By Bassey Asuquo
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has called for a strategic partnership between the University and MTN Nigeria to strengthen digital infrastructure and promote sports development in the institution.
Prof. Offiong made the call when a delegation from MTN Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to his office, held at the Vice Chancellor Conference room.
Welcoming the team, the Vice-Chancellor commended MTN Nigeria for recognising the role the University played in shaping its alumni and for returning to honour the institution.
He described the representatives of the telecommunications company as great ambassadors of the University, noting that the University of Calabar has produced outstanding men and women who are excelling in different fields of endeavour across the country.
According to him, the University has come of age, particularly following the celebration of its 50th anniversary, and is currently pursuing major reforms aimed at improving administrative efficiency and academic excellence.
Prof. Offiong disclosed that the University has begun the digitalisation of key administrative processes, including the promotion of both academic and non-teaching staff, adding that the institution is working towards a fully digital record system that will simplify documentation processes, including transcript generation.
However, he identified poor network connectivity on campus as a major challenge affecting the smooth implementation of these initiatives while urging MTN Nigeria to support the University in improving network infrastructure within the campus to enhance digital operations.
He also revealed that the University is among the beneficiaries of a World Bank ICT intervention programme, which is expected to significantly upgrade ICT facilities and further strengthen digital processing within the institution.
Prof. Offiong, who noted that collaboration between the University and MTN Nigeria would be beneficial in advancing the institution’s digital transformation agenda, stated that the University of Calabar remains one of the leading institutions in sports among Nigerian universities and will host the NUGA Games later in the year.
He explained that the University intends to use the opportunity of hosting the games to upgrade its sporting facilities and called on MTN Nigeria to partner with the institution to ensure a successful tournament.
He recalled that the University previously hosted the NUGA Games in 1990 but noted that there was little to show in terms of lasting sporting and recreational infrastructure after the event.
This is even as he expressed optimism that a renewed partnership with MTN Nigeria would help the University build sustainable facilities while maintaining its tradition of academic excellence.
“We want to see MTN Nigeria as a reliable partner in achieving these goals,” the Vice-Chancellor said, stressing that while the University remains committed to sports development, it will not compromise its core mandate of maintaining high academic standards.
Earlier, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said the team was at the University to pay homage to an institution that played a significant role in shaping the lives and careers of many members of the company’s workforce.
She said they are in Cross River State for the MTN Nigeria’s Youth Athletics Championship being hosted by Calabar noting that Cross River State remains a very strategic state to MTN Nigeria, describing it as a long-standing partner in progress with the telecommunications company over the years.
She recalled that MTN Nigeria first brought the championship to Cross River State in 2024, noting that the event recorded impressive participation and helped identify promising young athletes.
The Chief Marketing Officer further revealed that one of the beneficiaries of the programme, Destiny Reuben, is a student of the University of Calabar and has since been admitted into the MTN Athletics Training Programme, where she is currently undergoing professional training aimed at developing her into a world-class athlete capable of competing both locally and internationally.
Mrs. Ikenna-Emeka stated that MTN Nigeria was excited to return to Cross River State for the fourth season of the MTN Champs Athletics Championship.
She also commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong for his progressive leadership, particularly in the areas of policy direction, infrastructural development, and gender inclusiveness in appointments within the University’s management team.
Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ekaette Enang; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Afam Okiwelu; the Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Chukwuka Icha; the Bursar, Mr. Joseph Odum; MTN Regional Sales Manager, Chibuzo Akuchie, and other members of the University management and MTN Nigeria delegation.
#Public Relations Unit
University of Calabar