In the spirit of the 30th Anniversary of the University, the Chancellor, and the Obong of Calabar, His Royal Eminence, Edidem Okon Ekpo, Abasi Otu V, has emphasized that the University must be a better family under his watch as the Chancellor of the University.
The Obong made the charge during the Inter-denominational Service held as part of activities marking the University’s 30th Anniversary celebration. The Chancellor thanked members of the University community for their effort in bringing peace back to the system.
The Royal Father harped on the need to have peace around us, as he noted that there are challenges everywhere, even in our individual houses. He charged members of the University Community to open their hearts to God’s message and allow peace to reign.
The Obong also advised the students’ body to always approach the University Management whenever there are grievances, rather than carrying placards and causing damages within and around the University environment.
Also, addressing the worshippers, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, FUNAAB Governing Council, Dr. (Barr.) Aboki Zhawa stressed the need for peace to reign in the University. According to him, FUNAAB must transcend all religious sentiments to move forward.
The Pro-Chancellor said, “When you operate in an atmosphere of love, you are bound to succeed.” He thanked the Chancellor for his support and the members of the Governing Council for being patriotic and dedicated members.
Dr. Zhawa said that members of Council want peace and progress for the University, stressing that he would want the staff to reciprocate as the Council will not tolerate indiscipline and indolence from staff.
In a related development, the Amir, FUNAAB Muslim Community, Professor Kehinde Okeleye stated that the members of the Muslim Community are partners in progress.
Professor Okeleye noted that so far so good, in the last 30 years of its existence, the University has not experienced any religious conflict praying that such will never happen.
Earlier, buttressing the Amir’s message, the Chief Imam, FUNAAB Muslim Community, Professor Idris Ayinde had recalled the history of the University, from its days at Isale-Igbein, noting that today, it has become an active competitor in the annals of Universities in the world.
According to the Chief Imam, the University has experienced the good, the bad and ugly times thus standing the test of time like other older Universities.
He charged management to face the challenges of leadership for FUNAAB to surpass its past glory, noting that the world is changing and FUNAAB will have to change with it so as not to be left behind.
The Chief Imam also charged the University Management to adopt Godliness in governance; maintain peaceful co-existence; consolidate the University’s gains; create enabling environment for scholarship, as well as provide utilities, such as electricity, water and internet facilities.
He also enjoined them to rebuild trust; improve welfare of staff and students; improve scholarship; have aggressive drive for success; explore the University’s strength and opportunities and restore discipline.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako thanked the staff and students for their support so far. He charged them to pray for the upliftment of the University.
Professor Salako buttressed the need for peace in the institution saying that a system can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. He revealed that the 30th Anniversary celebration could have been held in January, but was delayed by the recent nationwide strike of non-teaching staff unions.
The Vice-Chancellor said that his Administration will rely on the support and commitment of staff to succeed. Charging all staff to be up and doing, he reiterated that hard-work will be compensated.
He charged all staff and students not to just celebrate, but to reflect on the University’s journey so far and be determined to make FUNAAB to remain on top.
Other Related Posts
- Registrar Appreciates University Management
- AGAD Celebrates 10 Years
- COSFAN Organises Symposium on Commonwealth Scholarship
- FUNAAB Embraces FG Initiative on Power
