UNICAL VC reaffirms commitment to security, housing, revival of abandoned projects after facility tour

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening campus security, expanding student accommodation, and resuscitating long-abandoned infrastructural projects across the institution.

Prof. Offiong pledged during an extensive inspection tour of development sites within the university, describing the exercise as part of his administration’s resolve to ensure accountability and timely project delivery.

Speaking after the tour, the Vice-Chancellor said bridging the accommodation gap remains a top priority, especially “in this era of insecurity,” noting that the rising student population has heightened the need for more on-campus hostel facilities that guarantee safety and facilitate proper monitoring.

The tour commenced at the university’s main library project, where Prof. Offiong expressed confidence in its revival.

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He commended the consultants for their renewed enthusiasm toward restoring the library to its “definitive status” as a centre of academic excellence.

The Unical helmsman added that several underutilised classrooms had also been earmarked for future academic use to support teaching and learning.

At the site of the ongoing 1,200-bed space hostel (PP Hostel) and other accommodation projects, the VC described the developments as crucial to addressing the persistent accommodation challenges faced by students.

The Vice Chancellor assured that construction progress would be closely monitored until the facilities are completed and open for use, emphasising, “We want to keep our children close to us.”

The 12th Vice-Chancellor also led his team to inspect the perimeter fencing project, which he identified as a vital security measure for the university community.

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Prof Offiong lauded TETFUND for its intervention and acknowledged the Federal Government’s consistent support in strengthening campus infrastructure and safety.

Speaking on the revival of abandoned projects, Prof. Offiong revealed that the University is currently cataloguing all stalled projects to establish their current stages of completion.

He disclosed plans to engage relevant intervention agencies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Needs Assessment Unit, with a view to reactivating and completing the projects.

According to him, the abandoned NDDC projects — though longstanding — remain a priority because their completion would “make quite an impact” on the institution’s infrastructural landscape.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, the VC declared that project supervision would no longer rely solely on routine reports from the Directorate of Physical Planning.

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According to him, the management will undertake frequent physical inspections to ensure quality execution and timely delivery.

While commending contractors for their efforts so far, he stressed that there would be “no room for relaxation” until all targeted projects are completed.

The 12th Vice Chancellor further assured that the University of Calabar remains committed to providing infrastructure that enhances learning, strengthens security, and promotes student welfare.

He lauded the Director of Physical Planning, Arc. Ikpi Onun and his team for the commitment shown towards the infrastructural drive of the administration.

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