We Remain Open to Collaborations and Partnerships Says UNICAL VC, Prof Obi

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has stated that the Institution remains open to Collaborations and Partnerships with relevant organizations.

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The Vice-Chancellor stated this when she received officials from the International Organization for Human Rights Development and Environment in the Institution's Council Chambers recently.

Prof. Obi affirmed that the University of Calabar has zero tolerance for Gender Based Violence and is well endowed in terms of human capacity to bring about growth, advancement and development of the University, as well as, the society at large.

Represented by the Executive Director, Gender Development Center, Unical, Dr. Brenda Akpan the Vice Chancellor said the institution is one of the few that has a Centre for Gender Studies.

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In her words, "The University of Calabar is a gender-sensitive environment and gender concerns both the male and the female and the management is eager to curb this inequality to zero level".

She assured the officials that their request for partnership and collaboration with the Institution in areas of joint events and workshops, Guest Lectures, Legal Aid Clinic, Advocacy Campaigns, Gender-Based Violence, as well as, Research Collaborations, Internship Programs, Student Activism and Clubs, Curriculum Integration, Collaborative Funding and Exchange Programs will be treated with the importance and urgency they deserve, noting that, the Institution is willing to explore not just in words, but also, in theory, and practice.

Prof. Obi commended the South-South Zonal Coordinator and his team for the visit stating that the Centre is geared towards giving positive ideas to students and staff.

Earlier, the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the International Organization for Human Rights Development and Environment, Pst. Undie Ashibekong John said their visit is inspired by their love for the Institution's disposition towards Gender Based Violence.

Pst. Undie stressed that Gender Based Violence is on the rampage, so, the Organization is geared towards the stoppage of Injustice, Rape or Sexual Harassment, Human Trafficking and Gender Inequality among others.

He reiterated that the essence of the partnership is to collaborate with the Institution in terms of organizing seminars, conferences and workshops together to raise awareness, share knowledge and promote dialogue on human rights issues and inviting representatives from human rights organizations to deliver lectures.

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According to him, the partnership will also involve collaborating on the Legal Aid Clinic where students, supervised by professionals will assist individuals facing human rights challenges.