Race for UNICAL, UNICROSS VC Positions Hots Up
Judex OKORO and Benjamin GBOR
The race for the Vice Chancellorship positions at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and University of Cross River State ( UNICROSS) has gathered momentum following the declaration of vacancies for the plum job.
The Governing Councils of both institutions declared a
vacancy for the position of Vice
- Chancellors in separate advertorials. According to them, it is in line with the provisions of the University (Miscellaneous Provisions). Decree No.
11 of 1993 (as amended),
The UNICAL Council has commenced the process of filling the vacancy the University with effect from 1st December 2025. The University of Calabar came into being in response to Decree No. 80
of 1979. Starting academic work in 1975.
The qualifications/requirements of candidates for the post of the VC include holding the rank of Professor for at least ten (10) years by December 1, 2025, must have a distinguished academic record with significant contributions to research and scholarship, hold a Ph.D in any academic field and be an acclaimed scholar who is a professor of high repute and
must have published in academic journals that are both of National and International repute.
Other requirements include
having had a wide range of academic and administrative
experience, be a fair-minded and dynamic individual with a reputation that is impeccable in his dealing with people at all levels, possess requisite and relevant managerial experience to be able to provide leadership to the University, enjoy certified excellent medical and mental health, be a person of proven probity and integrity, and be a tested and excellent manager of resources.
The statement notes that candidates must not be more than 65 years of age at the time of assumption of office on December 1, 2025, and the Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a single term of 5 years.
In a statement signed by
Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka I. Icha,
Registrar and Secretary to Council, all applications are to reach the Registrar not later than 6 weeks from the
date of this advertisement while only short-listed candidates will be invited for interview.
THE BEAGLE NEWS investigations revealed that the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, who is one of the candidates, is coasting to victory.
THE BEAGLE NEWS has it on good authority that the establishment in and outside the school are disposed to working with the incumbent.
According to a reliable source, "Francisca is close to the powers-that-be, and nothing would stop her from clinching the covered seat."
In UNICAL, some professors have indicated interest to take over from the incumbent VC, Prof. Florence Obi, whose five year tenure ends on December 1, 2025.
They include Prof. Eyong Ubana, Provost, Graduate College, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, and Prof. Andem Ayara.
It is expected that more professors would declare interest before the closing of submission of application forms.
