UNICAL VC Not For Sale, We Need Credible Selection Process, Says Concerned Academics
As the selection processes of University of Calabar (UNICAL) next Vice Chancellor gets to climax, a group, Concerned Academics, have stated that the Vice Chancellor ship position is not for sale.
THE BEAGLE NEWS can authoritatively reveal that within the next twenty four hours, the new VC will emerge as the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, bows out on December 1, 2025.
The group said it is high time the Governing Council ensured credible and transparent process in selecting the new chief executive of the institution.
The Group, who stated this in an interview, said UNICAL has become of age that they should be proud of selecting a Vice Chancellor without much rancour and acrimony, adding that what is needed now is quality and merit to take the institution to higher level.
The leader of the group, who gave his name as Comrade Emmanuel Paulson, Ph. D, expressed outrage over growing speculations of external interference in the process as well as undue lobby on council.members.
Paulson said:" We have heard rumour of exchange of money in the selection process. Let it be know to that the office of the Vice Chancellor is not for sale and should not be reduced to a transactional position influenced by the highest bidder.
It should be for those who have something to offer and must be ready to sacrifice.
"UNICAL is 50 years and have come of age. In othos high time we allowed merit and transparency. Ethnic and money politics should not be the sin qua non on selecting the next Vice Chancellor of the institution."
According to the group, appointments into top academic leadership positions should reflect integrity, transparency and due process.
They maintained that the future of the university depends on quality leadership and that the next Vice Chancellor must emerge based on credibility, capacity and a proven track record of academic excellence and sound administration.
The group warned that the reputation of the university would be badly damaged if the process is tainted by undue influence, financial inducement or external interference, .
The group, which advocates for merit and equity, urged the Governing Council led by DIG Udom EkpoUdom, eyes, to publicly reassure the university community that the selection process will remain free from corruption and will strictly comply with established guidelines.
They further appealed to relevant authorities, including the Federal Ministry of education and regulatory bodies, to closely monitor the process to safeguard the image of the University of Calabar, adding that the beauty of a university is in it’s transparency
