By Favour Nnabugwu

The Federal Government has commended the Public Private Partnership initiated by the University of Calabar in order to expand the institution’s academic activities.

Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i while receiving members of the Governing Council and Management of the University on a courtesy visit to her office particularly commended the initiative of the University for going into partnership with corporate institutions and the host community to commence a mini power project which will eventually ease the problem of epileptic electricity supply as well as the efforts at establishing the Department of Pharmacy.

Professor Rufa’i encouraged other Universities to go into such collaborative measures to address peculiar challenges noting that much as government desires to meet all the needs of the Universities, competing demands would not allow it to do so.

The Minister acknowledged the kind sentiments expressed by the Governing Council Chairman on her re-appointment saying that all achievements made which may have informed her second coming were all results of collective efforts and co-operation received from all stakeholders.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro- Chancellor of the University, Dr. Roland Ehigiamusoe had congratulated the Hon. Minister on her re-appointment and briefed her on a number of issues including the academic expansion programme undertaken by the Institution.

Dr. Roland acknowledged the kind contribution of the Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio to the tune of fifty million naira for the independent power project of the University and the collaboration of the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke on the establishment of Department of Pharmacy

Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Education on his part, stressed that the Federal Ministry of Education would work towards strengthening Early Childhood Education across the country to build a solid foundation for the growth of the education sector.