History was made on Thursday 1st February 2024 during the 2023/2024 session freshmen orientation of the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences (FAMS) at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Nigeria when Prof. Regina Ejemot-Nwadiaro (Dean of FAMS) instituted the first-ever Dean's Scholarship Award.

The Dean's Scholarship Award is the first of its kind since the inception of UNICAL (about 49 years ago).

This scholarship award aims to recognise and reward deserving students in the faculty who have displayed exceptional academic performance in their studies.

According to the Dean, the scholarship award will awaken the desire for excellence among the students at a time when observers have expressed concern about the fall in the standards of education and learning.

The Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof Ngim E. Ngim, commended Prof. Regina Ejemot-Nwadiaro for her astute leadership in hosting the orientation and establishing the Dean's Scholarship Award initiative.

During the event, resource persons from the faculty gave a series of talks on critical topics

– University Rules and Regulations, including registrations and clearance by Mr Nathaniel Bekomson.

– School Charges payment by Mr Charles Ikpeme.

– Spirituality and Morality for higher education success by Rev. Dr Joseph Ushie.

– Exams and results including course registration by Dr Ekpereonne Esu.

– Ethics and Dress code by Dr Obiageli Onwusaka.

– Handling Sexual Harassment and School-related gender-based violence by Dr Glory Nja.

– Students' Portal Management by Mrs Esther Solomon.

Awarding the Dean's Scholarship to the best students at each level across the four departments (Public Health, Nursing Science, Radiography, and Physiotherapy) in the faculty was the orientation exercise's highlight.

Sixty-two students with the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) received Certificates of Excellence, with 20 best students across the four departments at each level also receiving cash awards worth N20,000 each.

Tom-James Mfoniso of the Department of Public Health, the overall best student in the faculty with a CGPA of 4.77, received an additional N30,000 from the Dean.

During the award presentation, the Dean acknowledged the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, for creating an enabling environment for academic excellence.

Prof. Ejemot-Nwadiaro expressed her fulfilment in achieving one of her campaign promises of promoting genuine scholarship among students and an excellent academic culture in the faculty. She appreciated an alumnus of the faculty, Rad. Ambang Michael Oqua for his support in increasing the number of award recipients and encouraged other alumni to support causes such as the Dean's Scholarship Award. Prof. Ejemot-Nwadiaro also thanked the Planning Committee, chaired by the Deputy Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ekpoanwan Esienumoh, for organising a successful event.

The overall best student, Ms Mfoniso Tom-James, expressed her gratitude to the Dean, the faculty management, lecturers, and other staff for their positive impact on students.

Speaking to Platinum Times Nigeria, Ms. Mfoniso stated,

"The Dean's Scholarship is evidence of commitment to hard work and academic excellence. It has truly conveyed the message that hard work pays and will motivate me to achieve greater feats in my academics and personal endeavours."

She encouraged the freshers to be studious and gave them valuable tips on how to work towards being among the subsequent award recipients.

Beyond the celebration of academic excellence at the Dean's Scholarship Award ceremony, it was an occasion that provided lessons for everyone.

These lessons include; fulfilling promises after elections as a symbol of accountable leadership, creating impact despite resource limitations, and embracing a culture that recognises and rewards excellence.

https://platinumtimes.ng/breaking-boundaries-history-made-as-unical-students-receive-first-ever-deans-scholarship-award/

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