UNICAL VC seeks partnership of elder statesman in infrastructural development

A Former Governor of Abia State and Chairman Slok Group of Companies, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has been called upon to key into the massive  infrastructural development drive of the University of Calabar (UNICAL)

The Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof. Zana Akpagu, gave the invitation at the  institution’s International Conference Centre during a Public lecture with the theme: ‘Devolution of Powers and the future of Nigeria’ organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Professor Akpagu, who was represented by the Chairman, Committee of Deans, Prof Francis Asuquo, expressed appreciation to the former governor for gracing the occasion and called on him as an entrepreneur and lover of educational advancement, to contribute to the development of infrastructure in the institution by funding any project of his choice.

He said UNICAL, being a second generation university, was still grappling with the challenge of massive infrastructural development to tackle headlong the challenges engendered by the recent curricular expansion of the institution, hence the need for support from him and other eminent Nigerians.

The Vice Chancellor further urged Dr Kalu to emulate Senator Ita Enang who had built a law library for the institution and commended the faculty of Social Sciences, UNICAL, for organising the event, adding that the theme of the lecture was apt  following persistent calls for restructuring of the country.

He said that the issue of devolution of powers bothered on our  collective interest as a nation, adding that as a people, we should strive hard to remain as one indivisible entity.

The Dean, faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Ndem Ayara, in his remark, said the theme of the lecture was chosen in line with current realities in the country, stressing that the public lecture was a  series organised by the faculty from time to time to discuss burning  issues in the country.

Professor Ayara described Kalu as a man with a wealth of experience in politics and business, a cogent reason, he was chosen to deliver the lecture.

In his remarks, Dr. Orji Uzo Kalu, who was the guest lecturer, said UNICAL had made giant strides with significant contributions in diverse fields of human endeavour.

He said the institution had continued to produce a cream of creative, innovative and wealth creating alumni set to become pacesetters in the globally competitive space.

Dr. Kalu commended the Vice Chancellor for providing pragmatic  leadership in the institution, stressing that the citadel of learning stood tall as one of the foremost tertiary institutions in the country.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Devolution of Powers and the future of Nigeria’, the former governor said the agitation for devolution of power and restructuring were all legitimate democratic demands.

The former governor who vehemently supported the clamour for devolution of powers in the country urged Nigerians to keep their agitations within the ambits of the law and constitution.

He said devolution of power would create room for rapid development of the country, adding that states and local governments will be at  liberty to tap the mineral resources within their domain, which he  said, will help in economic growth and development.

The lecture was well attended by the academia, students, diverse interest groups and members of the general public.

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