EXCERPTS OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, PROF. JAMES EPOKE’S PRESS PARLEY ON ATTAINMENT OF ONE YEAR IN OFFICE. Read........
November 4, 2011
DON SUES FOR ATTITUDINAL CHANGE
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Calabar, Prof. Austin Obiekezie, has sued for an attitudinal change amongst members of staff in order for the Institution to scale the hurdle of the upcoming National Universities Commission’s (NUC) Institutional Accreditation.
He made the call while delivering the report of the self study Committee on Institutional Accreditation during the Institution’s Management Briefing held at the Faculty of Arts Auditorium.
Prof. Obiekezie who said the exercise is a process of a “holistic evaluation of the management and governance of an Academic Institution with the aim of ascertaining its overall capacity to award degrees stated that the briefing was to inform staff on the nature and content of the exercise.
The DVC also said the briefing was to outline the criteria and standard to be used and, provide sufficient information to enable effective participation in the self study exercise as well as obtain feedback and commitments as it were.
Having showcase the high and low points of the Institution, Prof. Obiekezie then highlighted the implications of the exercise and disclosed that the report would be made Public and used for National ranking.
The DVC said, it will have huge reputational and potentially funding implications as well as form a reference point for National and International funding and linkages
In an earlier remark, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. James Epoke, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Simon James Utsalo said NUC was introducing Accreditation at a higher level meant for varsities that have gone through other levels of Accreditation.
Prof. Utsalo said the Accreditation team will visit the Hostels and facilities therein, the Academic Environment including classrooms, and laboratories as well as Administration and security adding that it was time to truly put things together.
He said this accounts partly for why the Institution sort for a moratorium from the NUC as well as announced a shift in the resumption date.
In her remark, the University Registrar, Dr.(Mrs.) Julia D. Omang said the meeting was very important in order to discuss the way forward in the Institutional Accreditation coming up around March next year.
The Registrar stated that Institutional Accreditation was not an innovation of the NUC noting that the NUC is only beginning now to do what is a world standard practice.
She said a self study form for Institutional Accreditation would be made available adding that it was of utmost importance that every Dean, Director and HOD be committed to the exercise.
Dr. Mrs. Julia Omang charged every stakeholder in the system to set targets for themselves, as she admonished all to help each other meet set targets.
The event featured an interactive session.
EFFIONG B. EYO
Public Relations Officer
UNICAL STAFF CHALLENGED TO IMBIBE TEAM WORK
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. James Epoke has challenged UNICAL staff to work as a team to ensure optimal result.
Prof. James Epoke gave the challenge while declaring the 11th UNICAL staff games open at the Abraham Ordia stadium, University of Calabar.
Prof. Epoke said the competition was not just for winning trophies but used to show case team work among the participating Faculties, Department and Units adding that it is only through team work that the University can achieve its desired goals.
He commended the University of Calabar sports council for their dexterity in organizing the competition and attributed the success to the team work of the council.
The Vice Chancellor appealed to the participating teams to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the games and avoid acts that are inimical to the success of the competition.
In an earlier address, the chairman University of Calabar sport council, Sir (Dr) Charles Bassey O’Neill thanked the Vice Chancellor Prof. James Epoke for his financial assistance which has enabled the council to achieve some of her set goals and to present a setting for healthy competition to show for the regular recreation through the lecture free evenings on Wednesdays.
The Chairman applauded the development which has gone a long way to cement the spirit of oneness and ensure peaceful co-existence on our campus.
Dr. O’Neill reiterated the council commitment to organized internal staff sport competitions in line with the Institution policy to give every body a chance to prove his/her self worthy to represent the University in Nigerian University staff games.
On behalf of the Athletes, Kubiat Abasi Obot swore an oath that they will abide by the rules and regulations of the game to give it a befitting status.
In the same vein, on behalf of the UNICAL sports council, Prof. Uche Amalu swore to abide by the existing rules of the game and will ensure any body found playing contrary will be penalized.
In a match to mark the opening ceremony, Faculty of Education took on Registry Department and the score was a goalless draw.
REGISTRARS VIEWED AS BACKBONE OF VARSITY MANAGEMENT
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar Prof. James Epoke has described Registrars of Universites as the back bone of every institution of learning adding that no Vice Chancellor can excel in his administration if he distances himself from the Registrar.
Prof. Epoke disclosed this at the 51st Business Meeting and 6th Annual Retreat of the Committee of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (CORNU) which was held at the Faculty of Arts Auditorium of the Institution.
Prof. Epoke who said he was delighted to be in the midst of the Registrars noted that the theme for this year’s meeting-- “Realizing Institutional Goals Through Sustainable Capacity Development in Nigerian Universities’’-- was very apt especially when viewed against the background of recent changes in University administration occasioned by the invention of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the imminent Institutional accreditation being embarked upon by the NUC.
