The management of University of Calabar says the 33rd Convocation of the institution will go ahead despite the ongoing nationwide strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
ASUU is currently on a two-week warning strike over the failure of the Federal Government to implement the 2009 agreement reached with the union, fuelling speculation that the institution will be forced to delay the convocation ceremony.
But briefing journalists at Senate Chambers of the institution in Calabar, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Zana Akpagu however, allayed the fears, saying the management after consultations with relevant authorities resolved to go ahead.
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.
Akpagu, said there were about 3200 undergraduates and over 400 postgraduate students to participate in the convocation ceremony. Of this number, he said 13 bagged First Class, 549 Second Class Upper, 1,010 Second Class lower and 385 Third Class.
He disclosed that four personalities will be awarded honorary degrees, including the Vice President of Liberia, Jewel-Howard Taylor and 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.
According to him, a number of projects will be inaugurated as part of the exercise including, hostel blocks, ultra-modern lecture theatres as well as a standard police station which will improve security within the institution.
Friday Nwagbara, Calabar
