UNICAL VC MOVES TO SHORE UP RANKING EFFORTS

Prof. Zana Akpagu, Unical VC 

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu has taken steps to fulfill his pledge to up the University’s placement in the national and global ranking of tertiary institutions.

Prof Zana Akpagu, arguably one of the most pragmatic in his approach to enhancing the ranking of the University of Calabar, is blazing a new trail by constituting a special committee to shore up the visibility and ranking efforts of his administration.

The committee which was set up at the 212th meeting of the University of Calabar Senate was given the mandate of ensuring that the University of Calabar takes its proper place in the comity of Universities both in Nigeria and globally.

The award winning varsity administrator wondered why a second generation University like Unical should not be listed among the top 5 Universities in the country.

Prof. Akpagu thus charged the committee which has as its chairman, the Director, Research and Quality Assurance, Prof. Austin Obiekezie, to check other Universities with a view to finding out why they rise in ranking, and appropriate or improve on, where applicable, their model(s).

The Visibility and Ranking Committee comprises Professors Eno Nta, Olu Lawal, Benedict I. Ita, Ndem Ayara, Ajayi Omoogun, Jacob Dada, Mildred John, Ikpeme Ikpeme, Eme Osim, Itam and Mike Ushie.

Other members of the Committee include Dr. Isaac Okeme, Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Faithpraise, Dr. Okafor Ken, Dr. Joseph Akan and Dr. Joseph Ekpang while Professors Akaneren Essien and Bassey Asuquo are to serve as consultants.

In a related development, the Vice Chancellor also broached the idea for the inauguration of a committee for Intellectual Capacity Policy, as well as the constitution of Innovators and Entrepreneurial Clubs in the University.

Making a case for the aforementioned, Prof Akpagu said the Ivory Tower has been seemingly academically latent, hence the need to honour all innovations, inventions and entrepreneurial breakthroughs.

Citing the case of the Department of Microbiology which has been able to recycle waste to form bio-gas, and the University owned secondary school which has been winning awards both nationally and internationally for her innovations in craft, Prof Akpagu urged Professors and Faculties to create what he referred to as "Innovators Walls" around the campus as a way of honoring 'Inventors' on the one hand and motivating others as well.

These laudable ideas which were well received by the University Senate are to be implemented immediately.