Authorities of the University of Calabar said arrangements have been concluded to run courses in engineering and pharmacy in the 2013/2014 session, so as to meet the critical needs of the country in the areas of building and medicine.

Pro-chancellor and chairman of UNICAL Governing Council, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said this when he led other members of the board on a courtesy visit to Cross River State Governor, Mr. Liyel Imoke.

He said the board had identified the introduction of the faculties as major projects that would take the university in particular and the state in general to greater heights.

According to Iwuanyanwu, UNICAL is one of the oldest universities in the country but with no engineering courses despite its importance.

“We see that the state is playing a major role in infrastructural development and the introduction of these faculties could give the necessary manpower. Next school year, UNICAL will start running courses in civil engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering,” he said.

Iwuanyanwu said though the university has done well in medical sciences, it was unfortunately that an important arm like pharmacy was missing, adding that the course will commence before the tenure of the council elapses.

He also reiterated that the institution will host the West African University Games in February, 2014 and the Pan African Universities Debate Competition coming up between November and December this year.