ASUU Strike Will Not Stop UNICAL 33rd Convocation – Vice Chancellor Akpagu
As 3,200 Undergraduates Bag First Degree, 400 Receive Post-Graduate Certificates
From Etim Bassey, Calabar
The Vice-Chancellor of University of Calabar, Professor Zana Akpagu, has stated that the institution’s 33rd convocation ceremony would still go ahead despite the ongoing nation-wide strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
ASUU is currently on a two-week warning strike over failure of the Federal Government to implement the 2009 agreement reached with the union, fueling speculation that the institution will be forced to delay the convocation ceremony.
Akpagu, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on the state of preparedness in Calabar, allayed the fears of any postponement, saying the management after consultations with relevant authorities resolved to go ahead on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, 2020.
According to him, “The Senate of the institution has reviewed the current situation and has resolved to go ahead with the 33rd convocation. The dispute with ASUU is national and not a local one and as a result, we hope to have the cooperation of the union despite the ongoing strike action”, he said.
On the number of graduands this year, Professor Akpagu said there are about 3200 undergraduates and over 400 post- graduate graduates. Out of this number, he said there are 13 first class graduates, 549 second class upper division graduates, 1010 second class lower division graduates and 385 third class graduates.
On honorary degrees, he disclosed that four personalities will be honoured including the Vice President of Liberia Jewel-Howard Taylor, and a retired federal permanent secretary, Chief Ann Ene Ita.
Others are a director with the African Development Bank and alumnus of the institution, Professor Anthony Nyong, as well as the Emir of Askira, Alhaji Mai Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama.
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According to him, a number of projects will be inaugurated as part of the exercise including 60-room hostel block for female students, a 500-sitting capacity ultra-modern lecture theatre as well as a standard police station which will improve security within the institution.
Others are regular, sessional convocation ceremonies spanning 5 academic sessions, introduction of four new faculties bringing the number from 12 to 16 faculties and installation of a digital elevator at the university library as well as securing approval for the commencement of a mass communication department.
