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Tag: #Offiong E. Offiong

  • UNICAL VC Takes Delivery, Commissions PRIMS-Donated Vehicles

    UNICAL VC Takes Delivery, Commissions PRIMS-Donated Vehicles

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has taken delivery of and commissioned vehicles donated under the PRIMS (Pregnancy, Risks, Infant, Measurement and Surveillance) project to support maternal and child health monitoring in Cross River State.

    Speaking during the brief ceremony, Prof. Offiong congratulated the research team for initiating a project that directly benefits both the university community and the wider Cross River community.

    He noted that the high rate of infant mortality associated with pregnancy-related complications remains a major concern, adding that Cross River State has been identified among the states affected by the challenge based on available statistics.

    He described the initiative as one that complements government efforts in addressing maternal and infant health challenges.

    “This is one of the projects that directly supports the efforts of the government in tackling maternal and infant mortality. I urge the team to handle these facilities properly and ensure they are effectively utilized,” he said.

    Prof. Offiong further stated that the University management has already provided guidelines on how the facilities will be used to ensure they serve their intended purpose.

    This is even as he expressed optimism that more development partners would extend similar gestures to the institution, assuring that the vehicles and facilities
    would be judiciously used.

    Earlier, the Site Lead and Director of the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) at the University of Calabar, Prof. Iwara Iwara, explained that the vehicles were provided under a research grant linked to the PRIMS project.

    According to him, the project is being implemented in five states across the country including Cross River State, Lagos State, Katsina State, Plateau State and Bauchi State with the aim of monitoring pregnancies and tracking risk factors to ensure safer deliveries for pregnant women.

    Prof. Iwara stated that the grant is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with the coordinating team based at the University of Lagos responsible for providing the equipment required for the project.

    He noted that the Cross River team competed alongside other site teams before emerging successful in securing the grant.

    “The grant includes a 2025 model Toyota RAV4 and a fully equipped ambulance fitted with medical equipment to assist women in rural communities.

    The ambulance will help ensure that pregnant women who require referrals are promptly transported to hospitals,” he explained.

    Also speaking, the Centre Director of HDSS at the University of Calabar, Prof. Martin Meremikwu, noted that research grants often involve intense competition among institutions.

    According to him, whenever grants are available, researchers must meet specific criteria in order to be selected.

    “In the research domain, there is always the possibility of attraction grants, and when they come, competition is inevitable. When this happens, there are clear criteria for selection, and that is simply what occurred in this case,” he said.

    Prof. Meremikwu explained that the University established a Demographic Health Surveillance System in 2012 through funding from Canada, which has continued to provide valuable health data for research and policy planning.

    He stated that through the surveillance system, staff members regularly visit homes and families every month in communities across Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Calabar and now Biase Local Government Area.

    According to him, the families visited are captured in the centre’s database, enabling researchers to monitor and understand the state of their health over time.

    He added that because the University already had a functioning research centre and data system, it was well positioned to compete when the pregnancy monitoring project was opened for bidding.

    “So when the project on pregnancy monitoring was advertised, we participated in the bidding process and eventually won the grant. That is why we are here today,” he said.

    The PRIMS project is expected to strengthen maternal health monitoring and improve emergency response for pregnant women, particularly in underserved rural communities across Cross River State.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • UNICAL VC Prof Offiong Seeks Further Collaboration As Alumni Attracts Training Worth Over 400,000 USD

    UNICAL VC Prof Offiong Seeks Further Collaboration As Alumni Attracts Training Worth Over 400,000 USD

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The University of Calabar Vice Chancellor, Prof Offiong E. Offiong has called on Dr Oli Olowhu and CypherCrescent LTD to expand the training of students and lecturers on the SEPAL Solver and WRM training to other faculties in the University.

    Prof Offiong made the call on Thursday 29th of January, 2026 when the former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof Odey Osha, led Dr Oli Olowhu and CypherCrescent team on a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor.

    The University helmsman commended Dr Oli Olowhu for facilitating the training and used the opportunity to call on other distinguished alumni of the university who are in privileged positions to provide a pathway for collaborations that will benefit the university. The VC mentioned that Dr. Oli was one of his former students in Chemistry Department, Unical and he is very glad to know that a student that he personally taught is making some great contributions to the oil and gas industry and also returning to give back to the institution that moulded him.

