An Alumna of the University of Calabar (Unical) and Assistant Professor, at the University of Tennessee@ Martins, United States of America( USA), Dr.Violet Vakunseh Bumah has been commended for opting to give back to her alma Mater.

The Vice Chancellor of Unical, Prof. Florence Obi gave the commendation when she received the renowned scholar in her office recently.

While appreciating her for choosing to partner with counterparts in her alma Mater for educational advancement, the Vice Chancellor said the institution needs many of her kind to achieve academic excellence.

 

Prof. Florence Obi who labelled the visit as a "homecoming" described the collaboration made possible by the Carnegie Africa Diaspora Fellowship Programme as an invaluable medium for the growth and development of the University.

Hear her, " This is homing coming for you. Welcome back. We appreciate the fact that you are here to give back to the university that made you.

" It is a thing of interest and joy to have scholars come and spend time with us to teach, train, and exchange ideas and knowledge with our students and staff."

The Varsity Administrator expressed optimism that the exchange of knowledge and partnership will help expand the frontiers of teaching and learning, as well as, place the University on a higher pedestal in Africa and the world at large.

 

According to her, the partnership will help bridge the gaps in the institution's curriculum and expose students and staff to current trends in education.

The Vice-Chancellor said having been a student here, there is a need for her to mentor students and encourage them in their academic pursuits.

Earlier, Dr Violet Vakunseh Bumah lauded the Vice Chancellor for the great achievements recorded during the period she has been on the saddle, even as she described the University environment as "breathtaking and peaceful".

Dr Bumah said the training is to bridge the capacity gap in Photo bio- modulation, curriculum development and innovation.

 

She said Photo- bio modulation is simply the use of light for different purposes to heal wounds depending on the amount of pressure.

Her words, " This training is meant to bridge the gap between the classroom knowledge and the field of practise. It will enable students over here to have the basics that will aid them to cope with the outside world".

Dr. Bumah said so far she has been able to interact with some students and expressed the belief that the aim of her visit will be achieved.

Also speaking, the Director of External Relations and Partnership, Prof. Peter Okafor said Dr Violet Bumah's visit is part of the three months capacity and education training and research on photo-bio modulation in collaboration with the Carnegie Africa Diaspora Fellowship Programme, adding that, it involves PostGraduate students in the department of Biochemistry and the Medical College.

 

The Dean of Post Graduate School, Unical Prof. Eyong Ubanga Eyong, whose efforts attracted the collaboration said the aim is not only to transfer knowledge to staff and students but, to also seal potential collaborations between both universities.

He said it is also geared towards exploring the possibility of the University of Calabar engaging her scholars and students on mutually benefitting research with other institutions in that area.