By Bassey Asuquo
Calabar (FLOWERBUDNEWS): The Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar has hosted officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during a landmark academic engagement and outreach programme.
Welcoming the IMF delegation and participants, at the University of Calabar Senate Chambers, the Head of the Department of Economics, Professor Greg Ekpung Edame, expressed appreciation to the Fund for selecting the University of Calabar as one of the institutions for the nationwide engagement.
This was disclosed in a statement by the University’s Public Relations Unit, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews.
He noted that similar programmes had been conducted in other universities across the country and described the visit as a significant opportunity for students and academics to gain direct insight into the operations and impact of the IMF on the global economy.
Prof. Edame explained that the IMF plays a critical role in supporting countries facing economic challenges and promoting stability within the international monetary system.
He encouraged participants, including students from the University of Calabar and neighbouring institutions, to take full advantage of the session by engaging with the presentations and discussions.
Also, the Economist at the IMF Abuja Office, Miss Nene Ikpechukwu, one of the resource persons, delivered an extensive presentation on the Fund’s mandate of promoting global economic and financial stability, facilitating international trade, supporting sustainable economic growth, and reducing poverty through surveillance, lending, and capacity development programmes.
She introduced participants to the IMF’s structure, flagship publications, and analytical framework for assessing economic performance across the real, fiscal, external, and monetary sectors.
The session also highlighted various career opportunities available within the organization, including internship programmes, economist tracks, and other professional pathways for students and young graduates interested in international development and economic policy.
Miss Ikpechukwu further examined key risks facing the global economy in the 2026–2027 period, including inflationary pressures, rising commodity prices, insecurity, climate-related shocks, and tighter global financial conditions.
According to the IMF, these challenges could slow economic growth and place additional fiscal and social pressures on countries worldwide.
Addressing Nigeria’s economic outlook, the Resident Representative of the IMF Abuja Office, Mr. Christian Ebeke, recommended the adoption of a neutral fiscal stance in 2026, with emphasis on protecting social expenditures, enhancing domestic revenue mobilization, strengthening budget transparency, and expanding social safety net programmes.
He also advocated for the continuation of a tight monetary policy to contain inflation, promote private sector credit growth, strengthen financial sector resilience, and improve regulatory oversight of emerging financial technologies, including stablecoins.
In his closing remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Enang Udah, mentioned that the engagement provided participants with valuable exposure to contemporary global economic issues and reinforced the Department of Economics’ commitment to broadening students’ academic and professional horizons through strategic partnerships with leading international institutions.
This was even as he encouraged the students to work hard to meet the criteria and standards of the IMF in order to achieve their set goals.
The event featured a ‘fire-side’ chat session with two stellar students of the Department of Economics, University of Calabar; Udah, Nathaniel Enang and Akpama, Natasha-K’Bay Etom, as well as, a robust question and answer session involving students of the Cross River University of Education, Akamkpa, and the Author Jarvis University, Akpabuyo.