By Anietie Akpan
In a continuous partnership to strengthen digital innovation and infrastructure at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), the Vice Chancellor, Professor Offiong Effanga Offiong, has reaffirmed the institution’s strong backing for the OPay project, describing it as a timely intervention that will benefit both students and the wider academic community.
In a release from Public Relations unit of the University, the Vice Chancellor gave this assurance when a team from OPay paid him a courtesy visit at the Council Chambers recently.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation for the company’s contributions to the university and commended its commitment to the forthcoming project.
He noted that the proposed cybersecurity lab would give both the university and its students a significant advantage, placing them ahead of many of their peers.
Prof Offiong added that the institution is looking forward to the successful completion of the initiative, assuring OPay of the administration’s readiness to provide the necessary support to ensure the project is brought to a successful conclusion.
He also appreciated the company’s interest in supporting the university’s forthcoming NUGA Games, stating that preparations are already in full swing to ensure a successful outing.
He added that the university plans to sustain the gains from the games by institutionalizing key aspects of the sporting infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Prof.Iwara Iwara, described the cybersecurity lab as a major boost to both the faculty and the university, noting that it represents a long-awaited dream becoming a reality.
Earlier, the Team Lead of OPay, Mr. Itoro Udo, said the visit was to formally fulfill a promise made to the university.
“This this is a promise made and a promise kept”, he said, explaining that the team was accompanied by representatives of Hunter Flex Intercoms construction company responsible for executing the project.
Mr Udo further noted that OPay’s partnership with the university began in 2023, adding that the company remains committed to strengthening the relationship by delivering tangible and impactful projects each year.
