The Lumine News

Category: Education

  • Amanke Inaugurates CRUTECH Governing Council, Charged Members To Use Their Experiences To Reposition The Institution

    Amanke Inaugurates CRUTECH Governing Council, Charged Members To Use Their Experiences To Reposition The Institution

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Commissions for Quality Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke has called on members of the Governing Council of the Cross River University of Technology CRUTECH, to put to bear their experiences and technical know-how to ensure that the institution takes its rightful place among state owned universities in the country.

    Amanke made the call while inaugurating the council in his office in Calabar, the cross river state capital.

    His words “I want to remind you that you were carefully selected based on your tract records for this assignment, like the chairman and some of you that are re appointed, you have to bring your experience and technical know-how to bear to ensure that CRUTECH compete favorable with other state owned universities in the country.

    “Children mostly the youth who form the fulcrum of the society needs to be developed by giving them the necessary ingredients for development, and that ingredient is quality education, which is the reason the governor in his wisdom insisted that this ministry now be known as ministry of QUALITY EDUCATION.

    “When you educate a child, you have given him all he needs and desires in life. As you begin your work, do well to factor in innovations that will sustain the development of the 21st century child”

    Responding on behalf of other council members, the Chairman and Pro Chancellor, Onun Dr. Emil Inyang, thanked the governor for the mandate given them found them worthy to contribute their quota to the development of the state.

    Inyang who is serving a second term in the same position thanked the governor for creating the enabling laws that allows the smooth running of the university and pledged total commitment to reposition the institution in line with global best practices.

    Other members of the council include; Mrs. Paulina Achak Bessong, Mr. Xausier Ngaji and His Royal Highness, Utsu Felix Ukudare.

  • Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, A Candidate For Vice Chancellorship Of The University Of Calabar: Synopsis Of His Vision And Mission Statement

    Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, A Candidate For Vice Chancellorship Of The University Of Calabar: Synopsis Of His Vision And Mission Statement

    By Elijah Ugani

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong was born in Calabar
    on November 6, 1963. In 1974, and completed his Primary Education with a Distinction.

    He then attended Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar, where he sat and passed with Division–One WASC (1979). Prof. Offiong holds a B.Sc (Hon) degree in Chemistry
    (1984) from 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 with a scholarship to conduct laboratory bench work in Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.

    Prof Offiong also holds a Certificate in Equipment Maintenance (1991) from Bristol Polytechnic, Bristol, UK.

    After his successful mandatory National Service (NYSC) in
    the University of Ibadan, Prof Offiong started his lecturing career in 1985 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Chemistry, University of Calabar and rose to the rank of Professor in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry in 2002.

    Offiong has successfully supervised 7 Masters and 13 Ph.D theses in the University. One of the PhD theses won the National Universities Commission’s Award of “Best Thesis in
    Physical Sciences in Nigerian Universities in 2012”.

    As a true scholar, he has been a mentor to many budding Academics especially in the field of Inorganic Chemistry. Many of his former Graduate Students are now Professors and others high ranking Academics in Nigerian Universities and abroad.
    One of them is the current Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar.

    Prof Offiong is an astute Academic/ Researcher with over 70 Research articles/publications in Peer-review journals
    cited in high impact databases. He had been
    Postgraduate/Undergraduate External Examiner in many Universities across the country including; UNIUYO, MOUA, BSU, UNIABUJA, UNN and presently in RSU.

    He has also served the University system 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), Member, UCISS Governing Borad, Member, Central Admission Committee, Member, Centre for Educational Services, Member, University of Calabar Reformation and Implementation Committee, Member, Committee in the development of School of Pharmacy, Unical.
    Chairman and Zonal Coordinator ASUU, National Vice President ASUU among others.

    A celebrated Academic whose spirit of assistance spans
    through different human endeavours, Prof. Offiong also shared his passion and acumen in public service.

    Between 2007 and 2015, he served as Commissioner for Education, Cross River State. During this period, the Schools across the
    18 LGAs witnessed massive infrastructural transformation, the first of its kind. The performance of CRS Students in WASCE rose from 22nd position to 7th and 6th in 2012 and
    2013 respectively.

    His contributions to the establishment of
    the prestigious Institute of Technology and Management (ITM), Ugep and the reopening of previously closed down
    State-owned College of Education in Akamkpa speak volume to elucidate his sterling qualities and passion for education and scholarship.

    He was the Chairman of All States Commissioner of Education in Nigeria from 2009 to 2015.

    Prof. Offiong served in the Presidential Task Force on Education with the mandate of implementing a
    transformation agenda in Nigeria education system (2011 – 2014).

    His love for academic and human resource development knows no bounds; as a Commissioner, Prof. Offiong still rendered services free as an Academic by teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses and successfully supervised ten (10) Graduate theses during this period despite the fact that he was on Leave of Absence.