    The VC appluaded the use of SEPAL Solver, a software that is using a mathematical approach in programming to provide solutions to engineering challenges which will in turn build the foundation and basis that will prepare students and graduates for the labour market.

    Prof Offiong expressed willingness to expand the collaboration with other companies within the industry as technology seemed to have provided solutions needed to navigate most of the challenges.

    Responding, the Lead Trainer of CypherCrescent LTD, Engr Lateef Adewale Karim, an expert in computational and mathematical analysis who happens to be one of the third best globally in this field noted that CypherCrescent have such a collaboration with the University of Port Harcourt and hope to extend this to the University of Calabar.

    Lateef noted that the Two softwares taught to over 40 participants, SEPAL Solver and Well Reservoir Management will support the participants in programme development. The Five-day hands-on training which was divided into Monday to Wednesday (SEPAL Solver) and Thursday to Friday (SEPAL Well Reservoir Management -WRM), designed to build practical competence in the use of SEPAL Solver for spatial analysis & environmental data processing, also introduced the participants to SEPAL Well Reservoir Management (WRM) concepts and applications. The Well Reservoir Management (WRM) training is a comprehensive, cloud based indigenous technology designed by Cyphercrescent Ltd for oil and gas asset management. At the end of the training, the participants will be able to integrate production, reservoir, geological, petrophysical and well intervention data to optimise oil and gas production, monitor well performance and proffer some solutions to reduce operating expenses in the oil and gas industry.
    Engr Lateef also informed the VC that the SEPAL Solver software can also be used in other sectors such as Space Technology and health care management. He stated that in 2020, he was in the presidential panel and was among those who worked with Bill Gates to developed the software that was used in disease control during the COVID 19 period. He mentioned that one of his former colleagues in CypherCrescent is now the Head of Disease Control in the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) headquarters in Abuja.

    On his part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Linkages, Prof Anthony Eneji, commended the team for the efforts made and pledged his readiness to strengthen the collaboration as stated by the Vice Chancellor.

    The facilitator of the collaboration, Dr Oli Olowhu informed the VC that he attracted the programme at no cost to Unical. He stated that “the industry-academia collaboration has a symbiotic relationship to breach the gap between the industry and academia. This relationship will open up opportunities for the lecturers and the students to develop capacity building to support the oil and gas industry”. He also informed the Vice Chancellor that some of the bright students who participated in the training would be offered internship opportunities with CypherCresent. Dr further announced that two of the engineering graduates from Unical have been offered internship position with an E&P company through his recommendation.

    Oli promised to discuss with CypherCrescent management to sustain the program as requested by the Vice Chancellor. Dr Oli further disclosed that “the cost of training for each of the Two softwares is about 5,000USD, which means that each of the participants will have paid 10,000USD as training fees multiply by over 40 participants (about 400,000USD), and the university is having this training at no cost”.

    He commended the MD of CypherCrescent, Engr Thankgod Egbe, for his goodwill and support to ensure the timely approval of the free training.

    The former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof Odey Osha, thanked the Vice Chancellor for providing the opportunity for the training to take place and assured CypherCrescent LTD that with the Vice Chancellor’s desire to place the university in global perspective, the academic and industry collaboration has come to stay in the university of Calabar.

    Speaking with Theluminenews, the Head, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Engr Precious Effiom, expressed delight and satisfaction when she noted that “We hope to get access to other software licenses, as they have given us licences to the Two softwares taught during this training free.

    Speaking further, Engr Effiom mentioned three key actions to be taken by the department as a follow up to the training “As a department, we intend to integrate the softwares application into the petroleum engineering curriculum. Organise a step down training for staff and students who were not available for the programme as well as initiate an MoU with CypherCrescent LTD for this initiative”.

  • UNICAL VC, Prof Offiong Offiong Declares Open A Five-Day SEPAL Solver and Well Reservoir Management Training/Workshop

    UNICAL VC, Prof Offiong Offiong Declares Open A Five-Day SEPAL Solver and Well Reservoir Management Training/Workshop

     

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Offiong E. Offiong, declared open a Five-Day SEPAL Solver Well Reservoir Management (WRM) training/workshop organised by CypherCrescent in partnership with the University of Calabar.

    The training which commenced on Monday 26th January 2026 will run through Friday 30th January, 2026, is holding at the conference hall of the faculty of Engineering, University of Calabar.

    Declaring the training/workshop opened, the Vice Chancellor charged the over 40 participants made up of both lecturers and students of the faculty of Engineering and Geology department to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the training to learn the softwares that will prepare them for the industry after graduation.

