Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has formally commissioned Radio UNICAL International 103.5 FM.
Radio UNICAL International is a dedicated terrestrial/digital Frequency Modulated (FM) radio station in the university, set up to enhance among other things, knowledge transmission via the airwaves.
Speaking during a live programme on the radio station on Thursday, February 16 in Calabar, the Vice-Chancellor commended the Project Executive Manager, Dr Elihu Osim, for his effort in making sure the station comes on air.
She said that Osim has worked very hard towards achieving the take-off of the first of the proposed seven studio stations in the first instance.
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The VC reiterated her commitment towards ensuring that the university becomes the flagship amongst the comity of universities to embrace digital transmission of education in all its ramifications.
She explained that the reason for establishing the radio station was to keep abreast with the needs of a digital area by offering digital education to everyone which is in line with the United Nations, UN’s policy.
Obi, who noted that her administration was desirous of having a smart campus, added that the UNICAL International Radio would play a key complementary role in that regard.
Highlighting the benefits of the radio station, she said that the station will not only provide a veritable platform for the dissemination of information but will also empower media-driven departments such as Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, among others.
She added that the station will also provide new educational opportunities for continuous professional and educational development services.
The VC said that as part of the institution’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the station has the potential of providing radio-based revision class programmes for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO) and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Obi, who said that funding was the biggest challenge facing every university, commended the Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation for single-handedly funding the establishment of the first Radio UNICAL International Studio.
She called on all potential development partners to support the university by keying into her administration’s radio for the Digital Education Transformation initiative so that the dream of setting up seven such studios within the year can be achieved.
