By Uche Mbah
After 45 years, the University of Calabar, for the first time, appointed a female Vice-chancellor. She is Professor Florence Obi of the Faculty of Education.
UNICAL, which was a Campus of University of Nigeria, became autonomous 45 years ago. Since then, only men have occupied the exalted position of Vice-chancellor. Until now.
After a keenly contested election organized by the Governing Council on Thursday, 10th September, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University announced the result, saying that Professor Obi defeated twelve other contestants to be elected the eleventh Vice-Chancellor of the university. Obi is 65.
She replaces the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Professor Zana Akpagu, who will vacate office on the 30th of November.
“What we assured the the University community is that we were going to be transparent, open, fair and just,” she said. “There is a guideline from the Ministry of Education as to how to conduct an interview for the appointment of vice-chancellor and there are so many parameters we had to look into and that was exactly what we did.
“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 that there is integration even amongst all the people that contested with her”, Senator Nwaogu told Obi.
The only female aspirant to the position, Obi has served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the university. She would serve as the Vice-Chancellor of the university for the next five years.
She said, shortly after her election, that she would run an all-inclusive administration, and bring changes that will enthrone a lasting legacy to the university during her tenure.
“The process was free and fair and I commend all those who conducted the screening and election for doing a credible job which ensured the best came top” she was reported to have said.
Obi will formally assume office on 1st December 2020.
The first ever female Vice Chancellor of a Federal University, was Prof. Grace Alele-Williams. She is a Professor of Mathematics.
