The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has officially kicked off the activities to commemorate the institution’s 50th anniversary.
Under the theme “50 Years of Impactful Knowledge and Service to Humanity,” the event celebrates the university’s evolution from its founding in 1975 to becoming one of Nigeria’s premier academic institutions.
During the launching ceremony on Tuesday, Prof. Obi stressed the importance of this milestone, noting that the anniversary offers a chance to reflect on the university’s development and successes over the years.
She acknowledged the teamwork of the University Council, Senate, Management, Alumni, Staff, and Students in planning the events, which will culminate in March 2025.
Originally a campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, established in 1973, the University of Calabar gained independence in 1975 amidst Nigeria’s cultural revival and the Federal Government’s push for expanded higher education.
At the time of its establishment, the university served a modest student body of 406, supported by 156 faculty and administrative personnel under its first principal, Prof. Donald Ekong.
UNICAL has since evolved into a world-class institution with a student enrolment of over 40,000 and a staff of more than 8,000.
Initially having three faculties—Arts, Science, and Social Sciences—the university now features 21 faculties, 123 academic departments, a College of Medical Sciences, and a College of Postgraduate Studies, along with various institutes and centres of excellence. The faculties of computing and mass communication are set to launch in the current 2024/2025 academic year.
Prof. Obi paid homage to the pioneering leaders of the university, particularly the late Prof. Emmanuel Ayandele, its first vice-chancellor, whose vision was crucial to its growth. She also recognised the major contributions of other previous leaders and staff in shaping the university’s trajectory.
The Vice-Chancellor announced a diverse lineup of activities for the anniversary celebrations, which include a colloquium in January 2025, an alumni book launch, a reunion/homecoming event, an anniversary lecture and exhibition, and an awards and fundraising dinner scheduled for March 2025.
A significant aspect of the celebrations will involve renaming streets, faculties, hostels, and buildings in honour of former vice-chancellors and distinguished alumni.
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