Unical VC Inaugurates New SUG Exco

Unical VC, Prof. Zana Akpagu flanked by the CUECO Chairman, Dr. James Okpiliya and the University Bursar, Mrs. Beatrice Igwe

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu has officially inaugurated the Students Union Government (SUG) Executive to pilot the SUG affairs for the 2017/2018 academic session.

At an event spiced with decorum, and held at the Institution’s Senate Chambers, the Vice Chancellor said it was a happy day for him because it was the first time in his administration that an SUG is successfully completing it’s tenure and peacefully handing over to her successor.

Prof. Akpagu commended the outgone SUG led by Comrade Anthony Afufu for being what he referred to as a shining example.

The Vice Chancellor who lauded them for showing strength of character said they have exemplified humility and good leadership by remaining focused and committed in the midst of various detracting elements.

The University Administrator charged the new SUG Exco to discharge their duties diligently even as he gave assurances that management will continue to strive to put the student’s welfare issues in the front burner in order to ensure a conducive learning environment.

The SUG Exco taking oath of office

He used the occasion to commend the Calabar University Electoral Commission (CUECO) for a job well done, the Independent Observers Committee for their objectivity, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, the University Security Unit for working tirelessly to ensure peaceful co-existence on campus.

In separate remarks at the occasion, both the CUECO Chairman, Dr. James Okpiliya and the Chairman Independent Observer Committee, Bar. Joseph Etene stated that the election were free, transparent and peaceful, noting that all efforts by trouble makers to hack into CUECO online site were unsuccessful due to the security checks in place.

They both commended the Unical Vice Chancellor for trusting them to deliver and promised to remain committed to the Unical course.

In a valedictory remark, the outgone SUG President, Comrade Anthony Afufu while describing the Vice Chancellor as an “Avatar” said it will be difficult to see a Vice Chancellor so pro-student as Prof. Zana Akpagu, attributing most of the successes recorded during his tenure to the commendable positive disposition of the Vice Chancellor to student’s matters.

Similarly, in an acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated SUG President, Comrade Enyam Kelvin expressed his appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for sustaining the “Unical dream” adding that his Exco was poised to “break records “and make worthy ambassadors for the University.

While hoping that the synergy between SUG and management will endure, he called on the Institution’s Authorities to support the new Exco so they can deliver on the mandate entrusted to them.

Also, while commending the electoral umpire for a stellar process, Comrade Enyam, pledged his Exco’s commitment to building on the gains of the past SUG.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu had used the occasion to announce the immediate proscription of the Calabar Medical Students Association (CUMSA) over actions believed to be inimical to the peace and harmony of the University.

The new SUG Executive is comprised of Enyam Kelvin – President; Anietie Moses Ekanem- Vice President; Archibong Edet – Secretary general; Obaji, John Amechi – Deputy Secretary-General and Favour Freedom-Financial Secretary.

Others are; Nwobodo Humphrey I.-Director of Welfare; Ujah Christian O.-Director of Sports; Wisdom Benson-Director of Socials and Ojong Takon-Director of Information.