UNICAL Sign MoU with with Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Set for more Collaborations

The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the University of Calabar have renewed their association, and vice chancellor Prof. Florence Obi is optimistic that this would result in benefits for both organizations.

The vice chancellor claimed that her optimism was a result of both partners’ strong partnership in the early 1990s, which led to the establishment of the Department of Environmental Education, the publication of numerous books on the subject, an increase in knowledge of environmental issues, and the formation of numerous non-governmental organizations ( NGO).

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and the Foundation in the Council Chamber of the Institution, Prof. Florence Obi referred to NCF as a premier conservation organization that has been crucial in developing capacity and maintaining the rainforest.

She was accompanied by her DVC Academics, Professor Angela Oyo-Ita, the DVC Administration, Professor Micheal Okom, the Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe and her University Librarian, Professor Aniebiet Inyang Ntui.

She promised to continue the cooperation and gave me the assurance that the university and foundation will work together on all such pertinent projects.

The meeting, according to Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, was intended to renew the relationship the organization had developed with the university over the years and to create a partnership for ongoing development.

The NCF Director said that the foundation is concerned with conservation development sustainability and principally the protection and conservation of the Cross River Gorillas and their habitat.

Dr Joseph Onoja said the choice of the partnership with the University of Calabar stemmed from the interest of the Centre for African Biodiversity Research Wilder Institute, Ghana in Cross River Monkey, the research pedigree and proximity of Unical, as well as its excellent performance record and robust relationship.

He described the Vice Chancellor as an ambassador of NCF noting that her immense contribution and partnership in the past will take the working relationship to another level.

In an earlier remark, the Director of External Relationship and Partnership, Prof Peter Okafor disclosed that the NCF has agreed to provide scholarships to a minimum of four (4) Masters’s Degree students and one (1) Doctoral Student covering five years.

Prof Peter Okafor said that the scholarships are intended for graduate students in relevant disciplines to undertake researches that would foster community-based efforts to preserve and conserve gorilla wildlife.

The highlight of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the presentation of a book by the NCF Director and a memento by Unical VC.