UNICAL VC calls for more researches for upgrade of Nigerian universities

Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Prof. Florence Obi, has identified research as a veritable tool for the development of Nigerian universities.

Obi said this during the 2nd Nigeria Conference on Physical Sciences for Staff and Students of the faculty on Wednesday in Calabar.

The theme the conference is: “Physical Sciences: Innovation through Diversity for Sustainable Development”.

According to Obi, no tertiary institution can achieve meaningful development without research, calling on academics to embrace research as a means of contributing to the growth of universities.

She said the conference was timely and unique because the conference came at a time when the university was in need of research knowledge across the globe.

The VC said the conference would also help to build the capacity of young academics, as part of their continuous professional growth and development.

She said the conference would offer staff and students the privilege to present their papers and carry out researches, especially in contemporary areas.

She urged the participants to be focused in order to achieve results.

Obi commended the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Ayi Ayi, for promoting research, especially among undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The VC encouraged Ph.D students to carry out more researches and publish them in reputable journals before graduation.

“We want our students to know that once they come into Ph.D programme, they must learn to present their research findings in conferences and publish them in reputable journals.

“By so doing, their capacities will improve and they will go out as the university ambassadors,” she said.

Prof. Ayi said the conference would provide a valuable opportunity for research scientists, industry specialists and decision-makers to share their experiences.

Ayi said he hoped at the end of the conference research knowledge would have been upgraded for the growth of the institution.