UNICAL STUDENTS MOURN WITH THEIR DEAN

It was a sober moment yet another celebrating time as University of Calabar students as well as the management gather in compound of the late Elder (chief) Ubana Ubanan Eyong, the father of Unical Dean of students Affair Prof. Eyong Ubana Eyong at No 57 Ubana Ukun street, Kekomkolo, Ijom, Ugep Yakurr L.G.A of Cross River State from 25th to 26th May, 2012, to pay their last respect to the deceased.
The soberness was born out of the moodiness that encompass death as typified by series of dirges while the celebration was brought to bear from the words of Bishop Dr. Patrick Etata Ukpi during his sermon when he opined that the deceased has done his positive part on earth which secured him a place in heaven. More so, it was yet another moment when the students dance and ate with their Vice Chancellor; Prof. James Epoke as well as other high ranking staff during the night when the well wishers paid their last homage to the late Ubana after 75years on earth.
Bishop Dr. Patrick Eteta Ukpi in his sermon which centers on “is your name written in the book of life?” admonished that man’s work while alive decides where he goes after life when “the books” shall be opened. He further opined that the book of life can’t be lobbied for, that it is strictly for those who merit it through their good works on earth. He charges youths to good use “this opportunity” to make wise use of their time while the sun still shine and desist from all evil deeds including cultism.
From the book of John Chapter 1, he advised all to give their life to Christ as the only route to heaven. He equally admonished that the church burying the dead is not a criteria for going to heaven as the church can bury people to both heaven and hell, depending on the kind of life we live. And concluded that anyone who want to make it to heaven “must be born again,” it is not optional.
Students who spoke to Campuslife asserted that the conglomeration of the multitude is borne out of the good works of the deceased as well as the excellent performance of his first son who is the Dean of students’ Affair who in few months into the office has made an indelible mark in students live. Rt. Hon. Ubi Onen Esua (Deputy Speaker of SUG parliament) has this to say “Prof Eyong is a man of high reputation, his team spirit is what made me to come here yesterday with 3 SUG President; CRUTECH, Uniport and Unical, we are here to pay our loyalty and respect, the deceased was industrious and hard working” he summed. Calabar municipality World Wide President (Comr. Effiong Ephraim II) added “we pray that our dean accept our condolence”.
Dr. Comr. Owai Stephen who is the SUG president of Unical in 2008 dispensation asserted that “the Dean is one of the key members of unionism in Unical in my administration who is very understanding. I cannot forget his fatherly role which greatly aided me in haste”. Other students’ leaders who sympathized with their dean included the outgoing SUG president; Comr. Anthony Amawu, Speaker of the SUG Parliament; Hon. Jerry Etta and many other union leaders.
Speaking to crew, the Dean Prof. Eyong Ubana Eyong described his late father as “a peaceful man very intelligent, soft spoken and understanding”, he equally thank the students and staff of Unical who attended the occasion and further advice the students to make wise use of their time while studying and desist from any action that will mare their academic pursuit.