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Just In: Ex-C’River Commissioner Offiong Emerges 12th UNICAL Vice-Chancellor

BEFOCUS News Desk | Calabar, Nigeria — October 31, 2025

Prof. Offiong E. Offiong appointed 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar
Prof. Offiong E. Offiong has been appointed the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, succeeding Prof. Florence Obi.

Calabar, Nigeria — Former Commissioner for Education in Cross River State, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, has emerged as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL). The appointment was announced by the institution’s Governing Council chaired by retired DIG Udom Ekpoudom.

According to reports by Vanguard News, the Council confirmed Prof. Offiong’s selection after a rigorous screening process involving several top academics. He succeeds outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, whose tenure ends this year.

Academic Background and Experience

Prof. Offiong is an accomplished academic with years of experience in university administration and public service. As a former Cross River State Commissioner for Education, he played a key role in reforming the state’s education policy and promoting improved learning standards. He has also served in various capacities within the University of Calabar before his elevation to the office of Vice-Chancellor.

Reports from Patriot News highlight that his leadership style is marked by accountability, academic excellence, and administrative discipline—qualities many observers believe are necessary for UNICAL’s transformation.

Vision for the University

In his inaugural remarks, Prof. Offiong pledged to build upon the achievements of his predecessors, emphasizing institutional integrity, staff motivation, and academic innovation as top priorities. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening UNICAL’s research output and global academic standing.

“The University of Calabar will continue to be a center of excellence, producing graduates equipped for national development and global competitiveness,” he stated.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism surrounding his appointment, Prof. Offiong faces several challenges—including infrastructural decay, funding shortfalls, and the need to restore confidence in Nigeria’s public university system. Stakeholders expect his administration to bridge gaps between management, students, and staff unions while expanding digital and research infrastructure.

Higher education analysts note that Nigeria’s universities are under increasing pressure to deliver not just degrees, but relevant skills and innovation to match evolving global trends. Prof. Offiong’s combination of academic rigor and administrative experience could be key to achieving this balance.

Expectations from Stakeholders

The academic community, alumni, and students have expressed optimism that the new VC’s tenure will prioritize academic quality, student welfare, and partnerships with international institutions. Many believe his public service background positions him to attract both government and private sector support for the university’s growth.

His appointment also signals continuity in the Federal Government’s push for reforms in tertiary education, aligning with broader national goals for innovation, technology, and human capital development.


Sources:

  1. Vanguard News — “Just In: Ex-C’River Commissioner Offiong Emerges 12th UNICAL VC” (Oct 31, 2025)
  2. Patriot News — “A Leader for the Next Chapter: Why Prof. Offiong Should Lead UNICAL” (Oct 14, 2025)

Tags: Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, UNICAL, University of Calabar, Vice-Chancellor Appointment, Cross River State, Vanguard News, Patriot News, BEFOCUS News Desk, Witty Global Blogs

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