    Prof. Offiong has won several international Fellowships/
    Awards through which he visited many laboratories/
    Institutions and Universities in Italy, France, Germany,
    Russia, United States of America, United Kingdom, India, United Arab Emirates, Finland among others.

    As part of his community and humanitarian services, he is the immediate Past President of the Boys Brigade Nigeria (BBN), CRS Council (2013 to 2019). He is currently the Chairman of Education committee in the Obong of Calabar.

    Executive Forum. Prof. Offiong is married to his heart–throb Dr. (Mrs.) Ame l. Offiong; the marriage is blessed with three beautiful children; Efanga, Asa and Eme.

    Prof. Offiong has clearly demonstrated profound and purposeful leadership as an administrator, academic and above all a role model for young people in his thirty-five years as a Lecturer.

    He has also served the state in the following capacities;
    Consultant/Resource person, CREPA/FEPA on World Bank sponsored Environmental Action Plan for CRS.
    Consultant/Resource person to the Min. of Agric & Water Resources, CRS.
    Member & (Chairman, Sub-Committee on staffing) local accreditation to CRUTECH.
    Member, Education sub-committee, CRS transition committee.
    Chairman, Education & Social services cluster, CRS, comprising 11 MADs.
    Leader, CRS delegation on a study Tour to Educational Institutions in India.
    Leader, CRS delegation o a 5-day learning journey to University of Jyvaskyla, Finland.
    Member, CRS delegation on sister state relationship visit to the state of Maryland, USA.
    Leader, CRS delegation on a Study Tour of Highbury College, Portsmouth, UK.

    At the national level, Offiong also served as;
    Associate Consultant in Environmental Chemistry to Shell Producing Nig Limited (West)
    Consultant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Gas emission project.
    Member, NUC committee on Development of Basic Minimum Academic Standards for post graduate programme in Nigerian Universities.
    Member, Presidential Task Team on Education.
    Member, Implementation on the Presidential Task Team report on Education.
    Member, Fed Govt of Nigeria delegation to Highbury College, Portsmouth.
    Member, Fed Govt of Nigeria delegation to the all Ministerial 2013 World Bank/International Monetary Fund Spring meeting with E-9 countries at Washington DC, USA.

    With these experiences, he would make a good Vice Chancellor if entrusted with the responsibility.

    He has been a Professor of inorganic/coordination Chemistry in the University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria for 18 years.

    He is an accomplished academician, astute administrator, intrepid goal-getter and undaunted activist who shares the vision of the founding fathers of the University of Calabar.

    Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong vision statement for the university in the coming five years is to transform it into a leading university in Nigeria and in the sub-Saharan region, in teaching, learning, research and community service. This he intends to accomplish through hard work, setting timelines, with continuous/rigorous evaluations for every task assigned to Staff and Students, to be backup with incentives as well as training and retraining of Staff.

    Professor Offiong understands that to produce globally competitive and skilled graduates and make University of Calabar a “Center of Excellence”, a lot of things will have to be done differently.

    He will attract grants and established functional linkages with other institutions in Nigeria and abroad.

    Professor Offiong intends to put in place a sustainable plan to boost the internally generated revenue(IGR)

    He will revolutionize the delivery and quality of Education/Services by expanding and integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
    into all the services/ operations of the University.

    As a former Union Leader , he will work to sustain industrial harmony and strive to enhance Staff/Students welfare, motivation and productivity.

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong is astute unionist of no mean repute. He has been consistently involved in the processes that led to the midwifing of both students unions during his undergraduate programme. As a student activist, he championed most of the students yearnings that relived the plight of students.

    As a member of the Academic Staff Union of University, University of Calabar Branch ASSU-UCB, he was elected Vice Chairman at age 30 and was reelect for second term of four years following an excellent performance.

    During which time, all the unions in the University collaborated and midwived the University of Calabar International Secondary School.

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong was elected Chairman, Academic Staff Union of University, University of Calabar Branch ASUU-UCB, in the year 2000 and was reelected in 2002 to serve another term of two years. During this period, ASUU-UCB made very positive impacts in the management of the university and in resolving all Labour related crisis.

    The distinguished Prof. Offiong E. Offiong also served as JAC Chairman, comprising of (ASUU, SSANU & NASU), University of Calabar branch. During his tenure as Chairman, he established a welfare scheme for the branch to carter for members welfare needs such as weddings, child dedication and bereavement etc.

    During this period, he introduced “computer loan scheme” which afforded members own their personal computers and became computer literate.

    Prof. Offiong negotiated and signed the second Centre for Educational Services CES Agreement of the university and got all the entitlements owed members including handsome allowances for Lecturers involved in Consultancy Services/Part-Time lecturing.

    As Chairman of ASSU-UCB, he was also the Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Calabar Zone, comprising of UNICAL, UNIUYO, IMSU, FUTO, UNIPORT and RSUSzt and as well NDU and CRUTECH where he midwived their charters into ASUU.

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong is the first Cross Riverian to be elected National Vice-President of ASUU. At which time he organized the first leadership training workshop for Chairman and Secretary of branches in ASUU.

