... Unical VC Tells UN-SDG Youth Delegation

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (Unical), Prof. Florence Banku Obi has stated that she is elated that the Institution will be part of the United Nations - Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) Youth Delegation Project.

The Vice-Chancellor stated this when a team of the United Nations – Sustainable Development Goal (UN-SDG) Youth Delegation paid her a courtesy call in Office recently.

Prof. Obi who was delighted at the choice of UNICAL as part of the selection list, added that the institution had met the selection criteria.

She disclosed that she had directed the University Bursar to apply immediately as soon as she knew about the opportunity, this is even as she commended the team for their proposal in the MOU, adding that, she is looking forward to the project kick-starting in earnest.

The Vice-Chancellor also lauded the UN-SDG Youth project for its innovations in health, introduction of foreign languages and award of scholarship to Korea to learn an international language.

She particularly lauded the delegation for proposing to install a Solar project, noting that, their intention to train forty (40) young people on the installation and sustenance of the project will enhance supervision, maintenance and monitoring of the project.

Prof. Florence Obi who use the occasion to thank the delegation for the project, stated that the project will be of immense benefit, not just to the students, as it exposes them globally, but will also ease off the energy challenges within the institution, adding that, the money spent on diesel has a crippling effect on the finances of the institution.

She informed her guests that students of UNICAL are willing and ready to learn, even as the institution seeks better research outputs and visibility.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Nigeria-Africa Representative of UN-SDG Youth Delegation Projects, Mr. Uzoh C. Ifeanyi stated that the purpose of the visit was to seek approval to groom passionate young people on installation and sustainability of the envisaged solar projects.

He hinted that the project which has opened many doors for Nigerian institutions will last for five (5) years.

In his words,

"Forty (40)persons will be trained and placed on monthly stipends for six(6) months".

Mr. Ifeanyi assured the Vice Chancellor of his commitment to advance the realization of these projects, even as it extends from solar to other projects.

He stated that the project will create a strong partnership with UNICAL, adding that, they will ensure full support of her administration to succeed.

He highlighted the five cardinal points chosen for installation of solar power to include; the female hostels, the library, the male hostels, the reading theatres, as well as, the route  known as Ayandele Boulevard.

Mr. Uzoh Ifeanyi commended the Vice Chancellor for her quick response, as well as, ensuring sustainable growth around every facet of education.

The event had in attendance representatives of the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC); Dr. Abubakar Tanko Mohammed and Mr. Bisong Nte, as well as, some Engineers and a few others.