Prof Florence Banku Obi

Prof Florence Banku Obi University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor

APPRECIATION MESSAGEI have always known that true leadership isn’t a bed of roses. True leaders are passion driven to ac...
22/09/2024

APPRECIATION MESSAGE

I have always known that true leadership isn’t a bed of roses. True leaders are passion driven to achieve their vision and mission. In order to achieve their set goals, true leaders must take decisions which may not always be popular with some stakeholders especially those who were beneficiaries of the old order.

As the leader and 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, I have taken decisions and actions for the best interest of the University. Many are hurt by such actions even when they know that such changes are necessary; some are simply angry that such actions were taken by me leading to recorded successes, while some can’t believe that we are almost four years down the new era. Yet, majority are proud and happy about the actions we have so far taken leading to a new UNICAL.

Reading my birthday wishes two days ago from staff, students, alumni, friends, relations and other stakeholders outside unical, I am happy with the sacrifices we have had to make singularly and collectively. Thank you my co-travellers in this journey.

Watching pictures of the birthday thanksgiving Mass in my absence gives me some sense of fulfillment(though, some went there thinking I was back which is still okay).

Casting my mind back to my 34 years in UNICAL, I know this is another first.

Today, with all sincerity and honesty I feel proud of all my Friends, Colleagues, Staff, Students, Alumni, Well-wishers, Royal fathers, Men and Women of goodwill for celebrating me. I’m grateful for your prayers and for your support. Thank you.

For critics, haters, unfriendly friends, and unknown enemies especially those who found time to say words of “good wishes” on my birthday, I sincerely appreciate you for making God to bring out the best in me to change the trajectory of our beloved University of Calabar.

Take it from me or leave it, I genuinely love everyone staff and student of our university and pledge to continue to do my very best (God’s willing) to the service of UNICAL till the 30th of November, 2025 as the Vice Chancellor and Leader and thereafter as a faithful follower as I did for 30 years before God enthroned me as Vice Chancellor.

Thank you, for your birthday wishes. Thank you, for your prayers.
And thank you, for your good wishes and support.

Prof. Florence Banku Obi,
Vice Chancellor,
University of Calabar.

MESSAGE OF APPRECIATIONAugust 4, 2024.Dear Esteemed Students of the University of Calabar,I write on behalf of the Manag...
11/08/2024

MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION

August 4, 2024.

Dear Esteemed Students of the University of Calabar,

I write on behalf of the Management of the University of Calabar to commend each and every one of you for your remarkable resilience and understanding during these challenging times and general economic inclemency of not just our dear Nation, but the global community.

As you are aware, a nationwide protests was called for from August 1st to 10th. In the face of these protests, we are immensely grateful for your unwavering cooperation and adherence to the management's directive to stay away from the protests. Your actions speak volumes about your exceptional disposition towards upholding peace and order within our campus community.

The University of Calabar has always been privileged to have some of the most extraordinary students, and your conduct during these turbulent times only reinforces this fact. Despite the fervor and passion surrounding the protests, you exhibited remarkable responsibility by recognizing the importance of avoiding potential conflicts that could undermine the sanctity of our academic environment as witnessed in the recent past during the 2020 "End SARS" protest, whereby hoodlums seized the opportunity to wreak havoc on valuable infrastructures on our Campus to which losses are hitherto still being recounted. I must say that your conduct demonstrates the character and resilience that sets you apart as outstanding individuals.

Also, we remain truly touched by your impeccable understanding and support throughout the two-day closure of academic activities. Your agreement with the Management's decision to temporarily suspend classes and engage in a peaceful hiatus reflects your genuine concern for the overall well-being of the institution and its members. Your unity and solidarity in accepting the inconvenience of this temporary closure further strengthens the sense of community and trust within our campus walls.

As an administration, we are immensely proud of you and your exceptional disposition, a true testament to the fact that you are all reflective and deep-thinking learners. You can be certain that the Management of our esteemed University is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes critical thinking, empathy, and societal change. We stand united in our commitment to your education and creating a brighter future for all. Please continue on the path of sustained peace and progress.

Finally we extend our deepest appreciation to the capable and dynamic SUG President H E Blessing Alims and her team,the Senate President, Chief Judge of Malabor, the Malabor Spirit head, Hall Chairs and the PGS Government President HE Obedience Abeng(Ayatutu) for their exemplary character and resolved commitment to our shared values, and urge you all to continue in that direction.

Many thanks and best of luck in your examinations.

Prof. Florence Banku Obi,
Vice-Chancellor,
University of Calabar.

