UNICAL : VC Seeks More Collaborations with Foreign Universities on Learning Programmes
The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has finalised collaboration with DePaul University, Chicago, which was started with the visit of Prof Margaret Workman and Umoh Isidore in July this year to the UNICAL.
This is part of an effort to place the University of Calabar on the global map, promote quality university education with students’ performance as the top priority.
During the visit, the VC held a meeting with Prof. GianMario Besana, the Associate Provost for Global Engagement and Online Education, with Workman, Isidore in attendance.
The timetable for the collaboration was worked out to start in January 2027 due to the ASUU strike.
Benefits of the Global Learning Experience Programme, GLEP, to UNICAL are as follows: “Results from the entire exercise will be converted into publications, which the University of Calabar will benefit.
“Students of the University of Calabar who will participate in the Programme will be issued certificates by DePaul University, Chicago, USA.
“The Students will also have the opportunity to interact with students of DePaul University, Chicago, where they can share their experiences about learning in Nigeria and learning in Chicago; this will give them global exposure.
SUNNYGIST learned that the UNICAL Vice Chancellor also visited Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, to seek more collaborations.
At Northeastern University, the VC met with Prof. Cris E. Toffolo, the Interim Director, International Programs, and Prof. Job Ngwe, who is the Chair of Social Work Programs of the University.
Discussion was centered on partnership and building collaboration on the Social Work Programmes of both universities.
Prof Obi was in Chicago for a one-week Executive Leadership Development Programme for Vice-Chancellors and Principal Officers of Nigerian universities organised by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigeria in conjunction with the University of Chicago.
With the dynamism of the Vice-Chancellor, the students and faculty of the University of Calabar will get more International exposure once universities reopen for academic work.
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FAQs: UNICAL VC Seeks More Collaborations with Foreign Universities on Learning Programmes
Why is the University of Calabar (UNICAL) seeking more collaborations with foreign universities?
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar is seeking stronger partnerships with foreign universities to improve academic programmes, promote knowledge exchange and create more opportunities for students and staff.
What benefits can international university collaborations bring to UNICAL?
Such partnerships can provide opportunities for joint research, academic exchanges, staff development, international conferences, curriculum improvement and student mobility. They can also expose students and lecturers to global best practices in education.
How can UNICAL students benefit from collaborations with foreign universities?
Students may benefit through opportunities such as international learning programmes, exchange programmes, joint academic activities, access to wider learning resources and exposure to different educational systems and research environments.
Will the collaborations lead to joint degree programmes?
Potentially, yes. Depending on the agreements reached between UNICAL and partner institutions, collaborations could support joint or dual degree programmes, collaborative courses and other forms of academic cooperation. However, specific programmes would be subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.
How will foreign university partnerships improve learning at UNICAL?
International partnerships can help strengthen teaching and learning by encouraging the exchange of expertise, improving curricula, supporting research collaborations and introducing students and academics to innovative approaches in education and technology.
