From : Unical

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES N58M FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FACULTY BUILDINGS    

Posted Date: Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. James Epoke, has disclosed that the Institution’s Management has received approval of N 58m for the construction of two faculty buildings in the college of Medical Sciences.

The Vice Chancellor made this disclosure at a reception organized in his honour by the college of medical sciences of the Institution.

During the reception which was held at the University of Calabar Hotel and Conference center, Prof. James Epoke decried the lack of requisite faculty buildings, classrooms, laboratories and offices in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and hoped that the approved faculty buildings would be completed before the expiration of his tenure.  

According to the Vice Chancellor, the approved sum would be devoted to the faculty of Allied Medical Sciences and the faculty of Clinical Sciences.

Speaking further, Prof. Epoke expressed   his appreciation to the college for honouring him and praised the Provost, Prof. Saturday J. Etuk, for making it possible for the college to now speak with one voice as against what usually obtains.

He encouraged the college to appropriate this strength in order for her to continue to grow within the University Community noting with satisfaction that the college is noted for quick release of results and called on other faculties to emulate the college of Medical Sciences.

Prof. Epoke who is the 3rd Vice Chancellor produced by the college promised to be a good ambassador and appealed for corrections and constructive criticism each time he seems to be getting it wrong.

The University Don promised an adequate and effective internet cloud to enhance learning and research and hopes to peg subscription at not more than two thousand naira per month for a 24 hrs services.
 

Earlier on, the provost of the college of Medical Sciences, Prof. Saturday J. Etuk, expressed the college’s happiness and gratitude to God for her “son” who is now the Vice Chancellor and pledged that the college as parents of the Vice Chancellor is  strongly behind him.
He sued for the support and cooperation of the entire University Community for the college and the administration of Prof. James Epoke.

Similarly, the chairman of the reception organizing committee, Prof. Essien Udoh Essien extolled the qualities of the Vice Chancellor and hoped that he would favourably considered the problems of the college when presented to him.

The Dean Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Prof. (Mrs.) Atim Antai, described Prof. Epoke as a man who does not waste time, referring to him as “Vice Chancellor who is time conscious”, the Dean said Prof. Epoke is a man determined to carry UNICAL into the fore-front of Universities the world over.

In her remark, Prof. (Mrs.) Mildred John, Dean Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, said she is very proud because her faculty has produced a Vice Chancellor. She also expressed Joy that the faculty would soon have a faculty building and pray for God’s blessing upon the Vice Chancellor.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Dr.  Thomas Agan promised to partner with the Vice Chancellor towards the realization of all his set goals while giving assurances of the welfare of both staff and students of UNICAL as far as UCTH is concern.

Lending his voice to the occasion, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin) Prof. James Utsalo called on other faculties and Departments to see the vision of the college of Medical Sciences and then buy into it in the new dispensation.

In the same vein, a one time provost of the Medical College, Okuku (Prof.) Akpan A. Otu encouraged the Vice Chancellor to go on, praying to God for his success even as he appealed to him to return to the college at the expiration of his tenure.

Others who spoke glowingly of the Vice Chancellor at the occasion are the sub Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences Dr. Ani Etokidem and the Dean faculty of science, Prof. Ani Nkang.

The occasion which was well attended by principal officers of the university and the who-is-who in the college of Medical Sciences had as part of its highlight the presentation of souvenirs by the provost of the college to the Vice Chancellor who was accompanied to the event by his wife.