Alumni of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Faculty of Law, Class of 1994, have pledged to support efforts to raise the faculty’s profile internationally through strategic interventions and mentorship.
The alumni made the commitment on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Michael Ibanga, 32 years after their graduation.
The class chairman, Mr. Nkanu Eremi, described the visit as more than a reunion, saying it was an opportunity for the graduates to reconnect with their alma mater and contribute to its development.
As part of their contribution, the alumni donated three internet-enabled computers equipped with legal research software. They also introduced an annual N500,000 award for the best graduating student, to be presented over the next three years.
Eremi said the computers would strengthen students’ research capacity, while the prize would encourage academic excellence and healthy competition.
He said the group’s broader ambition was to help place the Faculty of Law on the global academic map, urging alumni from other graduating sets to return and support the institution.
Eremi also appealed to the university authorities to improve the faculty’s surroundings by landscaping the premises, creating sit-out areas for students and clearing nearby bushes, which he said could endanger staff and students.
The pioneer chairman of the class and Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Mr. Obo Effanga, recalled other projects previously undertaken by the 1994 set, including repainting lecture halls, installing ceiling fans and renovating toilets, one of which was made disability-friendly.
Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, a member of the set and Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Abuja, expressed concern over controversies surrounding admissions at UNICAL, saying they had negatively affected the institution’s reputation.
Abugu, Nigeria’s first Professor of Medical and Health Law, donated copies of his book, Medical Law and Ethics, as well as his inaugural lecture, Restoring the Dignity of Patients, to the faculty library.
He said he had also drafted the National Patient Pledge as part of his advocacy for patients’ rights. The pledge was featured in his inaugural lecture delivered on July 30, 2026. He encouraged students to remain focused despite the challenges ahead, noting that difficult times could still lead to promising futures.
A member of the university’s Governing Council, Prof. Jacob Dada, praised the alumni for returning to their alma mater to offer support.
He commended their willingness to contribute to the faculty’s progress and prayed for continued success and replenishment of their resources.
In his response, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ibanga, thanked the alumni for their generosity and described their intervention as a worthy example for other sets to emulate.
He noted that the computers were particularly timely because an earlier request for similar equipment from the Vice Chancellor’s office was still awaiting approval.
On the admission concerns, Ibanga attributed the problem to past officials, alleging that admission rules had previously been disregarded. He expressed optimism that the reintroduction of the Central Admissions Committee would curb over-admission.
The event featured the formal presentation of the computers and books, as well as the decoration of some members of the faculty management with mufflers.
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