By Onwa Ekor
Alumni of the University of Calabar Faculty of Law, Class of 1994, have said their goal is to position the faculty on the global map through strategic support and mentorship.
The group made the pledge on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Michael Ibanga, 32 years after graduation.
Chairman of the class, Mr. Nkanu Eremi, said the visit was more than a reunion.
“It is homecoming and an opportunity to give back to the faculty that groomed us,” Eremi said.
As part of their intervention, the alumni presented three internet-enabled computers loaded with law research software.
They also instituted an annual prize of N500,000 for the best graduating student for the next three years.
“While the computers will aid research, the prize will spur students to be competitive and bring out the best in them,” Eremi said, adding that “we want the Faculty of Law to be on the global map, and we believe we are planting the seeds for that.”
He urged graduates from other sets to return and contribute to the development of the faculty.
Eremi also appealed to the university management to improve the faculty’s environment through proper landscaping, provision of sit-out areas for students and clearing of surrounding bushes, which he said posed a threat to staff and students.
Pioneer Chairman of the class and Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo, Mr. Obo Effanga, recalled previous interventions by the set.
“We repainted the lecture halls, provided ceiling fans, and renovated the toilets, including one that is disability-friendly,” Effanga said.
Also speaking, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, a member of the class and Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, expressed concern over admission controversies in UNICAL, saying they were giving the academic community a bad image.
Abugu, the first Professor of Medical and Health Law in Nigeria, donated copies of his book, Medical Law and Ethics and his inaugural lecture titled, “Restoring the Dignity of Patients,” to the faculty library.
As a patient advocate, he said he also drafted the National Patient Pledge, which featured in his inaugural lecture delivered on July 30, 2026, charging students to remain focused.
“The future may look difficult, but it will certainly be promising,” he said.
Member of the University Governing Council, Prof. Jacob Dada, commended the alumni for their gesture.
“It is gratifying that you deemed it necessary to return to your alma mater not because you have all the money in the world, but because you care to know how we are faring and to help.
“We pray that God will establish our dreams and replenish you from wherever you have dipped your hands to do this,” Dada said.
Responding, Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ibanga, thanked the alumni for setting an example.
He said the donation came at the right time, as the faculty’s earlier request for computers from the Vice Chancellor’s office was still pending.
On the admission crisis, Ibanga blamed past officials.
“Those who were in charge of admission had no respect for any rule.
“But with the reintroduction of the Central Admissions Committee, the problem of over-admission will be checked,” Ibanga assured.
Highlights of the event included the symbolic presentation of the computers and books, and the decoration of some faculty management staff with mufflers.