    Juxtaposing Prof. Offiong E. Offiong experience in the formation and service in the various unions he served previously, he very equipped with the technical, influential, managerial and developmental skills and prowess to reposition staff welfare and create job satisfaction as Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar.

    In line with the new direction in Universities world wide to be ‘Visible and globally Competitive’. Professor Offiong will strengthen the capacity of Academic Staff to have more publications in high impact journals cited in Scopus/Scimago, Thompson Reuters etc. abstract and citation database. As an exemplary academic leader, he is on the Scopus abstract and citation database, where the world university rankings are hinged on, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong has contributed 35 publications, 1017 citations and an H-index of 17. Surely, as Vice-Chancellor he would know how to create the enabling environment for many young/upcoming scholars to strive and surpassed this.

    He will be focused also in improving the ranking of the University of Calabar through facilitating local and international conference attendance.

    He will consolidate on the achievements/efforts of the past administration of the University towards the expansion of new faculties/Centres and infrastructural development. New centres of excellence where the University has a competitive advantage will be established.

    Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong has traversed the ranks of public administration and is therefore no administrative neophyte. He has been Dean of Students’ Affairs, where he is been exposed to all the intrigues of students. He is a one-time dean of one of the largest faculties in the university; now splits into the present faculties of Physical and Biological Sciences. He was a member of the Governing Council of Unical and Commissioner for Education for 8 years.

    As Commissioner for Education, the schools in the 18 local government area of the state witnessed massive infrastructural transformation, first of its kind. The performance of students in WASCE rose from 22nd position to 7th and 6th in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

    He also midwived the establishment of the prestigious Institute of Technology and Management (ITM), Ugep and the reopening of previously shutdown State-owned College of Education (COE), Akamkpa.

    He intends to institutionalize Effective management and governance in the University of Calabar.

    If given the chance to become the 11th Vice Chancellor of the university of Calabar, he promises to work hard to reposition academics, administration and consultancy in the university of Calabar.

    The above vision and mission statements are achievable because Prof. Offiong E. Offiong has the credentials, his experience, strength of character, good health, fear of God and a clear idea of what it will take to transform the University of Calabar, his Alma Mater. He is endowed with influential, managerial and developmental prowess to change the narratives of leadership in the University of Calabar.

     

  • NUC Gives Arthur Jarvis University Full Accreditation To Commence Law And Nursing Programmes

    NUC Gives Arthur Jarvis University Full Accreditation To Commence Law And Nursing Programmes

    By Admin

    Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo has commenced Law and Nursing Science programmes after the National University Commission (NUC) verified and gave approval for the university to commence the Programmes.

    The premier private university in Cross River State is said to scored 100% in the recently conducted NUC accreditation of the institution and has therefore, been given full statutory license to operate as a tertiary institution in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the press conference held at the institution’s Senate Chambers, the Vice- chancellor of the university, Prof. Ani Nkang held that the university has experienced tremendous progress since its inception and that the result can be seen in the prompt accreditation of its programme.

    His words “Arthur Jarvis University was granted provisional license to operate as a tertiary institution and academic activities commenced in March 2017 with a total of 15 programmes spread out in ten departments and two faculties; Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences and Faculty of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences.

    “Today the university has five faculties, with 44 degree programmes. We were amongst the universities whose provisional licenses were reviewed in 2019. It is my pleasure to announce in this august press conference that Arthur Jarvis University met all qualifications and has been issued with a full statutory license.”

    Programmes that got accreditation includes; Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, English, Applied Geophysics, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Microbiology, and Physics with Political Science and Geology getting provisional accreditation”

    The Vce Chancellor added that the “university continues to boast of affordable tuition, excellent students to lecturers ratio in the classes, and a good hostel accommodation”.

    Arthur Jarvis University is the first privately owned university in Cross River State.

  • Prof. Joseph Asor And The University Of Calabar Vice Chancellorship Race

    Prof. Joseph Asor And The University Of Calabar Vice Chancellorship Race

    By Admin

    The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive and Academic head of the University. He is in-charge of the daily running of the University and promoter of the founding vision of the Universatie scholarium. He is light bearer and chief advocate of the educational mission of the university.

    His office serve as the nerve centre of activities in areas of administration, finance, protocol, external relations. He also coordinates all the various internal organs of theUniversity. He oversee the day-to-day administration of the university and see that the goals of the university are met. He is responsible to the Governing Council for the management of the human, monetary and material resources of the university.

    He exercise general superintendence over the University and is responsible to Council for maintaining and promoting the efficiency and good order of the University. It is his duty to see that the provisions of the law, the Statutes, the Ordinances and the Regulations of the University are observed, and he may exercise such powers as may be necessary or expedient for that purpose. He must therefore be competent at all times to advise Council on any matter affecting the policy, finance and administration of the University.