    The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Engr Prof Fidelis Abam, welcomed the resource team to the University and commended CypherCrescent Ltd for choosing the University of Calabar for the novel and innovative approach to provide hands-on practical training for engineering graduates to enable them fit into the industry.

    He appealed to CypherCrescent to sustain the partnership to ensure that the gap often created by graduates of engineering finding it difficult to cope with the technical knowhow in the industry.

    On his part, the Lead Trainer, Engr. Lateef Lateef, commended the University of Calabar for providing the opportunity and the enabling environment for the hands-on practical training for the students and lecturers.
    He noted that “This workshop is a train the trainers and so as participants, you must pay very particular attention to details and ensure that you understand the application of these softwares in programme design”.

    Engr. Lateef further stated that the University of Calabar is among the few universities in Nigeria that this training is been held. He pledged the commitment of the trainers to the training and wished that at the end of the Five-Day section, participants should be able to use the softwares adequately for the benefit of the university and the nation.

    On his part, the facilitator of the training, Mr Oli Olowhu, PhD, an Alumnus of the University of Calabar, urged the participants to take the training very seriously as any student who shows exceptional performance during the training session will have the opportunity to do internship with CypherCrescent and some Oil and Gas companies that are looking for thes skills.

    He mentioned that two graduates of the Faculty of Engineering are already undergoing internship with an E & P company facilitated by him.

    Dr Olowhu commended the goodwill of the programme Coordinator of CypherCrescent, Engr Thankgod Egbe, an energy expert who is also an indigene of Cross River State for graciously granting approval for the training to take place as a way of giving back to the society.

    Dr Oli further disclosed that “the cost of training for each of the Two softwares is about 5,000USD, which means that each of the participants will have paid 10,000USD as training fees multiply by 40 participants (400,000USD), and the university is having this training at no cost”. Dr Oli stated that “this training will also contribute to national development as we need to train and maintain adequate manpower in other to contribute to the production target of 4,000,000 barrel per day production as proposed by the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President”.

    The immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Calabar, Prof Odey Osha, commended the goodwill of Dr Oli Olowhu for the sacrifices made to attract the training to the university of Calabar at a time that practical solutions are needed to bridge the skill gap between the industry and the university system.

    He opined that “This training would not have come at a better time than now. The world is evolving. Our graduates over the past years find it difficult to fit into the industry after graduation. They are often times subjected to on the job training and majority of them find it difficult to scale through interviews into the industry. This training is very timely and I encourage the students to take it seriously”.

    On sustainability, Prof Osha noted that “The lecturers and students that are currently being trained will have to cascade the training to others and CypherCrescent has graciously made commitment for a follow up mentorship”.

    The SEPAL Solver and WRM training is an indigenous computational Mathematical engine designed to facilitate complex problem-solving simulations, data modeling, and algorithm and analysis software used by Oil & Gas Exploration & Production companies to understand the performance of their wells and environs.

    The Five-day hands-on training which is divided into Monday to Wednesday (SEPAL Solver) and Thursday to Friday (SEPAL Well Reservoir Management -WRM), is designed to build practical competence in the use of SEPAL Solver for spatial analysis & environmental data processing, as well as introduce the participants to SEPAL Well Reservoir Management (WRM) concepts and applications. The Well Reservoir Management (WRM) training is a comprehensive, cloud based indigenous technology designed by Cyphercrescent Ltd for oil and gas asset management. At the end of the training, the participants will be able to integrate production, reservoir, geological, petrophysical and well intervention data to optimise oil and gas production, monitor well performance and proffer some solutions to reduce operating expenses in the oil and gas industry.

  • UNICAL Threaten Sanctions On HoDs Who Delay Results

    UNICAL Threaten Sanctions On HoDs Who Delay Results

    BY Godwin Ajom, in CrossRiverWatch 

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL ) has threatened to sanction any Head of Department (HOD), who intentionally delay students’ results, or violates the laws guiding the institution.

    The warning was conveyed in a release signed by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, urging lecturers and head of departments to sit up as his administration will not hesitate to sanction any head of department who fails to turn in results within the given time line

    Meanwhile, UNICAL has approved the appointment of Dr. Ukam Ngwu as the new acting Head of Department of Journalism and Media Studies in the Faculty of Communication and Media studies.

    The appointment of Dr. Ukam is for a period of two years at the first instance with effect from 1st January, 2026 to 31st December, 2027.

