The Lumine News

Category: Education

  • 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

    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…)

  • I Will Encourage Collaborative Research And Linkages To Enhance Visibility And Ranking Of Unical In Line With Global Best Practices – Ita

    By Elijah Ugani

    A front line contender of the position of the Vice Chancellorship of the University of Calabar, Prof. Benedict Iserom Ita has stated that if appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the institution, he will encourage collaborative researches and form linkages that will enhance visibility and ranking of the institution in line with global best practices.

    Ita disclosed this to TheLumineNews on a telephone chat today, Monday 15th, June 2020.

    His words “It is my desire to offer public service to my alma mater. I will encourage collaborative researches and create linkages that will enhance visibility and ranking of the University of Calabar in line with global best practices.

    “As part of my plans streamlined in the agenda of my administration if appointed by the President and Commander In Chief of the federal republic of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari through the governing council, I will strengthen staff and students relationship, ensure timely promotion and implementation of staff, create alternative means of income generation by leveraging on the Unical Bright Paint Industry to boost the Internally Generated Revenue IGR.

    “The university does not exist in isolation, it is therefore my utmost intention to strengthen unions – management relationship with the view to create an effective and conducive learning environment that will be devoid of ranchor and acrimony. I will sustain the already ongoing resource, facilities and structural development. I will attract funds for research and sponsorship as well as training and retraining of staff towards positioning the university to respond to the 21st century demands.

    Prof. Benedict Iserom Ita was born on 10th April, 1967 in Aningeje, Akamkpa, Cross River State. He began his education at the Presbyterian Primary School, Akim Qua Town, Calabar, and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979.

    He was admitted into the Immaculate Conception Seminary, Mfamosing, Akamkpa and successfully obtained his GCE in 1984.

    Prof. Ita proceeded to the prestigious University of Calabar, Calabar where he obtained B. Sc. (1989), M. Sc. (1994) and Ph.D (2000) respectively in Physical Chemistry.

    Professor Benedict I. Ita’s ability to distinguish himself among his contemporaries stems from an uncanny dedication to his calling and profession. By dint of hardwork, he grew step by step and matured into leadership. Professor Benedict Ita began his working career with the Federal University of Technology, Yola as a Junior Research Fellow during his NYSC from 1989 to 1990. He joined the University of Calabar as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, from where he rose through the ranks to the prestigious rank of a professor in 2010.

    As an academic/educationist of excellence and a man of integrity, his professional and public life have helped nurture his students at both undergraduate and post-graduate programmes to a logical refinement of their careers and studies.

    Indeed, Professor Benedict Ita’s researches and teaching experiences as a scientist have carved a niche for him in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry. Nevertheless, Professor Benedict Ita’s works stands out comparatively with a mixed grill of attributes including but not limited to:

    1) Synthesis, characterization and application of nanomaterials in biodiesel production, trapping of pollutants, decolorization of water by adsorption, cement matrix, catalysis, biomedical research, etc

    2) Corrosion and Corrosion inhibitions of metals.

    3) Solutions of Relativistic (Klein-Gordon and Dirac) equations and non-Relativistic (Schrodinger) equation using various methods.

    4) Solutions of linear and nonlinear differential equations using various methods like Homotopy Analysis, Adomian Decomposition, Variational Iteration, Differential Transform, Elzaki Transform methods, etc.

    Professor Benedict Ita has served the University in many diverse capacities which includes but not limited to the following:
    1). Secretary, Strategic Planning Committee, Faculty of Science, Unical.

    2). Head of Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Unical.

    3). Chairman, Central Time Table Committee, Unical.

    4). Chairman, Committee of Deans, Unical.

    5). Chairman, Senate Vetting Committee, Unical.

    6). Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Unical.

    7). Acting Vice Chancellor, Unical, etc.

     

  • Covid 19: Nigerian Medical Association Kicks Against Trial Resumption Of Schools In Cross River

    By Admin

    Arising from the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the Nigerian Medical Association Cross River State held on June 10, 2020, Congress deliberated extensively on COVID-19 response in the State and the Cross River State Health Sector and came up with the following observations and recommendations.

    1) The declaration by the Cross River State Government on a trial resumption of three public schools in each of the three Senatorial Districts in the State to commence on June 16, 2020, is alarming.

    To the medical community, there is a lack of evidence to ascertain the actual COVID-19 status and disease burden in the State due to the unacceptably low number of tests carried out. The quick resumption of Schools, despite genuine reasons, has the potential of significant disease outbreak among students. The Association advocates for the adoption of educational technologies to provide remote learning opportunities and educational programmes for students in public schools in the interim which is currently being implemented by private schools until a national policy is introduced on the unified resumption of schools by the Federal Government.

    2) The gross under-testing for COVID-19 in Cross River State is a significant public health concern. The COVID-19 tests breakdown by States as at June 10, 2020, released by NCDC revealed Cross River State has carried out only nine (9) tests using the NCDC Molecular Laboratory. The Association continues to advocate for upscaling of COVID-19 testing in the State.

    3) The Association uses this medium to appeal to both the Federal and State Government to expedite plans for accreditation of Dr Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital, Calabar a Bio-Safety Level Three (BSL-3) laboratory and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar as testing centres for COVID-19. Accreditation of these centres will not only upscale testing in the State but will also reduce the turn around time for COVID-19 tests.