13/03/2024

UNICAL VC welcomes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, others to institution’s 36th convocation ceremony

Office of the Vice-ChancellorUniversity of CalabarCalabar, NigeriaFebruary 3, 2024Dear Students,APPRECIATION FOR YOUR BR...
04/02/2024

Office of the Vice-Chancellor
University of Calabar
Calabar, Nigeria
February 3, 2024

Dear Students,

APPRECIATION FOR YOUR BRAVERY AND SUPPORT DURING THE FIRE INCIDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY CENTRAL STORE

I write to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for your exceptional bravery and selflessness demonstrated during the recent fire incident at the University Store. Your unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our beloved institution is truly commendable and makes us proud to call you our students.

The fire incident that engulfed the University Central Store was indeed a challenging moment for all of us. However, your swift response, courage, and determination in joining the firefighting efforts were nothing short of remarkable. Your willingness to put yourselves at risk to protect the University's assets is a testament to your dedication and sense of responsibility as members of this academic community.

Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Governor Bassey Otu and Deputy Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for their intervention in mobilizing the EPZ fire truck to the campus.
I would also like to express our gratitude to the State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Directors, Heads of various Departments and staff of the University who promptly responded to the emergency situation. Your presence and coordination during that difficult period helped to restore order and ensure the safety of everyone involved. We are genuinely thankful for your invaluable role in managing the situation effectively.

Our appreciation extends to the Military and Police Officers who worked tirelessly to see that hoodlum didn’t take advantage of the situation to loot. Your professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty were evident throughout the operation, and we deeply appreciate your unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within the University Community.
The DPO of EPZ Police Station and the EPZ firefighters who came out are also appreciated.

A special appreciation goes to our Postgraduate Students, and the Student Union Government (SUG) President, the Vice President and all the Executive Council Members and the Malabor Spirit Head for coming out to assist in mobilizing other students to help in putting down the inferno. Your leadership and organization skills were pivotal in coordinating the firefighting efforts, and we are grateful for the solidarity displayed by the entire student body, both Graduate and Undergraduate.

Additionally, we acknowledge the invaluable concern and commitment shown by Mr. Ime of the Students Affairs and all the staff of the Central stores who were on ground that night. Your dedication to duty deserves recognition and applause.

It is heartwarming to witness the unity and unwavering spirit of togetherness displayed by everyone during this testing time. Your actions exemplify the true essence of the University of Calabar Community – a Community deeply rooted in resilience, compassion, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Once again, on behalf of the University Management, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your outstanding support and for standing up in the face of adversity. Your selflessness and determination embody the qualities we strive to instill in our students, and we are exceedingly proud to lead a student body of such remarkable character.

As we come together to rebuild and restore what has been lost, let us rest assured that our collective resilience and unwavering determination will strengthen our resolve to overcome any future challenges that may come our way.

An investigation panel has been set up to probe the cause of the fire and report within two weeks. Be confident that when the exercise is successfully concluded, necessary action will be taken to forestall future occurrence.

Thank you all for your invaluable contributions.

Yours sincerely,

Prof. Florence Banku Obi
Vice-Chancellor, University of Calabar.

COURAGEOUS UNICAL STUDENTS AND STAFF SAVE CENTRAL STORES BUILDING FROM RAGING INFERNOCourageous Students of the Universi...
02/02/2024

COURAGEOUS UNICAL STUDENTS AND STAFF SAVE CENTRAL STORES BUILDING FROM RAGING INFERNO

Courageous Students of the University of Calabar as well as some gallant Staff of the institution were the heroes when they fought fiercely to prevent a raging fire from submerging the entire Central Stores building.

The Students and Staff who demonstrated rare courage, sheer determination and uncommon passion for their citadel of learning threw everything in the way of sacrifice to prevent the fire from spreading to other adjoining buildings within the Stores area and the Students Affairs Division of the Registry.

The wildfire whose rage was halted by the brave efforts of members of the University Community affected mainly the major storeroom housing Furniture, Cleaning Agents, Stationery, and other items yet to be identified as that part of the building was razed.

The cause and financial cost of the damage engendered by the fire which was reported at about 8 .30pm are yet to be determined.

The Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, who responded to the distress call as soon as she was informed bemoaned the ugly development but lauded the bravery of the
students and staff and assured that a committee would be put in place to investigate the unpleasant occurrence.

She lauded representatives of the various external security agencies who made their presence felt and also provided their usual support.

