By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR 

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, ( UNICAL) , Prof Florence Obi has revelead  how the Institution  moved from having only three Faculties  in 1975  when it was established  to running 21 Faculties, 123 Academic Departments 50 years later.

Briefing journalists at the Council Chambers, yesterday, on the flag off of events to mark the 50th Anniversary of University,  the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the theme of the celebrations, “50 years of impactful  knowledge  and service to Humanity” was apt owing to the fact that the institution  has gone through different  milestone since its established  since 1975 with various contributions  to the growth and development of  Nigeria.

According to her “UNICAL @ 50 mirrors  the University’s journey from its inception in 1975 to its current status as one of Nigeria’s premier institutions which used to be a campus of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN.

Prof Obi who noted that the media was a  major partner in the successful organization of the event explained that there was a collaboration between the University’s  governing Council, Senate, Alumni, Staff and Students in organizing the historic event billed  for March 2025.

Her words: The University of Calabar as  it is known started as a campus of University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1973.

“It  was founded at the peak of the Nigerian cultural renaissance along with six other Universities around the Country by the Federal Military Government of Nigeria. 

“Prior to becoming a University of its own, it started with a student population of about 406, a small cadre of academic, administrative and professional staff, all numbering 156, with a renowned scholar Prof Donald Ekong as its principal. 

“It has since grown and mature into a world class institution with a student population of over 40,00 and a staff population of over 8,000.

” As an autonomous institution, our University started academic work with three faculties, viz: Arts Science and Social Sciences.

“However, within 4 years of its existence under the leadership of the foundation Vice-Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Ayandele, the University had Grown from 3 to 6 faculties and a College of Medical Sciences. 

“The University has witnessed tremendous growth in physical infrastructure as well as academic and other staff growth, Prof Obi stated.

Speaking further, she said today, the University  boasts of 21 Academic faculties with 123 Academic Departments amongst others, an  achievement worth celebrating  at 50.

Obi said : “Today, our University is growing in all ramifications. We now have 21 Academic  Faculties, 123 Departments, a college of Medical Sciences, a college of postgraduate  Studies , 5 Institutes and 5 centres. The Faculties of Computing and Mass Communication  are expected to take off within the present  2024/2025 Academic year.

“As we flag off  programs scheduled to mark the anniversary  some of the activities  includes  a Colloquium in January 2025, an Anniversary Book Presentation, an Alumni Reunion/Fund Raising Dinner in March 2025 amongst others,” She noted.

According  to her, other goals they expect to achieve during this  50th anniversary also includes Development of the sporting and recreational facilities for a successful hosting of NUGA 2026 Games, commencement of the foundation work for a standard Senate Building befitting of a 50-year-old University  as  well as  Constructing a Convocation Arena for academic ceremonies and so on.