AN EVENING WITH UNICAL VC, PROF. FLORENCE OBI

By Dr Tony Obi

Saturday, May 17, 2025 will remain evergreen. It was a day some communication scholars had an evening with the UNICAL Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi. The time was about 7:00pm.

It was a surprise visit coming a day after she had returned from official engagements beyond the shores of Nigeria. Recall on arrival, she headed straight to the institution to check round the extent of damage wreaked by the wind storm penultimate week.

We had entertained some fears that she might not attend to us. But alas! VC was still attending to official duties as always in her Lodge to ensure a seamless take off of her responsibilities comes Monday, May 19, 2025.

I was in company of Dr. Judex Okoro. Reason for the visit: just to say thank you and tell her Weldon for a mission accomplished from 2020-2025.

Even the security officers at the gate were very friendly. One of them said "welcome Sirs!. Please you should try and call our Madam. What are you carrying to go and give our Mummy." We replied in unison "something special"

So, as we entered the sitting room of the VC at the lodge, behold the Golden Vice Chancellor was just relaxing in a sofa with relations and some key officials of the university discussing freely.

I greeted, "Mummy Goodevening!" She beamed with a smile and said: "Tony how are you" in Boki dialect. "I am fine Mummy VC." I followed up with the introduction of my colleague, Dr Judex. The VC welcomed him and said "Dr how are you today?" He replied Cooly, "Am okay Prof!"

At that point, my colleague, Judex, was taken aback at the warm reception. He whispered to me "can the VC be so humble and friendly, relaxing so quietly without the normal routine of aides milling around and at times stopping visitors."

I replied quietly, "that's our Mummy's nature. Always motherly and friendly. I am happy you have seen it yourself so that when people outside talk negatively about her, you can tell your own story too."

After a brief chat, I whispered to VC that we just came to see her. She quickly stood up. Quickly I and Judex then unveiled the portrait of her captioned; "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED". Having unveiled it, she shouted "waaaooooh this is beautiful Tony. I recalled when I was elected, you brought a portrait, which is displayed conspicuously at the second sitting room. I am very grateful." She turned to Dr. Judex and said, "Thank you my son for such a wonderful though and gift."

We thanked her for all the successes recorded in all ramifications under her progressive administration, which has taken UNICAL to the global world. We equally wished her more blessings, good health and success in her future endeavors as she prepares to bough out."

The presentation took place before some of her management team which include Dr/ Barr. Maxwell Eba,Prof German Effa, (The UNICAL College of Education pioneer Provost), Prof Raph Offiong among others and followed with a photo session.

Having finished, the erudite Prof Obu called the cook to serve us with food and assorted drinks. But I and Judex said thank you Maaa, we have just eaten. But we relaxed to sip the drinks while some informal discussions were going on amongst the few guests around.

During the informal discussions, the VC was at her elements and told us some traditional stories and exploits she had made while growing up. "Waooooo! my colleague Judex exclaimed!" 

The discussion centred on traditional issues and the need for our culture to be revived to return reverence to our traditional fathers and the institutions.

About 8:30pm, I stood and told Madam VC that we have to take a bow since we came earlier. Judex also said, "the Prof, we beg to leave Maa, It is has been an interesting time. Have a wonderful night rest." We left filled satisfied and happy. What a day and a night!!!

Dr. Tony Obi, is a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication , UNICAL