    By the appointment, Dr. Ngwu is expected to discharge his duties diligently by effectively administering the department to ensure optimal productivity.

  • UNICAL VC Hits Ground Running with Bold Reforms, Infrastructure Revival, Digital Innovation in First Week

    UNICAL VC Hits Ground Running with Bold Reforms, Infrastructure Revival, Digital Innovation in First Week

     

    Barely a week after assuming office, the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has demonstrated a remarkable sense of urgency, direction, and purposeful leadership, signaling a new era for the institution.

    From reorganizing administrative culture to reviving abandoned projects and securing major digital partnerships, the new VC has begun laying the foundation for a more secure, efficient, and technologically driven University.

    Setting the tone for culture of discipline and responsible communication within days of resuming duty, Prof. Offiong convened a strategic meeting with his immediate administrative staff, including the Central Administration and the Information/Public Relations Unit.

    The session set a new tone for leadership under his watch, one defined by discipline, punctuality, dedication, and professional excellence to duty.

    He emphasized that those who work directly with the Vice-Chancellor carry a special responsibility in shaping the institution’s (UNICAL’s) internal and external image.

    To foster a culture of accountability and motivation, he announced that his “Thank You Engagements”,a system of recognizing hard work would be introduced periodically and tied to measurable performance.

    He further underscored the importance of consistent, accurate communication through weekly or monthly bulletins to keep the University community properly informed.

    The Vice-Chancellor’s proactive start has already sparked enthusiasm across campus, with staff and students expressing satisfaction and optimism about the direction his leadership is taking.

    In another decisive move within his first week, Prof. Offiong led the University into a landmark partnership with Opay Digital Services Limited to establish a modern Cybersecurity Laboratory on campus.

    The MoU, signed at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, marks a major step in strengthening digital security, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and positioning UNICAL as a regional hub for cybersecurity training.

    Prof. Offiong affirmed that the initiative aligns seamlessly with his commitment to innovation, industry-driven learning, and digital resilience. The lab is expected to empower students with critical cybersecurity skills while enhancing the University’s capacity to safeguard institutional data.

    The development has been widely welcomed by the university community, with many students expressing excitement about the new learning opportunities the partnership will unlock.

    Also within the week and In a display of hands-on governance, Prof. Offiong embarked on an extensive inspection tour of key infrastructure projects across the campus demonstrating his resolve to tackle long-standing challenges head-on.

    The 12th Vice Chancellor of the institution, inspected the ongoing perimeter fencing project, describing it as vital to campus safety. While commending existing interventions, he emphasized the need for stronger, more coordinated security infrastructure.

    At the site of the 1,200-bed PP Hostel and other housing initiatives, he reaffirmed that expanding student accommodation is a top priority. The move many described as closing the Gap in Student Accommodation.

    The former National Vice President (South) of Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU), stressed the importance of keeping students in secure, University-managed spaces, especially in a time of heightened security concerns nationwide.

    A notable highlight of the tour was his
    passion towards reviving the institution’s abandoned and stalled projects not excluding the main library project, which has been dormant for years.

    Prof. Offiong expressed confidence in its revival, noting that restoring the library to full functionality is essential to the academic excellence UNICAL strives for.

    He also revealed that his administration is cataloguing all abandoned projects across the institution, with plans to engage intervention agencies such as the NDDC and the Needs Assessment Unit to facilitate their completion.

    For transparency and to ensure that projects meet required standards, the VC announced that management will frequently conduct on-site inspections instead of relying solely on written reports.

    He stressed that while contractors have shown effort, the new administration will not allow complacency until every targeted project is fully delivered.

    Also, in a significant national engagement during his first week in office, the Vice-Chancellor hosted the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who was on campus for personal engagements, including the defence of his doctoral thesis.

    Prof. Offiong applauded the lawmaker’s outstanding contributions to national development and legislative excellence, describing him as an inspiring figure whose accomplishments continue to motivate students across the University.

    The Deputy Speaker’s decision to return to UNICAL for his PhD, despite having studied globally, was highlighted as a testament to the quality and credibility of the institution.

    The Deputy Speaker, in turn, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the University for the rigorous mentorship and academic support that shaped his doctoral journey.

    He noted that UNICAL remains a strong foundation for intellectual growth, national service, and policy influence, emphasizing that the knowledge acquired in the institution is already contributing meaningfully to legislative work at the national level.

