WE’LL HELP YOU FULFILL YOUR ACADEMIC, SOCIAL DREAMS, VC TELLS FRESHMEN ……. As UNICAL Matriculates 10, 450

UBONG INYANG

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu has said that the institution is fully prepared to help freshmen fulfill their academic and social dreams.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu speaking at the 41st Matriculation Ceremony held at the Abraham Ordia Stadium

Prof. Akpagu who stated this at the Abraham Ordia Stadium during the occasion of the 41^st Matriculation Ceremony of the institution described the admission of the freshmen as the commencement of the arduous task of fulfilling their dreams.

He said the academic and social dreams of the freshmen can be achieved if they depend largely on the depth of their sense of commitment to their studies, personal character, peer group they associate with, their resilience and Godliness. 

The Vice Chancellor disclosed that for the 2018/2019 academic session, a total of 32, 896 candidates applied to the institution to study various courses offered in the institution, stating that, out of this number a total of 10, 450 students were admitted.

While congratulating the freshmen for securing admission into the institution, the Vice Chancellor urged them to take up the opportunity and make themselves, their parents, guardians and their community proud by being responsible and work to come top in their classes.

He said, ‘’ As bona fide students you will now be fully bound by the rules and regulations of the University and become beneficiaries of all rights and privileges due to bona fide students. 

‘’ You must keep before you, always, the very reason that you are here, know always that your admission offers you a life time opportunity which you must not waste.

‘’ The University is prepared to help you fulfill your academic and social dreams because our staff do not just teach, they also help you develop additional competences that should make you complete graduates and carry out world-leading research in your subject areas’’

Prof. Akpagu said students would also have the opportunity to engage in a variety of peer review-led activities to support their learning, stressing that the institution’s learning environment also presents a wonderful opportunity for diligent students to explore their potentials as well as creative and innovative skills to the fullest.

He charged the freshmen to work hard to be found worthy in character by embracing and imbibing the university culture of responsibility and decency even as he urged them pay their school charges as and when due. 

The Vice Chancellor said prompt payment of all school charges will enhance the commitment of the university to cater for their needs.

Prof. Akpagu said with the assistance of the Federal Government, especially through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) and Needs Assessment Funds, the University is building new faculties, lecture halls, hostel accommodation to ameliorate shortfalls. 

This is even as he warned the freshmen against socializing with any association that has been proscribed by the University such as the infamous ‘’ secret cults’’. 

He said that the university has  zero-tolerance for cultism, any form of hooliganism, corruption and other vices, adding that penalties for any misconduct are contained in the Student Handbook. 

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The Vice Chancellor, however, assured the freshmen of a safe environment for teaching and learning and urged them to adhere strictly to the tenets of the university and uphold her ideals.

while also assuring the freshmen of maximum security, Prof Akpagu urged them not to hesitate to report an suspicious activities to the Dean of Student Affairs, Security Officers and their Course Advisers.