Former deputy vice chancellor, administration at the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has emerged the first female vice chancellor of the 45-year-old institution.
Obi who, who had served as commissioner for women affairs in Cross River State defeated 11 other contestants for the post.
She will take over from Prof. Zana Akpagu who serves out his tenure on November 30, 2020.
The pro-chancellor and chairman, governing council of UNICAL, Ms Nkechi Nwaogu announced Obi’s emergence today and congratulated her on her becoming the first female vice-chancellor of the institution.
Nwaogu described Obi as “an astute education icon” and prayed for the success of her tenure as vice chancellor of UNICAL.
“You can see the tranquility in this governing council. What we assured the university community is that we were going to be transparent, open, fair, and just.
“There is a guideline from the ministry of education as to how to conduct interview for the appointment of a vice chancellor. There are so many parameters we had to look into and that is exactly what we did,” she said.
She described Obi’s emergence as “victory for the women” adding that the governing council expects her to build on what the outgoing vice chancellor had done.
“What I expect from her is to look at what the outgoing vice-chancellor has done, governance is a continuum, start from where he has stopped and ensure there is integration even amongst all the people that contested with her,” Nwaogu said.
Also speaking, Obi promised to run an inclusive administration, adding, “I’m happy and return all the glory to God. I have just received my appointment letter from the 12th council as vice chancellor-elect. The process was free and fair, and I promise to run an inclusive administration.”
One of the candidates, Prof Joseph Asor, while reacting to the outcome, said, “We lost. Prof Florence Obi won. I came third. I have congratulated her. May God give her the strength and wisdom to pilot the affairs of our university. I thank you all for the support.”
