The President General of Marco Alumni Global Association, AIG (Chief) John Bassey Abang, fdc, Rtd. has described the former Vice Chancellor (VC) University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu as an achiever and impactful leader worthy of emulation.
Chief Abang made the declaration on Saturday in a congratulatory message on behalf of Marco Alumni Global Association in celebration of the former VC, who clocked 64years, saying that the association is proud of Akpagu as a rare gem considering the virtues God encapsulated in him for the service of humanity.
The President General described Zana, as a fine administrator, disciplinarian and quintessential leader of tremendous impact to Cross River and Nigeria as a whole.
“We felicitate with a Mary Knoll College Alumnus and former Vice Chancellor, Prof Zana Akpagu, whose 64th Birthday can best be described as God’s divine gift and grace upon him, looking at what he has so far attained in life.”
Prof Zana Itiunbe Akpagu holds the historic record of being the 1st Alumni of the University of Calabar to become its Vice Chancellor. A Professor of Caribbean and African Literature in French, Akpagu had earlier served the University as a Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) before emerging as the 10th Vice Chancellor.
Zana had also served his people in different capacities such as Commissioner of Education, Cross River State (2001-2012) under Governor Liyel Imoke . It is noteworthy that under his watch as Commissioner of Education, he midwifed the establishment of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), saw to the return of Eleven Mission Secondary Schools to their owners, including his Alma Matter, Mary Knoll College, Government Secondary School, Okuku, Yala, Government Secondary School, Kagbong Secondary Commercial School, Ipong Obudu, etc.
Prof Akpagu is a devout Catholic Christian, a Knight of the sacred Oder of St. Mulumba and a Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP).
AIG Abang however, said that it is a thing of joy that the entire staffers, students and alumni association of Mary Knoll College have joined other well wishers in and outside Nigeria in celebrating such a man in Zana that “is truly a shining example to all.”
Abang said, “on behalf of staff, students and alumni association of the Marco, I wish Prof Akpagu of Marco Class 77′ more divine wisdom, knowledge, sound health, peace and joy as he celebrates his 64th birthday.”
By Ogar Solomon.
