President Bola Tinubu inaugurated six new projects at the University of Calabar (UniCal) on Saturday to commemorate the institution’s 37th convocation and its 50th anniversary. Speaking on his behalf, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, highlighted the crucial role of sound financial management in advancing infrastructure development within Nigerian universities.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the week-long convocation festivities, which commenced on Monday, March 17, included a lecture, award presentations, and a research fair. “Today, we inaugurated six projects; some had been left unfinished for over a decade, while others were completed in just seven months,” the President noted.

The projects unveiled include the Prof. Emmanuel Ayandele Hall of Fame, the Florence Obi Complex for Education, Engineering Workshops, and the Administrative Block for the Faculty of Pharmacy. The inauguration included the Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry Department Block and a newly equipped campus Fire Station with a fire truck.

In his remarks, Tinubu commended the Vice Chancellor for her effective leadership and the dedication of her team, mentioning that Tetfund grants will be accessible in 2025 and expressing hope for further infrastructure enhancements at UniCal. Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi noted that her administration has successfully restarted several stalled projects, discussing the challenges faced and the solutions implemented to address them. She pointed out that the Hall of Fame Building was built at an estimated cost of ₦826 million, funded by the combined 2023/2024 Tetfund intervention and contributions from the Faculty. Furthermore, NAN reported that this inauguration is a precursor to the grand finale of the convocation, which will include the awarding of doctorates to graduates and the presence of distinguished guests.