Prof Florence Banku Obi

Office of the Vice-Chancellor
University of Calabar
Calabar, Nigeria
February 3, 2024

Dear Students,

APPRECIATION FOR YOUR BRAVERY AND SUPPORT DURING THE FIRE INCIDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY CENTRAL STORE

I write to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for your exceptional bravery and selflessness demonstrated during the recent fire incident at the University Store. Your unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our beloved institution is truly commendable and makes us proud to call you our students.

The fire incident that engulfed the University Central Store was indeed a challenging moment for all of us. However, your swift response, courage, and determination in joining the firefighting efforts were nothing short of remarkable. Your willingness to put yourselves at risk to protect the University's assets is a testament to your dedication and sense of responsibility as members of this academic community.

Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Governor Bassey Otu and Deputy Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for their intervention in mobilizing the EPZ fire truck to the campus.
I would also like to express our gratitude to the State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Directors, Heads of various Departments and staff of the University who promptly responded to the emergency situation. Your presence and coordination during that difficult period helped to restore order and ensure the safety of everyone involved. We are genuinely thankful for your invaluable role in managing the situation effectively.

Our appreciation extends to the Military and Police Officers who worked tirelessly to see that hoodlum didn’t take advantage of the situation to loot. Your professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty were evident throughout the operation, and we deeply appreciate your unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within the University Community.
The DPO of EPZ Police Station and the EPZ firefighters who came out are also appreciated.

A special appreciation goes to our Postgraduate Students, and the Student Union Government (SUG) President, the Vice President and all the Executive Council Members and the Malabor Spirit Head for coming out to assist in mobilizing other students to help in putting down the inferno. Your leadership and organization skills were pivotal in coordinating the firefighting efforts, and we are grateful for the solidarity displayed by the entire student body, both Graduate and Undergraduate.

Additionally, we acknowledge the invaluable concern and commitment shown by Mr. Ime of the Students Affairs and all the staff of the Central stores who were on ground that night. Your dedication to duty deserves recognition and applause.

It is heartwarming to witness the unity and unwavering spirit of togetherness displayed by everyone during this testing time. Your actions exemplify the true essence of the University of Calabar Community – a Community deeply rooted in resilience, compassion, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Once again, on behalf of the University Management, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your outstanding support and for standing up in the face of adversity. Your selflessness and determination embody the qualities we strive to instill in our students, and we are exceedingly proud to lead a student body of such remarkable character.

As we come together to rebuild and restore what has been lost, let us rest assured that our collective resilience and unwavering determination will strengthen our resolve to overcome any future challenges that may come our way.

An investigation panel has been set up to probe the cause of the fire and report within two weeks. Be confident that when the exercise is successfully concluded, necessary action will be taken to forestall future occurrence.

Thank you all for your invaluable contributions.

Yours sincerely,

Prof. Florence Banku Obi
Vice-Chancellor, University of Calabar.