UNICAL VC Urges Conference Participants to Make Lasting Impact on Nation-Building
The University of Calabar’s 2nd International Hybrid Conference 2025 emphasized actionable resolutions on Nigeria’s post-subsidy era. VC Prof. Florence Obi urged stakeholders to drive lasting socioeconomic impact, while speakers stressed the vital role of social workers in nation-building.
Judith Eze 
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has urged participants and relevant stakeholders at the just concluded 2nd Annual International Hybrid Conference 2025 to ensure that the resolutions and recommendations from the conference have a lasting impact on citizens and nation-building.
Prof. Obi made the remarks during the conference with the theme "Social Work Practice in Post Subsidy Removal Era in Nigeria: Towards a New Trajectory of Socioeconomic Development," held at the ASUU Secretariat of the Institution.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Prof. Tony Eyang, Prof. Obi stated that the removal of subsidy came as a shock to many and the effects are multi-dimensional, affecting even academics.
She noted that the conference is a welcome development geared towards salvaging the situation of post-subsidy removal in the country, especially among vulnerable populations.
The Varsity administrator urged relevant stakeholders and participants to reserve recommendations capable of impacting the lives of Nigerians, stressing that the gains from the conference will not only shape academics in their career pursuit but will redefine their perspectives towards post-subsidy removal.
In his remarks, the Dean, faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Enang Udah who commended the leadership of the Head of department, Prof. Grace Etuk, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Prof. Walter Mboto and members of the LOC said as social workers and development practitioners, the mandate to bridge the gap is now urgent.
He noted that the conference presents a platform for deep reflection and academic innovations among social work scholars and practitioners while urging participants to take take advantage of the opportunity the conference presents.
The Head of the Department of Social Work, Prof. Grace Reuben Etuk, welcomed guests and participants to the conference, describing the theme as timely and educating.
She noted that the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023 signaled a major shift in Nigeria's socio-economic landscape, leading to increased volatility, uncertainty, and ambiguity.
Prof. Etuk urged participants to engage deeply, challenge assumptions, and explore bold approaches to address the emerging dynamics in Nigeria's socio-economic landscape.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, delivered the keynote address, stating that the choice of the conference theme is both apt and urgent.
He emphasized the role of social workers as agents of intervention, stability, and hope and called for social workers to be empowered and positioned as nation-builders.
Senator Enoh noted that government initiatives, such as social protection programmes and support for MSMEs, are underway, and that social workers can play a vital role in ensuring these programmes reach those in need.
Other speakers at the conference included Senator Jarigbe Agom represented by Unical Alumni Relations Officer, Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe who praised social workers for their critical role in supporting vulnerable populations and promoting systemic change, Dr. David Nkpe of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Mr. Ibifiri Ekine, Port Manager, Nigerian Port Authority, Calabar, who presented lead papers.
The International event was organised and hosted by the Social Work Department of the University of Calabar