    By virtue of his office, a member of Council, Chairman of Senate, Chairman of the Congregation, Member of Colleges/Faculties and any other authority of the University set up by Statute and of any Board or Committee appointed by any of those bodies.

    The success of his job will depend on his ability to lead, motivate and inspire administrative associates, academic and non-academic staff as well as students and all other stakeholders to work toward the central purpose of the University to advance learning and enhance talent.

    WHY WE NEED PROF. JOSEPH ASOR

    Name: Prof. Joseph Asor

    Department: Zoology and Environmental Biology

    Rank: Professor

    Origin: Professor Joseph Asor was born on the 19th of June 1963 in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

    Prof Joseph Asor is full of capacity and has the zeal to govern University of Calabar. He has served the University for 29 years out of which he served 24 years as a Ph.D holder and over 11 years as full-fledged Professor. He grew in service to the rank of a professor in public service. Within these period, he has held series of leadership positions in and outside the University.

    POSITIONS HELD IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR

    1. Dean Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, 2016 -2018: Professor Asor served as the pioneer Dean Faculty of Biological Sciences. He served meritoriously from 2016 to 2018.

    2. Dean Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, 2014 -2016: Prior to the creation of Faculty of Biological Sciences, Professor Asor served as the Dean Faculty of Science 2014 -2016. Then Faculty of Science was a combination of the present Faculty of Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences.

    3. Dean Student Affairs Division University of Calabar, 2006 – 2011: In 2006 – 2011, Professor Asor served as the Dean, Student Affairs Division of the University of Calabar. He is known as the students friendly Dean of Student Affairs of the University of Calabar.

    4. Head of Department
    Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Calabar 2013 – 2014.

    5. Academic Adviser
    Departmental Academic Adviser, University of Calabar 1997 – 1998.

    6. Examination Officer
    Departmental Examination Officer, University of Calabar 1997 – 1998.

    7. Time Table Officer
    Departmental Time Table Officer, University of Calabar 1996 -1998.

    8. Member Faculty Graduate Committee
    Member Faculty Graduate Committee, University of Calabar 2003 – 2006.

    9. Chairman
    Chairman, Calabar University Electoral Commission. University of Calabar, 2006 – 2011.

    10. Chairman
    Chairman, Student’s Welfare Board, University of Calabar, 2006 – 2011.

    11. Chairman
    Chairman, Faculty Board of Science, University of Calabar, 2014 -2016.

    12. Chairman
    Chairman, Faculty Board of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, 2016 to Date.

    13. Chairman
    Chairman, Faculty of Biological Sciences Appointments and Promotion Committee, 2016 -2018.

    14. Chairman
    Chairman, Faculty of Science Appointments and Promotion Committee, 2014 -2016.

    15. Chairman
    Chairman, Departmental Graduate Studies Committee, 2003- 2006.

    16. Member, Management Committee
    Member, Management Committee of University of Calabar, 2006 – 2011.

    17. Board member, Graduate School Board
    Board member, Graduate School Board, University of Calabar, 2014 – 2018.

    18. Member Committee of Deans
    Member Committee of Deans, University of Calabar, 2006 – 2011 & 2014 – 2018.

    19. Senate Member
    Member, University of Calabar Senate, 2006 – Date

    20. Member Sport Council
    Member, University of Calabar sport Council

    POSITIONS HELD OUTSIDE UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR

    Professor Joseph Asor also held different leadership positions outside the University of Calabar. He served excellently as a man full of capacity.

    1. Rector
    From 1999 – 2002, Professor Joseph Asor served as the Rector Ibrahim Babangida College of Agriculture, Ovonum – Obubra, Cross River State (Now Cross River State University of Technology, Obubra Campus) 1999 -2002.

    2. Member, Governing Council
    Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, 2001 – 2003.

    3.Member, Governing Council
    Cross River State College of Education, 2010 – 2014.

    4. Board Member Governing Board
    Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency, Calabar, 2008 – 2014.

    5. Member, Governing Council
    Ibrahim Babangida College of Agriculture, Ovonum – Obubra, Cross River State 1999 -2002.

    6. Member/Chairman Accreditation panels
    Professor Joseph Asor Member/Chairman Accreditation panels to over 12 Nigerian Universities.

    7. Member
    Member, implementation committee for the establishment of Cross River State University of Technology.

    8. Member
    Member, CRM University Project implementation Committee.

    9. Board Member
    Board member, Cross River State Community and Social Development agency, 2008 to Date.

    Professor Joseph Asor has unbeatable academic and administrative credentials required to occupy the exalted office of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar. He has the best understanding of the dynamics of Student/Lecturer relationship that will reawaken research and boost learning.

    He also has great character, personality and is morally stable. He has the mandate and capacity to transform University of Calabar into an arena for research and scientific discoveries.