    His visit, coming so early into the VC’s administration, was widely regarded as a boost to the University’s reputation and a reaffirmation of its national relevance.

    Adding to the positive momentum of his first week, the Vice-Chancellor also ordered the reopening of the long-closed gates leading to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital am other access points that had remained shut for nearly a year.

    The directive was met with jubilation across campus, as staff and students celebrated the restoration of free movement, improved accessibility, and a renewed sense of normalcy. The decision was praised as a compassionate, student-centred leadership action that reflects the VC’s commitment to welfare, security, and institutional harmony.

    Staff and students who witnessed the early flurry of activities expressed heartfelt appreciation, describing the VC’s pace as refreshing, inspiring, and indicative of a leader who is ready to move UNICAL forward.

    This is indeed, a promising start to a transformative tenure because In just one week, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong has demonstrated clarity of vision, strong administrative energy, and a commitment to excellence that has ignited renewed hope within the University community.

    With strengthened leadership structures, revived infrastructural projects, and forward-looking digital partnerships, the University of Calabar is clearly entering a new chapter, one marked by action, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of staff and students.

    Agare Onoriode Israel
    Information/Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar University for his doctoral thesis defence.

  • UNICAL VC Applauds Deputy Speaker’s National Impact, Legislative Excellence

    UNICAL VC Applauds Deputy Speaker’s National Impact, Legislative Excellence

     

    … as Deputy Speaker assures UNICAL of strong Collaboration, improve Government Presence

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong has commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt..Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his remarkable contributions to national development, community advancement, and legislative excellence.

    Prof. Offiong gave the commendation at the Vice Chancellor’s conference room during an engagement with the Deputy Speaker, who was in the institution for some personal business including his Doctoral thesis defence.

    He expressed profound satisfaction with the Deputy Speaker’s achievements in the National Assembly, noting that his record of service continues to inspire students across the University.

    “We are indeed very happy and pleased with your landmark achievements in the House of Representatives and your efforts in advancing communities across the country not just your immediate constituency but Nigeria at large,” the VC said.

    “Your contributions in the National Assembly are attributes we use to showcase to our students: that you are trained not only for academic excellence but to serve our country.”

    The Varsity administrator reiterated that UNICAL looks forward to welcoming the Deputy Speaker at the next convocation ceremony.

    “It is an honour for me to congratulate you and to have the privilege of robing you during the conferment of your Doctor of Philosophy. You obtained your LL.B and Master of Laws here, and this shows your confidence in the University of Calabar. You are not just an ambassador. You are a very proud ambassador of this great institution.”

    In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu expressed gratitude for the institution’s support throughout his academic journey noting that he was trained and supervised by best hands..

    “It is a thing of delight to be here. I am here for my PhD thesis defence, and I sincerely thank you for the support and encouragement,” he said. “The external examiner was thorough, and the Postgraduate School, my supervisor, and the lecturers did a remarkable job. I am proud of what I have achieved. It took sacrifice, discipline, diligence, and consistency.”

    He praised the quality of education at UNICAL, stating that the University remains a strong foundation for excellence.

    “In the past we were equipped to face the world, and I know it is still the same today. One thing the University of Calabar will always do is hand you the keys to opportunities. It opens doors, but it is up to you to decide whether to walk in or remain outside.”

    He underlined that he chose to remain engaged with the University and its values while emphasizing the originality and importance of his doctoral research adding that the practical value of his research is already being recognized nationally.

    “As for me, I didn’t want to stay out. I wanted to be involved and here I am. Today, I am confidently displaying what this citadel of learning impacted in me, showing the world that homegrown professionals have a lot to offer. I have studied around the world, but I chose home for my PhD because home is where the heart is, and whatever touches home touches the heart.”

    According to the lawmaker , ” My Ph.D thesis examines the gaps in legislation around counter-terrorism: the ethical concerns, human rights gaps, the challenges, and how emerging democracies can learn from these realities,” he explained.

    He described the University of Calabar as an impactful platform maintaining that education is not just about theory but that it involves practicals as well.

    According to him, the knowledge produced here is being used in Parliament today.

    This is even as he expressed his firm commitment to supporting the administration, noting that the University’s influence extends beyond academics into national policy and governance.

    “Vice Chancellor sir, you are worthy to sit here as Vice-Chancellor, and we will support you to succeed. We supported your predecessor, and we will support you as well. Alma mater is a place we must be proud of, and alumni should rally around their University.

