obi added.

Earlier, Barr. Paul Eshiemomoh, the new National President of UNICAL Alumni, explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally inform the Vice Chancellor and the University Management about the leadership change following one of the most peaceful and transparent elections in recent years. Eshiemomoh stated, "The visit is also to inform the University Management of our plans and programmes not only for the Alumni Association but also for the University, and to discuss ways of cooperation between the University and the Alumni Association for the overall good of the institution."

He expressed the Alumni's gratitude to the university, noting its significant impact on all graduates. "No doubt, the University has had a positive impact on all alumni. It has provided us not only with the knife but also with the yam. It is the mother hen which has produced the golden chicks in us," Eshiemomoh said.

The Alumni President also highlighted that despite challenges in the past, the relationship between the University Management and the Alumni Association had remained strong. "There has been no love lost between the University Management and the Alumni Association in the recent past, but it is the firm determination of the current leadership to change the narrative," he said.

Eshiemomoh further emphasized the Alumni's commitment to rebuilding trust with the university and participating actively in the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration. "We are mobilizing all Malabites both at home and in the Diaspora to ensure the success of the celebration," he added.

The National President reiterated the resolve of the new Alumni leadership to work closely with the university management, stating, "We commend you again for your development strides in the University and offer you our hands of friendship. Once again, we undertake to work with you to achieve your vision of moving the University to greater heights."

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to collaboration, with both the UNICAL Alumni Association and the University Management emphasizing their joint goal of advancing the university’s mission.