By Emem Julius
Calabar, Nigeria – The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has inaugurated five shuttle buses for easier commuting of students and staff on campus and within the university community.
The mini-buses purchased by the Student Union Government (SUG) of the institution are one of the projects executed by the Blessing Alims-led administration.
Inaugurating the buses on Tuesday, Prof. Obi commended the SUG President and her team of executives for the initiative, adding that she had written her name in the history of the institution.
She said, “I am excited with the SUG President and her team for bringing up the initiative because I have always advocated, since I came on board as Vice Chancellor for the SUG, to have a very visible project. I know that whatever project they conceive, they can execute because of their huge population and the dues they receive, any project is possible.
“Transportation is a critical part of campus life, and the SUG, in collaboration with the university management,t, has come up with this initiative to ease the movement of staff and students on campus,’’ she added.
In her remarks, the SUG President, Blessing Alims stated that the procurement of the SUG shuttle buses was a dream come true for her as it would reduce stress and enhance security on campus for those moving at night.
Alims said that the SUG was committed to partnering with the vice chancellor and the institution’s management towards providing a safer, conducive environment for learning and research at the University of Calabar.
The Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Patrick Egaga, commended the student leaders, describing the initiative as a great exploit. He disclosed that the idea to purchase the vehicles, which came from the students and their leaders, especially the SUG President, is highly applauded.
Egaga said, “The initiative is something that should be encouraged. Out of all the universities in Nigeria, the University of Calabar stands out because they have invested in this as a result of the foundation given to them. To think about themselves, think creatively, and think about the future. Her leadership is sterling. She consults. There is nothing she does without consulting. She consults her colleagues and the authorities in the university.”
