UNICAL Appoints Prof. Offiong as 12th Vice Chancellor After Rigorous Selection Process
University of Calabar Gets New Leadership
The Governing Council of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), led by Mr. Ekpo Udom, has announced the appointment of Professor Offiong Offiong as the 12th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.
The announcement followed a transparent and highly competitive selection process that concluded on Thursday, marking the beginning of a new era for the university. Akahi News gathered that the council’s decision came after several weeks of rigorous interviews and assessments aimed at identifying a visionary leader capable of advancing the institution’s mission of excellence in teaching, research, and community service.
Professor Offiong, a distinguished scholar in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry, will succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, whose tenure officially ends on December 1, 2025.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Service
Akahi News learnt that Professor Offiong Offiong, aged 62, is not only an alumnus of the University of Calabar but also a long-serving member of its academic community. He graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Chemistry (Second Class Upper Division) and later obtained his Ph.D. in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry from the same department in 1990.
During his doctoral research, he received support from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which enabled him to conduct advanced laboratory bench work at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany — one of Europe’s top research institutions.
In 1991, he expanded his technical expertise by earning a Certificate in Equipment Maintenance from Bristol Polytechnic, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Akahi News gathered that his early academic journey reflects a deep commitment to scientific innovation and institutional development — qualities that the University of Calabar community views as crucial for the university’s future direction.
From Graduate Assistant to Professor of Chemistry
Professor Offiong began his academic career in 1985 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Chemistry after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). His rise through the academic ranks was marked by dedication, mentorship, and groundbreaking research in inorganic and coordination chemistry.
By 2002, he had attained the rank of Professor, distinguishing himself as one of the leading voices in chemical sciences within and beyond Nigeria.
According to Akahi News, Professor Offiong’s research contributions have not only elevated the university’s academic reputation but also inspired a generation of young scientists committed to excellence and innovation.
Colleagues describe him as a scholar of integrity and a firm believer in institutional transparency — qualities that made him stand out during the selection process for Vice Chancellor.
Transition from Prof. Florence Obi’s Administration
Outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, was widely acknowledged for her trailblazing leadership as the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar. Under her tenure, the university experienced remarkable growth in infrastructural development, digital transformation, and academic restructuring.
Akahi News reports that stakeholders within the university community have commended Prof. Obi for her vision and steadfast leadership, which have positioned UNICAL as a leading federal university in Nigeria.
Professor Offiong’s appointment is expected to build on this foundation, particularly in strengthening research capacity, improving global partnerships, and enhancing student welfare.
In a similar move to promote collaboration and innovation, Akahi News recently reported on how the Borno State Government launched a plastic factory aimed at stimulating industrial growth and employment — a model UNICAL’s new leadership could draw inspiration from in fostering university-industry synergy.
UNICAL’s Governing Council Speaks
Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Ekpo Udom, expressed confidence in the new Vice Chancellor’s ability to steer the university towards greater academic distinction and institutional harmony.
He noted that Professor Offiong’s appointment followed a merit-driven process that aligned with the Federal Government’s policies on transparency and excellence in university governance.
In his acceptance remarks, Professor Offiong expressed gratitude to the council and promised to serve with humility, vision, and dedication. He pledged to strengthen the academic culture of meritocracy, promote digital learning, and ensure UNICAL remains a centre of excellence and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
“Education must evolve with integrity and purpose,” he said. “Our focus will be on research relevance, student support, and strategic partnerships that prepare our graduates to compete globally.”
Akahi News gathered that the new VC’s policy direction will emphasise research funding, institutional discipline, and academic-industrial collaboration, with a renewed focus on environmental sustainability — an area increasingly vital to science and policy integration.
Alumni and Academic Community React
Members of the university’s alumni association, academic staff, and students have congratulated the new Vice Chancellor, describing his appointment as “well-deserved and inspiring.”
An alumnus who spoke to Akahi News said, “Professor Offiong’s story is the true embodiment of loyalty and growth within the system. His leadership will inspire both staff and students to strive for excellence.”
The Student Union Government (SUG) of UNICAL also issued a congratulatory statement, pledging their cooperation and calling for reforms that prioritise student welfare, research funding, and campus security.
Observers believe that his leadership will reinforce UNICAL’s position among the top institutions in Nigeria, echoing the sentiment of commitment seen across Nigerian education and governance systems — much like the collaborative efforts recently reported by Akahi News on national security coordination.
Vision for Academic Excellence
The appointment of Professor Offiong Offiong marks the beginning of a new chapter for the University of Calabar. His leadership comes at a critical time when Nigerian universities are grappling with issues of funding, technology integration, and global competitiveness.
Akahi News gathered that the new VC intends to prioritise:
- Strengthening research and innovation ecosystems.
- Enhancing staff development and welfare.
- Promoting international academic collaborations.
- Expanding infrastructure for digital and practical learning.
- Deepening community engagement and social impact.
As the University of Calabar prepares for this new administration, education analysts say Professor Offiong’s combination of local grounding and international exposure positions him well to lead a transformation agenda that aligns with global academic standards.
The emergence of Professor Offiong Offiong as the 12th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar underscores the institution’s commitment to excellence, meritocracy, and continuity.
Akahi News believes that his leadership will bring renewed energy and direction to the university’s pursuit of innovation, inclusivity, and global relevance.
In a similar reflection on leadership and vision, Akahi News highlights the importance of dedication, service, and faith in driving progress — virtues that Professor Offiong’s career clearly embodies.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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