     

  • The Era Of Lost Of Accreditation In UNICAL Will Soon Be Over As The Man With NUC Wand And Acumen Is About To Be Enthroned

    The Era Of Lost Of Accreditation In UNICAL Will Soon Be Over As The Man With NUC Wand And Acumen Is About To Be Enthroned

    By Admin

    Below is Prof Joe Asor’s ACTIVITIES WITH THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION (NUC)

     Member, NUC Accreditation Panel to Sokoto State University, Sokoto 22nd-25th November, 2017

     Member, NUC Accreditation Panel to Federal University, Dutse-Ma, Katsina State 26th-28th November, 2017

     Member, NUC Accreditation Panel to
    Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa
    State 18th-21stMarch, 2018

     Member, NUC Accreditation Panel to McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State 29th-31st October, 2018

     Member, NUC Accreditation Panel to Mountain Top University, Makoji Oba, km12, Lago Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, 1st-3rd November, 2018

     Member, NUC Accreditation Panel to Crescent University, Abeokuta Ogun State, 4th-6thNovember, 2018

     Member, NUC Accreditation Panel to SouthWestern University Okun Owa, Ogun State, 7th-9th November, 2018

     Member, NUC Accreditation Panel to Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, 2nd-4th May, 2019

     Chairman, NUC Accreditation Panel to University of Ibadan, Oyo State, 6th-8th October, 2019

     Chairman, NUC Accreditation to University of Ilorin, Kwara State, 9th-11th October, 2019

     Chairman, NUC Accreditation Panel to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi. 3rd–6th November, 2019

     Member, NUC Accreditation Panel to Adeleke University Ede, Osun State, 21st-23rd November, 2019

    Comr. (Hon) Ogar Emmanuel Oko
    JOE ASOR COALITION OF COMRADES (JACC) [email protected] 09078405798

    N/B: This opinion is solely that of Ogar Emmanuel Oko and does not represent TheLumineNews or its staff

  • Prof. Offiong E. Offiong: An Enigmatic Progenitor Of Union Formation And Service Delivery

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong: An Enigmatic Progenitor Of Union Formation And Service Delivery

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong is an astute unionist of no mean repute. He has been consistently involved in the processes that led to the midwifing of both students unions during his undergraduate programme as well as other unions in the University of Calabar where he serves. As a student activist, he championed most of the students yearnings that relived the plight of students during his undergraduate programme.

    As a member of the Academic Staff Union of University, University of Calabar Branch ASSU-UCB, he was elected Vice Chairman at age 30 and was reelect for a second term of four years following an excellent performance.

    During which time, all the unions in the University collaborated and midwived the University of Calabar International Secondary School UCISS.

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong was elected Chairman, Academic Staff Union of University, University of Calabar Branch ASUU-UCB, in the year 2000 and was reelected in 2002 to serve another term of two years. During this period, ASUU-UCB made very positive impacts in the management of the university and in resolving all Labour related crisis.

    The distinguished Prof. Offiong E. Offiong also served as JAC Chairman, comprising of (ASUU, SSANU & NASU), University of Calabar branch. During his tenure as Chairman, he established a welfare scheme for the branch to carter for members welfare needs such as weddings, child dedication and bereavement etc.

    During this period, he introduced “computer loan scheme” which afforded members the opportunity to own their personal computers and became computer literate.

    Prof. Offiong negotiated and signed the second Centre for Educational Services CES Agreement of the university and got all the entitlements owed members including handsome allowances for Lecturers involved in Consultancy Services/Part-Time lecturing.

    As Chairman of ASSU-UCB, he was also the Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Calabar Zone, comprising of UNICAL, UNIUYO, IMSU, FUTO, UNIPORT and RSUST and as well NDU and CRUTECH where he midwived their charters into ASUU.

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong is the first Cross Riverian to be elected National Vice-President of ASUU. At which time he organized the first leadership training workshop for Chairman and Secretary of branches in ASUU.

    Juxtaposing Prof. Offiong E. Offiong experience in the formation and service in the various unions he served previously, he very equipped with the technical, influential, managerial and developmental skills and prowess to reposition staff welfare and create job satisfaction as Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar.

  • UNICAL Vice-Chancellorship Race: Pof. Joseph Ele Asor – An Ode To The Man Who perfectly Fits The Bill.

    UNICAL Vice-Chancellorship Race: Pof. Joseph Ele Asor – An Ode To The Man Who perfectly Fits The Bill.

    By Admin

    University of Calabar (fondly called Unical) was first established as the Calabar campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). It was in 1975 that the Federal Military Government announced Unical as a full-fledged academic institution. On that note, the university started operating as an autonomous institution without affiliation to UNN. Unical is ranked among second generation universities in Nigeria and over the years, the university has maintained a prime position among its peers.

    With the 10th substantive Vice Chancellor, Professor Zana I. Akpagu serving in the twilight of his administration, the headhunting has already begun to get another intellectual egghead to fill the impending vacancy. It is instructive to note that the future of any ivory tower depends on its leadership capacity to meet the intricate needs of the students, academic and non-academic staff alike.

