by By Admin
Indications are high that the Council Meeting heralding the selection of the next Vice Chancellor for the University of Calabar will take place in a few days and a front line contender for the position, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offing has released more facts to prove his argument as “the best, tested, experienced, exposed and a qualified candidate for the job”
In his seventeen page Curriculum Vitae, supported by a synopsis of his mission statement and vision for the university, as well as testimonials of his work history over the years are among the deliberate packaged materials in the hands of the Selection Council members which has made the strongest impression of his candidacy.
A source close to council maintained that “Council members are committed to ensuring the selection process and the final outcome would be the best for the university which indeed is what Prof. Offiong represents”.
Interacting with newsmen recently in Calabar over his aspiration to be the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong had noted that if given the opportunity he was poised to make UNICAL one of the foremost Institutions of higher learning with global recognition because he is a true scholar.
His words, “A Vice-Chancellor should provide academic and a purpose driven leadership that us anchored on research, teaching, and community service. This will be of utmost priority under my leadership”, Offiong said.
Adding, “I will ensure the enabling environment for research and learning”
When asked how he intends to curb or eradicate social vices such as cultism and systemic corruption/malpractices, Prof. Offiong said, “Counselling and welfare are very important in addition to adequate security infrastructure. We will ensure Counseling is given proper attention and also institutionalize the committee management system at the University”
He explained that the committee system will be all encompassing within the University system as well give members of the university community a sense of belonging, involvement, and commitment to decisions taken.
“Before a decision comes to the University Senate, it must have benefited from a robust and quality assessment from the departments concerned”
Prof. Offiong who is contending for the same position with no fewer than ten other professors, is an astute Academic/ Researcher with over 70 Research articles, publications in peer-review journals cited in high impact databases.
He had his B.Sc. (Hon) degree in Chemistry 1984 from the University of Calabar where he graduated with Second Class (Upper Division).
In 1990 he obtained his Ph.D in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry from the same department, University of Calabar supported by DAAD in Germany.
He has so far successfully supervised 7 Masters and 13 Ph.D. theses in the University. He had been Postgraduate/Undergraduate External Examiner in many Universities across the country and has served the University of Calabar in several capacities including; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science, Dean, Faculty of Science, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Member, Governing Council of the University of Calabar (2000-2004), Chairman and Zonal Coordinator ASUU, National Vice President ASUU among others.
“Between 2007 and 2015, he served as Commissioner for Education in Cross River State.”
