By Asuquo Cletus
A renowned academic and administrator, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
Prof Offiong receiving strong endorsement from the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) at a gathering of stakeholders held in Calabar on Wednesday.
In a solemn and widely attended event, Prof. Offiong expressed his readiness to lead the institution into a new era of academic excellence, transparency, and industrial relevance, drawing from over four decades of experience as a student, staff member, and past union leader at the university.
“I am not contesting to become a one-time Vice Chancellor. I am contesting because I believe I will add value to our great alma mater,” he said.
The professor, who has served in various academic and public sector capacities, highlighted his deep familiarity with UNICAL’s evolution since 1980. He recalled how his commitment to the university made him turn down an offer from a top Nigerian company after his postgraduate studies at the University of Ibadan.
Prof. Offiong stressed that under his watch, the University of Calabar would recommit to academic freedom, fair access, and global competitiveness. He pledged to eliminate exploitative admission practices, promote staff training and retraining, and restore the institution’s culture of merit and excellence.
“There will be nothing like selling admission. Not under my watch will any student be exploited,” he assured.
He also emphasized bridging the gap between academia and industry, promising to attract strategic partnerships that will make UNICAL graduates more employable.
“The essence of university education is not just to graduate, but to be employable—whether in the industry, the public service, or abroad.”
In his remarks, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Chairman of the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF), threw his weight behind Prof. Offiong’s candidacy, stressing that the **Southern Senatorial District** of the state must not be sidelined in the selection process for the next Vice Chancellor.
“We will do all that is necessary to ensure that this time, the South produces the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar,” Ekpo said.
He warned detractors attempting to undermine the zone’s aspirations, likening their actions to “mosquito noises” that must be silenced before they cause “a disease.”
“We are hearing strange noises from the left side of our ears… We are warning strongly. The disease is forthcoming,” he added, drawing murmurs of agreement from attendees.
The event, which featured a mixed audience of academics, professionals, political leaders, and alumni, was described as a signal of South-South unity and intellectual self-determination. Prof. Offiong called for continued stakeholder support and reaffirmed his commitment to collaborative leadership and institutional growth.
“If we agree to support someone with the capacity, character, and proven record of excellence, we can reposition the University of Calabar as a true center of excellence,” he concluded.