    Unical has evolved overtime and in this age of specialization and career-based education, the institution would need a man with a Renaissance mindset to reposition it to fit for purpose as the fourth industrial revolution beckons. It would need an inspiring leader who has the ability to connect with – and command the respect – of diverse people across the institution and beyond.

    In that wise, Professor Joseph Ele Asor has emerged as one of the most incredible minds, embodying and epitomizing the high standard of intellectual skills, moral discipline and ethical grounding. Joseph Asor is a groundbreaking zoologist and a dominant intellect in the parasitological revolution. He is a scientist of scientists, a man whose career is dazzling in content, oozing in fulfillment and littered with a huge catalogue of heroic achievements.

    Professor Asor exemplifies one of the very best in the intellectual community in Nigeria today having started his public service career from the low rung of the ladder as a secondary school teacher between 1986 and 1990 in Agbo Comprehensive Secondary School, Egboronyi in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. The erudite professor built his career from bottom-up with an appreciable progression to the zenith.

    Born on 19th June, 1963 under the cascading ambience of the ancient Ekureku Clan in his homestead of Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Professor Joseph Asor had shown very early that he was on an upward trajectory in life. As a precocious child, he blazed through his primary education with flying colours when he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) from Primary School Ekurekube, Ekureku in Abi Local Government Area in 1975.

    Joseph Asor grew up with a brilliant and receptive mind which saw him sparkled like a flawless effervescent diamond at the famous Mary Knoll College, Okuku, Ogoja where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1980. Between 1980 and 1984, he was an undergraduate student at the University of Port Harcourt where he exhibited unparalleled quality and excellence in character and learning. Within the aforesaid period, Professor Asor studied and obtained a B.Sc (Hons) Degree in Zoology.

    He had one year stint as a lecturer at the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State during his National Youth Service Program between 1984 and 1985. The young Joseph Ele Asor (as he then was) acted timeously on the wisdom of Toni Payne who said, “Knowledge is the new rich, arm yourself with it.” To that end, he returned to the University of Port Harcourt in 1987 where he transcended records and expectations at the Department of Zoology and obtained M.Sc in Zoology specializing in Parasitology in 1989.

    Not done yet, Joseph Asor took his academic career up a notch when he scaled the Ph.D in Zoology huddle maintaining his research interest in Parasitology at the University of Port Harcourt in 1995 with regal ease. Indeed he is a man who envisioned a career in the academia, by dint of hard work, avowed commitment and matchless assuidity he stayed the course and the world is better for it. He had been propelled by an undying vision for intellectualism and he gave his all and best to achieve it. Professor Joseph E. Asor is a true inspiration to academics everywhere.

    His calling is to teach, his profession is to research, his passion is to inspire people out of the valley of despair and despondency, and his vocation is to fan the embers of knowledge with blazing light. For Professor Joseph Asor, professionalism and patriotism must work hand in gloves like Siamese twins in order to engender an egalitarian society. He has admirably, consistently and conscientiously demonstrated integrity as the fulsome content of his character which he believes must be the immutable nucleus of intellectual orchestrations.

    Professor Asor had an ample time of 6years between 1990 and 1996 as a lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences, The Polytechnic Calabar (now Cross River University of Technology – CRUTECH). He joined the services of the University of Calabar in 1996 as Lecturer II and has since risen through the ranks to the peak as a Professor in the Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology.

    His scholarly depth is unassailable and his managerial capacity is phenomenal. Truly, Asor personifies the statutory requirements to lead a pacesetting institution like the University of Calabar at this auspicious time in history. The highly cerebral Professor conjugates an uncommon dimension of intellectual erudition and a rare administrative prowess.

    As a thoroughbred researcher, Professor Asor has numerous publications to his credit in major local and international scholarly refereed journals. He has authored and co-authored 5 books in his area of expertise. The very brilliant Professor has attended several conferences, workshops and seminars where he is also a regular speaker at some of those events.

    Professor Joseph Asor comes with a good dose of experience in tertiary education administration to provide inspiring leadership and effective management to the University of Calabar. Between 1999 and 2002, Joseph Asor was on leave of absence from the University of Calabar to Ibrahim Babangida College of Agriculture (now Cross River University of Technology, Obubra Campus) as the Rector.

    From 2001 to 2003, Professor Asor was Member, Governing Council, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar and subsequently served as Member, Governing Council, Cross River State College of Education, Akamkpa from 2010 to 2014. From 1999 to 2003, he was Member, Accreditation Team of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the Accreditation of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma Programs offered in Polytechnics and Colleges of Education in Nigeria.

    Asor has been deeply involved in various administrative and managerial functions in the University of Calabar and at every given opportunity; the distinguished Professor has proven his leadership mettle. He served as Head, Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology between 2013 and 2014. At various times, he served as Dean: Student Affairs Division (2006 – 2011), Faculty of Science (2014-2016) and Faculty of Biological Sciences (2016-2018). Professor Joseph Asor is loyal to constituted authority, diligent to duties and faithful to friendship.

