By Kelvin Ololo
The 1994 alumni set of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), has called on the university management to improve the faculty’s environment, while donating three internet-enabled computers and instituting a N500,000 annual prize for outstanding graduating students.
The alumni made the appeal on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Michael Ibanga, 32 years after graduation, as part of efforts to strengthen the faculty and position it for global recognition through strategic support and mentorship.
Chairman of the class, Mr. Nkanu Eremi, urged the university management to improve the physical environment of the faculty through proper landscaping, provision of sit-out areas for students and the clearing of surrounding bushes, which he said could pose security concerns for staff and students.
Eremi described the visit as more than a reunion, but an opportunity for the alumni to reconnect with the institution that trained them and contribute to its development.
“It is homecoming and an opportunity to give back to the faculty that groomed us,” he said.
As part of the intervention, the alumni presented three internet-enabled computers equipped with law research software to support teaching, learning and academic research.
The group also instituted an annual N500,000 prize for the best graduating students for the next three years.
Eremi said the initiative was aimed at encouraging academic excellence and healthy competition among students, noting that the computers would strengthen research while the prize would motivate students to improve their performance.
He said the alumni’s broader objective was to raise the profile of the Faculty of Law beyond the university and Nigeria.
“We want the Faculty of Law to be on the global map, and we believe we are planting the seeds for that,” Eremi said.
He also called on graduates from other sets to return to their alma mater and contribute to its continued development.
The pioneer chairman of the class and Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Mr. Obo Effanga, recalled earlier interventions by the set, including the repainting of lecture halls, provision of ceiling fans and renovation of toilets, including a disability-friendly facility.
Also speaking, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, a member of the class and Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, expressed concern over controversies surrounding admissions into UNICAL, saying such developments could damage the image of the university and the wider academic community.
Abugu, described as Nigeria’s first Professor of Medical and Health Law, donated copies of his book, Medical Law and Ethics, and his inaugural lecture, Restoring the Dignity of Patients, to the faculty library.
He also disclosed that, as a patient advocate, he drafted the National Patient Pledge, which featured in his inaugural lecture delivered on July 30, 2026.
Addressing students, Abugu urged them to remain focused despite the challenges they may encounter, assuring them that perseverance would lead to better opportunities.
“The future may look difficult, but it will certainly be promising,” he said.
Member of the University Governing Council, Prof. Jacob Dada, commended the alumni for returning to their alma mater and contributing to the faculty’s development.
Dada said the gesture was a demonstration of commitment rather than an indication of financial abundance, noting that the alumni had returned because they cared about the condition of the institution and were willing to help.
Responding, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Michael Ibanga, thanked the alumni for the intervention, saying the donation came at a critical time when an earlier request for computers from the Vice Chancellor’s office was still pending.
On the admission concerns, Ibanga attributed the problem to the actions of some past officials, but expressed confidence that the reintroduction of the Central Admissions Committee would address the issue of over-admission.
“Those who were in charge of admission had no respect for any rule,” Ibanga said.
He added, “But with the reintroduction of the Central Admissions Committee, the problem of over-admission will be checked.”
The event featured the symbolic presentation of the computers and books to the faculty, as well as the decoration of some faculty management staff with ceremonial mufflers.
The intervention by the 1994 alumni, combining research facilities, academic incentives, library resources and calls for a better learning environment, reflects the growing role alumni can play in strengthening institutions and improving the quality of education.
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