The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has led the university community in seeking divine guidance for the 38th Convocation, committing the events to God’s hands.
Speaking during an interdenominational service at the Senator Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, Prof. Offiong emphasized the significance of the service as a spiritual foundation for the convocation ceremonies, highlighting the importance of seeking God’s direction for a successful and hitch-free exercise.
Prof. Offiong welcomed staff and students, noting that the service provided an opportunity to give God the glory and seek divine guidance for the success of the convocation ceremonies.
He described the inter-denominational service as the spiritual foundation of the convocation, allowing the university community to pray for direction and a hitch-free exercise.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted convocation as a significant annual event, celebrating and graduating undergraduate and postgraduate students who have successfully met all academic requirements for their respective degrees.
Delivering the sermon with the theme “Becoming the Agents of Change: Salt and Light in the Society,” guest preacher Very Rev. Fr. Charles Etim, ESQ defined key terms in the theme: Agents: individuals or groups acting on behalf of others Change: the process of becoming different Salt: a substance used to purify and preserve, preventing decay Light: biblically, to expose evil and bring joy.
Rev. Fr. Etim emphasized that the Word of God brings spiritual truth, quoting Psalm 119:1–5, and warned that refusing to act as agents of change and become salt and light makes one guilty.
He cited biblical passages, including Matthew 5:13-16, to emphasize the importance of being salt and light in the world.
The Clergyman urged students to adopt a lifestyle that brings positive change to the University community and the nation at large.
He also admonished teaching staff to prioritize their work, remain accountable, and be open to scrutiny, while also encouraging non teaching staff to demonstrate patience, tolerance, and dedication in performing their duties
© Information/Public Relations Unit, University of Calabar