    He has also served in various capacities including chairman or member of several committees in the University of Calabar. Professor Joseph Asor has been a Member of the Senate of the University of Calabar since 2006 to date.

    Professor Joseph Asor has become an indispensable resource person at the National Universities Commission (NUC) having served on many occasions as either chairman or member of the Accreditation Panel of the commission to different universities in the country. The commission has found Joseph Asor’s contributions to its activities invaluable in promoting quality education in Nigeria.

    Besides being accessible and accommodating, Professor Joseph Asor takes his students’ queries seriously. No wonder, many students have asserted that he has made significant difference to their lives. His graduate students, well-trained under his nurturing and rigorous tutelage, have gone on to become productive scholars. Professor Asor has supervised many post-graduate students at both M.Sc and Ph.D levels.

    In his more than 28years long career, Professor Joseph Asor has made outstanding contributions to teaching, research and community service. He has severally been an external examiner and professorial assessor to many Nigerian universities.

    Given his broad disposition to entrepreneurship, creativity, resourcefulness and philanthropic spirit, Professor Asor has made commendable strides in using his network and goodwill to attract grants/funds to the University of Calabar at different times.

    With laurels, awards, appreciations and commendations adorning his treasure chest, including a letter of commendation from the then Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke for contributing to the Educational Development of the State; particularly towards the establishment of CRUTECH, Professor Asor is unarguably a symbol of patriotism.

    Joseph Asor is a member of some professional associations, including Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, Nigerian Environmental Society, Zoological Society of Nigeria, among others.

    Professor Asor is naturally endowed with commendable interpersonal relationship skills. He is affable, reliable and dependable. His humility, adroitness and sagacity obviously betray his humane perspective to life which is exceptional and legendary. The Professor values strategic communications and intellectual engagements which he has deployed successfully in his personal and official life.

    He is happily married to his heartthrob, Dr (Mrs) Love Joseph Asor and they are blessed with 3 children – two daughters and a son in the mix.

    Joseph Ele Asor is unarguably a Professor with bountiful curriculum vitae and he is deserving of the Office of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar. He is indeed fit and proper to provide the desired leadership to the University of Calabar for the next 5years.

    Oyama is a Social Commentator. He writes from Abuja. [email protected], MissangOyama05.

     

    N/B. The views expressed here are strictly that of Missang Oyama and did not represent theluminenews or its staff.

  • I Am Fulfilled That Even Though My Administration Is Coming To An End, My Earlier Promises Are Fulfilled – Ejue

    I Am Fulfilled That Even Though My Administration Is Coming To An End, My Earlier Promises Are Fulfilled – Ejue

     

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Provost of the Federal College of Education, Prof. James Bassey Ejue has stated that he is very happy with the space of work in the college even at the verge of the end of his administration, as most his his promises when he assumed office are being fulfilled.

    Ejue made this known on Monday, 22nd June, 2020 while commissioning two new acquired two brand new Toyota Hilux project vehicles for the college.

    The vehicles were supplied as part of 2019 Special High impact intervention project.

    His words ” the College acquired the vehicles in order to boost the College transport facilities. It is a divine providence that these vehicles are delivered coincidentally when the high impact projects are kicking off and I’m happy to inform the College Management that contractors are taking over sites in the College.

    “I want to express my gratitude to God that even though my administration is coming towards the end, they are fulfilment of my earlier promises”

    Ejue charged the Department of Works and Estates to put the vehicles to good use and handle them with utmost care as they step up maintenance culture.

    Present at the commissioning were: Mallam Ladan Chado – Deputy Provost, Mrs. Grace Undie – Registrar, Mr Sixtus Iklaki – Bursar, Mr David Adung -Librarian, among other Management staff.
    See picture below:

  • Meet Prof. Offiong E. Offiong Vying For The Position Of Vice Chancellor, University Of Calabar

    Meet Prof. Offiong E. Offiong Vying For The Position Of Vice Chancellor, University Of Calabar

    By Admin

    Prof. Offiong E. Offiong was born in Calabar
    on November 6, 1963. In 1974, and completed his Primary Education with a Distinction.

    He then attended Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar, where he sat and passed with Division–One WASC (1979). Prof. Offiong holds a B.Sc (Hon) degree in Chemistry
    (1984) from 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 with a scholarship to conduct laboratory bench work in Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.

    Prof Offiong also holds a Certificate in Equipment Maintenance (1991) from Bristol Polytechnic, Bristol, UK.

    After his successful mandatory National Service (NYSC) in
    the University of Ibadan, Prof Offiong started his lecturing career in 1985 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Chemistry, University of Calabar and rose to the rank of Professor in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry in 2002.

    Offiong has successfully supervised 7 Masters and 13 Ph.D theses in the University. One of the PhD theses won the National Universities Commission’s Award of “Best Thesis in
    Physical Sciences in Nigerian Universities in 2012”.

