The graduate class of 1988 from the English and Literary Studies Department, University of Calabar, has donated three sets of desktop computers and a three-in-one printer to the department during a re-union of the Class of 1988, 30 years after.
The colourful event which took place at the ELS department of the university, afforded the graduates of `Class of 1988' who resides within and outside the country the opportunity to reminisce on the lovely memory they shared as course mates 30 years ago.
Speaking, Hon. Dominic Kidzu, who was fondly called `Kidzero' by his course mates back then, described the re-union as a thing of joy, celebration and thanks giving to God who has kept them alive and connected 30 years after.
Kidzu, a Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River State, said that the coming together of the `Class of 1988' was divine.
``This re-union means so much to all of us. In fact, I am feeling back my days in school from 1984-1988. It is wonderful having these great personalities whom we all started from the scratch around.
``From our very sincere hearts, we have brought these computer sets to the department as a way to say thank you for grooming us through the right path; studying English is a thing of pride'', he said.
Hon. Kidzu, who was the former Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Donald Duke, urged other graduating classes of the department to emulate the `Class of 1988' by coming back home to institute their presence to the department.
Also, Prof. Chidi Akoma, the Chair, Department of Global Inter-Disciplinary Studies, Villanova University, United State of America, described the re-union as `extra-ordinary, saying that he was a course representative who led the class on behalf of his mates.
Akoma said that it was not easy locating the various destinations of his classmates 30 years after.
He added that the re-union was the primary reason for his visit to Nigeria, saying that the experienced shared with his class mates was phenomenal.
``It has been wonderful coming down from the U.S to meet my classmates down here. From my perception, we are doing very great in our different endeavours.
``The beauty of ELS is that `we are encouraged to think and write critically'. When we read a novel, it is not about the story or language, but the fact that the particular text or book has value or it is engaging us with ideas; these ideas are what the writer is inviting the reader to engage in.
``That particular skill to think critically, to interrogate opinion and views, is the same set of values and skills that you need in any other profession'', he said.
Interestingly, Mr Charles Obi Odili, Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, who recited the poem he presented 30 years ago, thrilled his former class mates to a joyful mood during his presentation.
The Head of Department, Prof. Ako-Essien Eyo, who received the computer sets, express joy and happiness over the kind gesture of the `Class of 1988'.
She described the `Class of 1988' as unique and focus, saying that the set was first to remember the department after many years of graduation.
She prayed for the `Class of 1988' and encouraged them to sustain the tempo of their progress in their different operational fields.
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