Mr Peter Akpanke (PDP- Cross River), representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has promised to ensure a conducive environment for teaching and learning at University of Calabar (UNICAL).
Akpanke gave the promise on Thursday in Calabar during his induction as a Fellow of Educational Management and Policy Association.
According to reports, the occasion was the first annual national conference on Educational Management and Policy, with the theme: “Funding Architecture of Educational Systems.”
Akpanke, who is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on FCT Area Council and Ancillary Matters, said that his assistance to the university would be through legislative support.
He commended the association for finding him worthy to be inducted, reiterating his resolve to always lend support to indigent students and others.
“As for the university, I will support it in whatever capacity that will make teaching and learning easier for the lecturers and students,” he said.
The lawmaker, who dedicated his induction to his constituents, said that their mandate was the tonic he needed to do greater things for them.
According to him, his love for his people has always propelled him to work for their betterment.
“I dedicate this moment to them. They didn’t only vote for me, they stood to protect their mandate, even in the face of intimidation and harassment during the election,” he said.
Another inductee, Prof. John Inyang also advocated for increase funding for basic education as well as the tertiary level.
Inyang, the immediate past Commissioner for Lands in the state, described the conference theme as apt, noting that aside increase in funding, government should ensure judicious application of such funds.
Similarly, the Protem President of the association, Prof. John Undie, said that the conference theme was carefully chosen, against the backdrop of the current happenings in the nation’s educational sector.