The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has lauded the robust relationship between the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the institution.

Prof Florence Obi who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Administration, Prof. Michael Okom showered the praise on officials of the most supportive educational agency when they came on a courtesy call held at the office of the DVC Admin.

Prof. Obi specifically cited the unprecedented exploits achieved by the agency in the quantity and quality of infrastructural development spread over tertiary institutions in the nation and said like the proverbial Oliver Twist, they still expect more.

The Vice Chancellor said as one who is passionate about leaving a huge legacy and lasting impact on the institution, the collaboration with Tetfund in her tenure will grow in leaps and bounds.

She singled out for praise, an erstwhile Vice Chancellor of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Prof. Efiom Ene Obong for his unique and exceptional mentoring commitment and ability which has resulted in the elevation of many to professors, Researchers and other leadership positions.

Prof. Florence Obi promised that the university will support the Faculty of Biological Sciences as well as the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology on its “improved Yam Variety” initiative which engendered the visit of the Tetfund team.

In his remarks, Prof. Aniedi Abasi Markson, a member of the Local Research team said the yams-Dioscorea spp-which is not only important as food, but also play a key role in income generation in Nigeria is facing severe decline in production due to diseases, pest and planting materials.

According to Prof. Markson, the research project when completed will develop expertise in yam tissue culture and transformation (especially, D. Rotundata) which could be applied to other yam diseases and species cultivated in the country.

This in his opinion will result to improve food security through increased yam production.

In his address, the leader of the Tetfund team, Prof. John Igene called on Nigerian Universities to make the best use of what they have, as what he described as “well- packaged home driven research” will enable them obtain research grants.

Prof.  Igene, a distinguished Professor of Food Science and Technology, Research and Innovation said research grants will bring more money into tertiary institutions and that sound research output will also attract developmental offers from industries.

Prof. Igene, a recipient of Emeritus Professorship in 2019, called on the University of Calabar to promote a vibrant research culture by empowering the young academics through training, notably, on the basics of writing acceptable research grant proposals.

He said that young academics needs orientation and collaboration from older colleagues that will enable them appreciate and embrace research and possibly break new grounds in their research drive.

He requested the institution to key into the Tetfund Book Project Production, adding that, the agency is currently sponsoring 42 Basic Textbooks covering a variety of subjects.

Prof. John Igene was accompanied on the visit by Dr. Emmanuel Denenu and Chioma Olivia as well as officials of the Faculty of Biological Sciences led by the Dean, Prof. Okpok Okon.