University of Calabar appoints Professor Florence Obi as its first ever female vice chancellor

 

PROFESOR Florence Obi of the Faculty of Education has become the first ever female vice chancellor of the University of Calabar after she was appointed to the position following the end of the screening of 12 candidates for the job.

 

For the first time in its 45-year history, the university located in the Cross River State capital has appointed a female head after a rigorous screening exercise. Professor Obi will take over from the incumbent vice chancellor Professor Zana Akpagu, whose tenure ends on November 30.

 

Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, the pro-chancellor and chairman of the University of Calabar governing council, described Professor Obi as an astute educational icon and prayed for the success of her tenure as vice chancellor. She said Professor Obi’s emergence is a victory for the women, adding that the governing council expects her to build on what the outgoing vice chancellor has done.

 

“You can see the tranquillity in this governing council. What we assured the university community is that we were going to be transparent, open, fair, and just.

 

“There are guidelines from the ministry of education as to how to conduct interview for the appointment of a vice chancellor. There are so many parameters we had to look into and that is exactly what we did.

 

“What I expect from her is to look at what the outgoing vice chancellor has done, as governance is a continuum. Start from where he has stopped and ensure there is integration even amongst all the people that contested with her,” Senator Nwaogu added.

 

Professor Obi, a former deputy vice chancellor, administration and former commissioner for women affairs in Cross River State, promised to run an inclusive administration. She added: “I’m happy and return all the glory to God.

 

"I have just received my appointment letter from the 12th council as vice chancellor-elect. The process was free and fair and I promise to run an inclusive administration.”

 

One of the other candidates, Professor Joseph Asor, said: “We lost and Professor Florence Obi won. I came third and  have congratulated her. May God give her the strength and wisdom to pilot the affairs of our university. I thank you all for the support."

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