    As a true scholar, he has been a mentor to many budding Academics especially in the field of Inorganic Chemistry. Many of his former Graduate Students are now Professors and others high ranking Academics in Nigerian Universities and abroad.
    One of them is the current Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar.

    Prof Offiong is an astute Academic/ Researcher with over 70 Research articles/publications in Peer-review journals
    cited in high impact databases. He had been
    Postgraduate/Undergraduate External Examiner in many Universities across the country including; UNIUYO, MOUA, BSU, UNIABUJA, UNN and presently in RSU.

    He has also served the University system 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), Member, UCISS Governing Borad, Member, Central Admission Committee, Member, Centre for Educational Services, Member, University of Calabar Reformation and Implementation Committee, Member, Committee in the development of School of Pharmacy, Unical.
    Chairman and Zonal Coordinator ASUU, National Vice President ASUU among others.

    A celebrated Academic whose spirit of assistance spans
    through different human endeavours, Prof. Offiong also shared his passion and acumen in public service.

    Between 2007 and 2015, he served as Commissioner for Education, Cross River State. During this period, the Schools across the
    18 LGAs witnessed massive infrastructural transformation, the first of its kind. The performance of CRS Students in WASCE rose from 22nd position to 7th and 6th in 2012 and
    2013 respectively.

    His contributions to the establishment of
    the prestigious Institute of Technology and Management (ITM), Ugep and the reopening of previously closed down
    State-owned College of Education in Akamkpa speak volume to elucidate his sterling qualities and passion for education and scholarship.

    He was the Chairman of All States Commissioner of Education in Nigeria from 2009 to 2015.

    Prof. Offiong served in the Presidential Task Force on Education with the mandate of implementing a
    transformation agenda in Nigeria education system (2011 – 2014).

    His love for academic and human resource development knows no bounds; as a Commissioner, Prof. Offiong still rendered services free as an Academic by teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses and successfully supervised ten (10) Graduate theses during this period despite the fact that he was on Leave of Absence.

    Prof. Offiong has won several international Fellowships/
    Awards through which he visited many laboratories/
    Institutions and Universities in Italy, France, Germany,
    Russia, United States of America, United Kingdom, India, United Arab Emirates, Finland among others.

    As part of his community and humanitarian services, he is the immediate Past President of the Boys Brigade Nigeria (BBN), CRS Council (2013 to 2019). He is currently the Chairman of Education committee in the Obong of Calabar.

    Executive Forum. Prof. Offiong is married to his heart–throb Dr. (Mrs.) Ame l. Offiong; the marriage is blessed with three beautiful children; Efanga, Asa and Eme.

    Prof. Offiong has clearly demonstrated profound and purposeful leadership as an administrator, academic and above all a role model for young people in his thirty-five years as a Lecturer.

    He has also served the state in the following capacities;
    Consultant/Resource person, CREPA/FEPA on World Bank sponsored Environmental Action Plan for CRS.
    Consultant/Resource person to the Min. of Agric & Water Resources, CRS.
    Member & (Chairman, Sub-Committee on staffing) local accreditation to CRUTECH.
    Member, Education sub-committee, CRS transition committee.
    Chairman, Education & Social services cluster, CRS, comprising 11 MADs.
    Leader, CRS delegation on a study Tour to Educational Institutions in India.
    Leader, CRS delegation o a 5-day learning journey to University of Jyvaskyla, Finland.
    Member, CRS delegation on sister state relationship visit to the state of Maryland, USA.
    Leader, CRS delegation on a Study Tour of Highbury College, Portsmouth, UK.

    At the national level, Offiong also served as;
    Associate Consultant in Environmental Chemistry to Shell Producing Nig Limited (West)
    Consultant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Gas emission project.
    Member, NUC committee on Development of Basic Minimum Academic Standards for post graduate programme in Nigerian Universities.
    Member, Presidential Task Team on Education.
    Member, Implementation on the Presidential Task Team report on Education.
    Member, Fed Govt of Nigeria delegation to Highbury College, Portsmouth.
    Member, Fed Govt of Nigeria delegation to the all Ministerial 2013 World Bank/International Monetary Fund Spring meeting with E-9 countries at Washington DC, USA.

    With these experiences, he would make a good Vice Chancellor if entrusted with the responsibility.

  • Nine Professors Battles For University Of Calabar Vice Chancellorship Position

    Nine Professors Battles For University Of Calabar Vice Chancellorship Position

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    No fewer than nine professors have indicated interest for the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), to replace the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof Zana Akpagu, on December 1, 2020.

    TheLumineNews gathered that all those who have indicated interest have intimidating CVs, they include but not limited to:  Prof. Joseph Asor (Biological Science);  Prof Offiong E. Offiong (Chemistry);  Prof. Ndiyo Ayara (Economics);  Prof Francis Bisong (Geography) and Prof Florence Obi, (Education) former Commissioner for women Affairs, and former Deputy VC Academics. (more…)