Some Management Staff like the Dean of Students, Prof. Tony Eyang, Director of the Physical Planning Unit, Arc Onun Ikpi and the Deputy Director, of Centre for General Studies (CGS), Barr Maxwell Eba among others were spotted at the scene of the event.

Public Relations Unit
University of Calabar

UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR'S VICE CHANCELLOR’S NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY ON MONDAY 8TH JANUARY, 2024 It ...
08/01/2024

UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR'S VICE CHANCELLOR’S NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY ON MONDAY 8TH JANUARY, 2024

It is with great joy and utmost gratitude to the Almighty God who spared our lives in 2023 and carried us on His eagle wings into 2024 that I welcome all of us, both Staff and Students into this new and beautiful year, 2024.

Like many Nigerians out there, we were not only excited to survive 2023, but we are overly optimistic that this new year will revive our hopes, rekindle our joy, stir up our collective faith in the success of this project called University of Calabar, (UNICAL).

Globally, unfolding events in the world in recent times have not given us much faith nor happiness. The removal of fuel subsidy and the move to merge foreign exchange rates, two headline reforms introduced by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Administration since May 2023, triggered problems such as high fuel prices and the depreciation of the Naira, two monstrosities which combined to cause a general spike in costs of goods and services. It has impacted negatively on us as individuals, families and as a University. This is however for the future common good of our nation Nigeria.

As Management, we've never wavered, nor succumbed to the weird experiences that the institution and the Nigeria University system is going through.

While many institutions have had no option than to go without light for months, we have remained afloat, even increasing the number of hours we get light from the power holding company daily.

With prudent management of our resources, we were in addition able to provide the basic teaching, learning, infrastructure and equipment including hosting accreditations and resource verifications in 39 programmes respectively.

In anticipation of better financial resources this year, we hope to improve on the needed services for staff and students.

More so, we pledge to continue working round the clock to see that our students’ study in conducive and safe environments.

As we commence this great year, I assure all members of the University of Calabar Community that, Management will give its utmost best to serve the institution more effectively and also crave for all-round excellence. We will remain focused to our vision of providing quality graduates who can compete favorably with their counterparts across the world.

On the other hand, we expect our students to reciprocate our intended good gestures by taking their studies seriously, while demonstrating exceptional patriotism and commitment to the continuous elevation of the good name of the institution.

My dear students, while I again welcome you back on campus, let me use this opportunity to remind you that the no registration no examination policy of the University of Calabar still subsist. Endeavor to register your courses within the stipulated time to avoid paying for late registration. Early registration will also save you the time, energy and psychological trauma of running around people during examination. Registration details are on the University portal to guide all students.

Also, students are admonished to personally pay their fees to avoid falling into the hands of unscrupulous individuals.

The academic calendar is out, and the university intends to go by it strictly.

In view of the security challenges facing the nation which the University is not an exception, note that hostel accommodation for all categories of students is now tied to course registration, medical Centre registration and presentation of the University identification card to Students Affairs Division before room allocation. Students are enjoined and advised NOT to pay departmental and Faculty dues and other approved charges until their results have been uploaded completely and they can access them. Please, no student should pay departmental and Faculty dues if all results are not accessible by them.

Note also that all departmental and Faculty dues MUST be paid to the bank. There no cash payment and transaction policy are still enforced. Do not pay cash to anybody. Remember, the Vice Chancellor's doors are still open and accessible. Report challenges and problems, if need be, directly to her.

Consequently, I plead with all my colleagues to upload all students results to facilitate their registrations.

Furthermore, it is my pleasure to inform you that some security measures have been put in place that will affects staff and students which include: wearing of identification cards and/or producing them on demand.

Finally, and once more, I welcome y'all to 2024, the year of our inimitable impact.

God bless the University of Calabar!

God bless Cross River State!!

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!

May the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ Bring Eternal Rebirth In Our Lives - UNICAL VC The Vice-Chancellor of the Univers...
25/12/2023

May the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ Bring Eternal Rebirth In Our Lives - UNICAL VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has sent a message of hope to students and staff of the institution on the occasion of Christmas celebration.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the birth of Jesus Christ in Christendom is believed to be the beginning of a new beginning admonished students and staff of like faith in the institution to embrace the season of rebirth, love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

Prof. Obi while addressing media men in her resident in Calabar encouraged Christians to spread love and peace within this season and shun all forms of violence, criminality and injustice that may undermine peace and order in the society.

Obi who reassured that her students and staff remain her priority encouraged the students to bear-up with their parents in this critical period of our nation while affirming that the affliction thus far in many areas of our nationhood shall not last.

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