Consequently, the Vice Chancellor called for continuous training and retraining of administrative staff if they are to catch up with the challenges that are bound to arise from the fast moving train of Information Technology and current administrative best practices.
Prof. Epoke stressed the need for Registrars to be proactive even as he called on CORNU to design frame works that will impact positively and bring about attitudinal changes in University workers as well as evolving strategies that will help Nigerian Universities be at par with their counterparts in other parts of the world.
He singled out Dr. (Mrs.) Julia Omang for praise noting that owing to her administrative prowess, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of certificates and transcripts produced for the Institutions teeming graduates noting that now UNICAL students go for NYSC mobilization armed with their certificates.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Registrar of the host Institution, Dr. (Mrs.) Julia Omang while welcoming delegates to the meeting stated that the Committee of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (CORUN) is meeting to exchange ideas and experiences with the view to improving varsity administration,
She briefly profiled the history of the University of Calabar and acknowledged the sacrifices of her forebears in taking UNICAL to her present state.
Dr. (Mrs.) Omang was also full of gratitude to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman UNICAL Governing council, Dr. Roland Ehigiamosoe for making the Institution a citadel of excellence.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of CORNU and Registrar Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr. Ayorinde Ogunruku JP said CORNU comprise Registrars of the 117 Federal, State and private Universities across the Country,
According to the CORNU Chairman, the forum is designed to engage University Registrars in the training of its members in competence acquisition that will assure best practice in their operations and a platform for sharing ideas with colleagues as well as time to deliberate on their functions.
Mr. Ogunruku said CORNU is confronted with an undying ‘Virus Infestation’ that has negatively impacted upon efforts at returning the Nigerian University system to stability and it was the desire of CORNU to copiously examine the issues and come up with possible solutions.
Lending his voice to the occasion, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Calabar Dr. Roland Ehigiamosoe stated that he was greatly honoured and happy to be able to welcome Registrars from all over the Country.
He expressed his profound respect for Registrars because according to him, their task was enormous indeed especially given the shortage of funds required for effective administrative work and the pressure from all stake holders in the system.
The 3-day event featured presentations of papers on various topics amongst which is the key note presentation by the Head Department of Theatre Arts, UNICAL, Prof. Chris Nwamuo.
LIST OF RECENTLY APPOINTED STAFF AS HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
S |
NAMES |
DEPARTMENT |
POST |
EFFECTIVE DATE |
1 |
Dr (Mrs) Anthonia .E. Inaja. |
Edu.Found.Guid & Counselling |
Head |
Oct. 3, 2011 |
2 |
Dr. I.O.Isaac |
Maths/Statistic/Computer Sci. |
Acting Head |
Oct. 3, 2011 |
3 |
Dr. U.I Udofia |
Edu.Admin & Planning |
Acting Head |
Oct. 3, 2011 |
4 |
Dr. Mrs. Eneanwan Esien Oku |
Zoology & Env. Biology |
Acting Head |
Oct. 3, 2011 |
5 |
Dr. P. M. Udia |
Pharmacology |
Acting Head |
Oct. 3, 2011 |
6 |
Dr. Utip B. Ekaluo |
Genetics & Biotechnology |
Acting Head |
Oct. 3,2011 |
7 |
Dr. Victor Obianwu |
Physics |
Acting Head |
Oct. 3, 2011 |
8 |
Dr. Friday S. Ebong |
Economics |
Acting Head |
Sept.30, 2011 |
9 |
Dr. Ausaji A. Ayuk |
Animal Science |
Acting Head |
Sept.30, 2011 |
10 |
Dr. Michael E. Eyong |
Paediatrics |
Acting Head |
Sept.30, 2011 |
11 |
Dr. Nbleni Emanghe Ebam |
Microbiology /Parasitology |
Acting Head |
Sept.30, 2011 |
12 |
Dr. Anietimfon Etiuma |
Surgery |
Acting Head |
Sept.30, 2011 |
13 |
Dr. Alobo Eni Eja |
Public & Int.Law |
Acting Head |
Sept.30, 2011 |
APPIONTMENT AS A DIRECTOR
S/N |
NAME |
DEPARTMENT |
POST |
EFFECTIVE DATE |
1 |
Dr. I. Umo-Inyang |
Institute of Education |
Director |
Oct. 3, 2011 |
GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR CHARGED TO SUPPORT EFFORTS AT MANAGING OXIDATIVE STRESS DEPENDENT AILMENTS
The State Government, Philanthropic organizations and Public Spirited individuals have been called upon to provide grant for the commencement of a trial/pilot production of an antioxidant neutraceutical for the management of oxidative stress dependent ailments like diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis.
A University Don in the department of Endocrinology/Clinical Biochemistry of the University of Calabar, Prof. Patrick Ekong Ebong made the call, while delivering the 51st inaugural lecture, held at the faculty of Arts Auditorium of the Institution.
