By Abasi Ita
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has called for a strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria to strengthen sports development and accelerate digital transformation within the institution.
Prof. Offiong made the appeal when a delegation from MTN Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to his office at the Vice Chancellor Conference Room in Calabar.
Welcoming the team, the Vice Chancellor commended the telecommunications giant for recognising the University’s role in shaping many of its workforce who are now excelling across various sectors.
He described the visiting officials as worthy ambassadors of the University, noting that the institution has produced distinguished professionals making meaningful contributions across the country.
According to him, the University of Calabar has entered a new phase of development following the celebration of its 50th anniversary and is currently implementing reforms aimed at strengthening administrative efficiency and academic excellence.
Prof. Offiong disclosed that the University has commenced the digitalisation of several administrative processes including staff promotions and documentation systems. He explained that the institution is working toward a fully digital record system that will simplify documentation processes such as transcript generation.
However, he identified weak network connectivity on campus as a major challenge hindering the smooth implementation of these digital initiatives. He therefore urged MTN Nigeria to support the University in strengthening its network infrastructure to enhance digital operations.
On sports development, the Vice Chancellor noted that the University of Calabar remains one of Nigeria’s leading institutions in university sports and is preparing to host the Nigerian University Games Association competition later in the year.
He said the institution intends to use the opportunity to upgrade its sporting facilities and called on MTN Nigeria to partner with the University to ensure a successful hosting of the games.
Prof. Offiong recalled that although the University previously hosted the NUGA Games in 1990, the event did not leave behind lasting sporting infrastructure.
He expressed optimism that a renewed partnership with MTN Nigeria would help the University develop sustainable sports 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, adding that the institution remains committed to balancing sports development with its core mandate of academic excellence.
Earlier, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna Emeka, said the delegation visited the University to honour an institution that has played a significant role in shaping the careers of many staff members of the company.
She explained that the team was in Cross River State for the MTN Youth Athletics Championship being hosted in Calabar, noting that the state remains a strategic partner to the telecommunications company.
According to her, MTN first brought the athletics championship to Cross River State in 2024 where it recorded impressive participation and helped discover promising young talents.
She revealed that one of the beneficiaries of the programme, Destiny Reuben, is a student of the University of Calabar who has since been admitted into the MTN Athletics Training Programme where she is receiving professional training aimed at developing her into a world class athlete.
Ikenna Emeka added that MTN Nigeria was delighted to return to Cross River State for the fourth season of the MTN CHAMPS Athletics Championship.
She also commended the Vice Chancellor for his progressive leadership, particularly in the areas of policy direction, infrastructural development and gender inclusiveness within the University’s management structure.
Other top officials present at the meeting included the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Prof. Ekaette Enang, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof. Afam Okiwelu, the Registrar, Dr. Chukwuka Icha, the Bursar, Joseph Odum, MTN Regional Sales Manager Chibuzo Akuchie, alongside other members of the University management and MTN Nigeria delegation.