    4) The increasing report of flu-like symptoms, respiratory symptoms and loss of smell/taste in various hospitals and the State metropolis is an indication of potential community transmission of an undetected disease fitting the epidemiologic pattern of COVID-19. Recent research published in Nature Medicine in the United Kingdom revealed: “loss of smell (anosmia) was a stronger predictor than a fever for COVID-19” prompting recommendations on self-isolation if detected. We call on the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 through the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), State Government and all Stakeholders to critically appraise the COVID-19 status of the State.

    5) The COVID-19 infection curve is still on the rise and yet to peak in the country. The lack of adherence to infection prevention strategies like social distancing, use of face mask, hand and respiratory hygiene at this crucial time is worrisome. We, therefore, call on all residents in Cross River State to sustain infection prevention measures.

    6) The production of Personal Protective Equipment (mask, face shield and gowns) by the garment factory of Cross River State is highly commendable. We advocate for quality control measures to validate their safety for use in hospital settings. We join the State Government to call on the Federal Government and the Private Sector to support this laudable project that has the potential of guaranteeing the availability of personal protective equipment in the country.

    7) The expeditious recruitment of Doctors and other health workers by the Cross River State Government through the Civil Service Commission with advert dated April 27, 2020, to meet the potential health challenges is desirable. The concomitant increase in health needs of the public in line with the lifting of bans on interstate movement and domestic flight shortly makes the recruitment imperative. We wish to reiterate the urgent implementation of 100% CONMESS and CONHESS as the only means of retaining this critical workforce in the State Civil Service.

    8) The Association and her members remain committed to working with the State Government and the Federal Government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Dr Agam Ayuk, Chairman

    Dr Ezoke Epoke, Secretary.

  • Amanke Calls On STEB To Appraise Curriculum For The Development Of CRS Children

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Commissioner for Quality Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke has called on Members of Science and Technical Board STEB, to be more committed in the appraisal of the curriculum for science and technical schools in the state to ensure proper development of children in cross river sate in line with global best practices.

    Amanke made the call during the inauguration of the board at his office in Calabar, the cross river state capital on Thursday, 28th May, 2020.

    “As part of your functions as contained in the edit that established Science and Technical Board, to supervise, monitor and appraise the system. I charge you to concentrate and appraise the curriculum in the state to ensure proper development of our children in line with global best practices.

    “I want to congratulate you on behalf of the Governor and charge you to justify the confidence reposed on you by Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade.

    “Your careful selection has placed greater responsibility on you, on behalf of the ministry, we charge you to uphold the mandate of your board and I’m sure you will discharge your duties in line with the oath you have just taken.

    Responding on behalf of the board members, the Executive Secretary of the board, Mr. Linus Adie thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve the state and promised their unallowed commitment to reposition science and technical schools in the state in line with the mandate of the board.

    The board comprise;
    Mr. Linus Adie – Executive Secretary
    Mr. Richard Effa – Board Member 1
    Mr. Daniel Etim – Board Member 2
    Mr. Dominic Okwor – Board Member 3
    Mr. Evarestus Aniah – Board Member 4
    Mr. Isaac Adams – Board 5
    Mr. Sampson Ikwen – Board Member 6
    Hon. Godwin Odama – Board Member 7
    Mr. Donatus Etim – Board Member 8
    Elder Amisu O. – Board Member 9

    With the inauguration of this board which is third with State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB and Secondary Education Board SEB, being the first and second on the roll within two weeks.

    Amanke hinted that the next will be all Special Assistants on Education, which date will be communicated appropriately.

    Highlight of the inauguration was the oat taking, signing of the register and group photograph.

  • Amanke Tasks Secondary Education Board To Repay Gov Ben Ayade’s Confidence On It Choice

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Cross River State Commissioner for Quality Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke has charged Members of the Secondary Education Board SEB, to repay Governor Ben Ayade’s confidence on the choice of the team which he referred to as square pecks in square holes.

    His words “Let me congratulate you on behalf of the governor who have carefully selected you to serve the state in the capacity of Secondary Education Board members.

    “I charge you to repay the confidence reposed on you by the governor on your choice which I will refer to as square pecks in square holes”

    Amanke gave the charged while inaugurating members of the Secondary Education Board in Calabar on Thursday, 21st May, 2020 at the conference room of the office of the commissioner.

    Amanke referred to the governor as a careful selector, expressed confidence in the team’s ability considering that the Board Chairman has served successfully in the first tenure has placed the board in the pedestal to deliver on it’s mandate.

    The Commissioner used the opportunity to call for synergy between the board and the ministry and pledged commitment to partner relevant agencies to ensure quality education in the state.

    Responding on behalf of other members, the Board Chairman, Mr. Ebe Idagwu, thanked the governor for the privilege accorded them to serve the state.

    Idagwu gave special commendation to the Commissioner, Dr. Godwin Amanke, management and staff of the Ministry of Quality Education for the solidarity, and pledged the board’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure efficiency and upgrade of the educational sector in the state.

    Idagwu noted that “this board under my superintendent and with Dr. Amanke as the Commissioner for Quality Education, we will strive for quality educational reforms as prioritized by the Ayade led administration which made him to rename the Ministry of Education to Ministry of Quality Education, that quality must be seen to be applied here”

    The Chairman used the opportunity to call on stakeholders to raise to the challenge of the moment as the task to rebranding our educational sector requires a collective approach. Ranging from parents, teachers, student’s attitudes and academic performance and discipline.

    The Board has Mr. Ebe Idagwu as Chairman, Dr. (Mrs.) Itang Egbung, Hon. Nsa Ewa, Mr. Godwin Odey Oko, Ntufam Alphonsus Etambui are Members (i – iv) while Mr. Lawrence Eyo Nsa is the Board’s Secretary