In the lecture titled “Ethno-Botanicals: A panacea for primary Health Care Delivery”, Prof. Ebong while defining ethno-botanicals as “Medicinal plants or as “any plant which in one or more of its organs, contains substances that can be used for therapeutic purposes” explained that the product, of properly harnessed, will have a quantum of impact on the large society, which according to him will be immeasurable.
He enumerated the advantages of Ethno botanicals or medicinal plants over orthodox medicine to include; cost effectiveness, relative accessibility, low incidence of drug toxicity, maximum therapeutic efficacy and effectiveness in poly combination.
Professor of Ebong informed that his research consortium also presents an exciting opportunity for the production of an anti-diabetic formula and indeed the discovery of safer and more effective anti-diabetic natural product.
The inaugural lecture explicated on the role of ethno-botanicals in Biochemistry based on a research centrered on; scientific validation of the claims by traditional medical parishioners on the use of ethno-botanicals in the cure and management of most ailments and diseases; phyto-chemistry/indentification of the chemical agents in the medicinal plants with a view to understanding the chemical nature of the therapeutics; investigation and elucidation of the modes and mechanisms of action of these hersal extracts as well as toxicological consequences, if any, and possible biochemical mitigations.
The research findings according to Prof. Ebong have shown that in the use of ethno-botanicals in anti-venom studies, the leaves and roots of callianda protoricensis or “eriagbor” in Igbo is more accessible, very useful and effective in neutralizing viperian venom when compared to the many limitations in the use of the conventional medical procedure inviting the use of polyvalent anti-venom (PVA).
Similarly the inaugural lecturer said in reproductive function and fertility studies, the plant –vegetable Gnetum africamum commonly known as afang was used because of the heavy presence of alkaloids, known to interfere with normal reproductive function and speculations in some quarters that afang leaves are used by rural women to induce abortion in certain form.
The University don submitted that toxicity of G. African man may be “gender sensitive” as there were no physiological abnormalities in males animals will whereas in females, results indicated a possible dysfunction in fertility should consumption be abused.
In related studies, the lecture showed that Aframomum melegueta-Alligator pepper-seeds produce a significant lowering of prolactin. Therefore, Aframomum melegueta may be used for the treatment of infertility in females and since the seed extract also caused significant increase in serum testosterone, it may also be useful in increasing libido in male.
In the same vein, Masfon, a high mineral wound dressing solution or gel prepared from Aloe Vera extracts have been very effective in the healing of chronic wounds.
Also speaking, the vice chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. James Epoke commended the 51st inaugural lecturer for arriving at an Educative researchable topic which will be of benefit to the entire Unical community and the society at large.
Prof. Epoke urged the audience to give listening ears which he noted that tips will be learnt as added knowledge. The occasion featured presentation of plague to the inaugural lecturer.
The desire of the Professor James Epoke led administration of the University of Calabar to solve the problem of erratic power supply in the institution received a boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with her technical partners on power project-AGFA support and logistics recently.
In an MOU signing ceremony held at the University Council Chambers, the Executive Consultant for AGFA support and logistics, Mr. Annie Sunny Udoh while submitting a progress report disclosed that AGFA support took steps to engage the services of UNIDO centre for small time power work in Africa and were therefore able to come up with a preliminary report after few weeks.
Going forward, Mr. Udoh stated that making progress in this context means assisting the University to meet two critical requirements needed for a smooth take-off of the project.
First of which is to source for an investor/financier who will help with the counterpart funding to the tune of thirty percent of the project cost and secondly, a technical partner for the project.
To this end, the services of Brooke Shoreline limited, a United Kingdom based firm was engaged to help.
The Executive Consultant said Brooke Shoreline was able to get a Swiss company, Altenum Asset Management which gave her commitment in writing to provide ten percent of the required funding, and an Italy based Company Hydro Machine SPA which is committed to providing technical partnership for as long as the project will last.
The technical partner submitted that their commitments is predicated on them getting assurances of a continuous flow of project financing by the major stake holders adding that, provided that is guaranteed, then work on the power project would expectedly commence early next year.
Speaking on behalf of First Bank Nig PLC, the Group Head (public sector), Mr. Eyioha John congratulated the Vice chancellor Prof James Epoke and the university for such laudable strides noting that the bank has been involved from the beginning.
The Group Head stated that the bank was enthusiastic because of its belief that the power project will solve a lot of problems adding that as an Institution, the bank is very willing and available to partner with the University on projects such as this and stay alive to her responsibility of driving the life of the economy.
In a remark, the Vice Chancellor Prof. James Epoke stated that the University has been putting things together to enable it generate her own power.
Prof. Epoke expressed his happiness over the event describing it as heart warming even as he appreciated all concerned.
Before the MOU was signed, a bill of Engineering and Evaluation as well as letters and cooperate profiles of the firms was presented to the Unical VC.
Highlight of the occasion was the official declaration of interest by Unical and other “up takers” including the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.