The new Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
The University of Calabar, one of Nigeria’s premier institutions of higher learning, today marked a significant milestone with the investiture of its 12th Vice Chancellor, Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, a distinguished Professor of Organic Chemistry.
The ceremony, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, was attended by dignitaries, government officials, university stakeholders, and members of the academic community.
The occasion opened with remarks from the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dig Dr.Udom U. Ekpoudom who delivered an inspiring reflection on the university’s leadership journey and the hopeful path ahead.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the end of one era and the beginning of another,” Dr. Ekpoudom said. “On behalf of the 14th Governing Council, I welcome you all to this special occasion.”
Dr. Ekpoudom highlighted the achievements of the current council since its inauguration 16 months ago, praising their professionalism and teamwork in successfully appointing top university officials, including the Vice Chancellor.
“These successes are the result of cooperation, understanding, and a harmonious working relationship between council members and university management,” he noted.
Paying special tribute to the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Banku Obi, the Pro-Chancellor lauded her five years of service.
“Under her leadership, the university witnessed improvements in key areas, achieved through passion, focus, and hard work,” Dr. Ekpoudom remarked. “Her legacy is proof that what a man can do, a woman can do better.”
Turning to the new Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ekpoudom congratulated Professor Offiong for emerging top out of 25 professors who vied for the position. “A call to lead is a call to serve,” he said.
“You must be a servant leader, focusing on growth and wellbeing, addressing key challenges like infrastructure, academic development, and welfare for staff and students.”
The Pro-Chancellor expressed confidence in Professor Offiong’s vast experience and dedication to elevate the University of Calabar’s status as a center of excellence.
He also thanked the Federal Government, the President, and the 10th Senate President for their support and appointments, affirming the peaceful transition of leadership as a rarity worth celebrating.
Professor Offiong, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to the university community and government officials.
“Today, we witness a peaceful transfer of leadership, a rarity in many institutions and a practice UNICAL continues to uphold,” he said.
Thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the University Governing Council, and Governor Prince Bassey Otu of Cross River State, the new Vice Chancellor acknowledged the collective efforts that made his appointment possible.
“I am humbled and excited to accept the responsibility of leading this great university,” Professor Offiong declared.
“This moment is not about an individual but about reaffirming the university’s mission: to pursue excellence in teaching and learning, promote research and innovation, and make a positive impact on our community.”
Addressing the challenges facing the university, Professor Offiong mentioned issues such as deteriorating staff quarters, closure of the access road to the teaching hospital, and neglected facilities affecting academic departments. “Together with the council, we will respond with a human face,” he assured.
He laid out his vision to spark a transformative era marked by academic excellence, research innovation, improved student welfare, human capital development, infrastructural expansion, transparent governance, ICT adoption, community engagement, international partnerships, environmental sustainability, and security.
“I pledge to lead with integrity, transparency, and a listening ear. I will be a servant leader,” he vowed.
“We will not tolerate indiscipline, admission racketeering, or fraudulent mobilizations. The Central Admissions Committee will be reactivated and will strictly follow JAMB protocols.”
The new Vice Chancellor appealed to academic staff to mentor students diligently and to regularize their duties, cautioning those absent without cause to reconsider their positions.
To students, he urged serious engagement with their education and reassured them of a supportive environment free from extortion and abuses.
Professor Offiong declared, “For too long, UNICAL’s good name has been battered by negative publicity. That narrative ends now. We will rebrand UNICAL as a hub for intellectual engagement and breakthroughs in science and technology.”
He invited all stakeholders and people of goodwill to join in the collective vision for the university’s resurgence.
“Education is the passport to the future,” he told the gathering, quoting Malcolm X. “Together, we will write the next great chapter in the history of the University of Calabar.”