     

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • UNICAL VC Meets with His Staff, Charges Them to Uphold Excellence, Promote University’s Image

    UNICAL VC Meets with His Staff, Charges Them to Uphold Excellence, Promote University’s Image

     

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong has met with members of his immediate staff which include the central administration and the Information Unit, charging them to demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and a renewed commitment to strengthening the University’s public image.

    Addressing his staff, Prof. Offiong Efanga emphasized that those who work closely with him play a central role in how the institution is perceived both internally and externally stressing that there is need for staff to imbibe the culture of discipline, punctuality, efficiency, and a collective resolve to move the University forward.

    While describing himself as “a very simple fellow,” he noted that such simplicity can only be appreciated when staff show genuine dedication to their duties.

    He further stated that the Vice-Chancellor’s “Thank You engagements”, an act of recognition and appreciation, will be periodic and tied to demonstrable progress and hard work.

    The Varsity Administrator urged staff to avoid circulating any information that could portray the University negatively.

    This is even as he reaffirmed the need for consistent and accurate communication, especially through weekly or monthly Bulletin from the Information/Public Relations Unit of the Institution.

    Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor’s staff, the director of Administration, Vice Chancellor’s office Dr. Citizen Ekpo and Institution Public Relations Officer, Mr. Effiong Eyo expressed their commitment to supporting his administration and projecting the University of Calabar in a positive and responsible light.

    The meeting also highlighted the importance of continuous staff development, with the Vice Chancellor announcing that regular training sessions would be introduced to enhance competence and efficiency among the Vice Chancellor’s direct support personnel.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • Just In: UNICAL Council Approves The Appointment Of Prof Offiong E. Offiong As The Vice Chancellor

    Just In: UNICAL Council Approves The Appointment Of Prof Offiong E. Offiong As The Vice Chancellor

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Governing Council of the University of Calabar, has approved the appointment of Prof Offiong Effanga Offiong as the Vice Chancellor designate.

    Prof Offiong E. Offiong, a former Cross River State Commissioner for Education, has been confirmed as the 12th Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar.

    Offiong was confirmed by the 14th Governing Council led by DIG Udom Ekpoudom.

  • UNICAL VC-ship: Prof. Offoing Makes Strongest Push As Selection Process Commences.

    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.”

  • If Track Records And Competence Is Anything To Go By, UNICAL Governing Council Need Not Search Further With Prof. Offiong E. Offiong

    By Admin

    Professor Offiong E. Offiong is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry who is purpose driven to build on the legacies of past Vice Chancellors of the University of Calabar.

    Prof. Offiong is poised to strengthen areas that may not have been given priority and adequate attention in the past.

    University of Calabar, like some other varsities have other businesses which implies that the institution does not only teach Entrepreneurship education in theory, but the students have the opportunity to practice what they learn.

    The University of Calabar currently produce UNICAL table water as a means of income generation. However, there are several ventures that have remained untapped and unexplored within the university system despite the available market opportunities.

    Apart from the university’s core mandate of Academics, UNICAL houses several investments which can be liken to a jewel in her crown.

    The University of Calabar is however in dare need of that leader who sees the multi-sectoral opportunities and has the the goodwill to explore and harness these opportunities to boost the internally generated revenue IGR to change the narratives of over-dependence on subvention from the federal government.

    Prof Offiong is an Entrepreneur per excellent, and has prior to his ambition to serve the university in the position of Vice Chancellor, laid down plans to revamp UNICAL businesses.

    It is imperative to note that this erudite Professor is integrity and humility personified, he is a man of his words, a trail blazer, a pathfinder, a social engineer and mobilizer of very high repute.

    Prof. Offiong has all it takes to build, expand, sustain and reinvigorates university of Calabar ventures.

    If competence, experience, track records and merit is anything to go by in the circumstance of the Vice Chancellorship appointment, the Governing Council of the University does not need to search further, as the quintessential Prof. Offiong’s intimidating CV and achievements which are visible and speaks volume and  has eased the work for the Council.

    Prof. Offiong is vested with the capacity, zeal, content, managerial, influential and managerial skills to consolidate on the virtues and gains of the past Vice Chancellor to move the University of Calabar to the next level.

    We can only pray the Governing Council saddled with the onerous responsibility of appointing a Vice Chancellor, finds a trust worthy servant-leader, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, the substantive 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar.