I'm poised to change the narrative of UNICAL - UNICAL VC Prof. Obi

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi says her administration is poised to change the trajectory and narrative of the institution in all ramifications, Myschoolnews report.

Prof. Obi stated that this  when the Women's Voices and Leadership Project, Nigeria (WVL) paid her a courtesy visit in her office.

She assured  that her administration will work tirelessly to ensure that she leaves lasting legacies on the sands of time.

Prof Obi appreciated the group for the visit while expressing dismay over the ' damaging' news trending on social media about the Institution rather than the positive strides that her administration has recorded.

She disclosed that her appointment of women into leadership positions in the Institution was intentional to give women the opportunity to showcase their talents and capacity.

In her words, "We are doing a lot to ensure that we do not derail. We are focused as an administration to deliver on our mandate."

The University Helmsman disclosed that her administration has created an enabling environment for students to speak out against cases of extortion, intimidation and sexual abuse.

Prof. Obi said student-related issues will always take centre stage during her reign as Vice Chancellor, saying her administration will curb the excesses of leaders who may want to assume the position of ‘emperors’ in their respective offices.

According to her, "As a mother, I bring up children to be vocal and respectful while dealing with elders but ensuring their rights are not trampled on".

.Speaking earlier, the Leader of Women's Voices and Leadership, Project, Nigeria and National Coordinator, of 100 Women Lobby Group, Mrs Felicia Onibon commended the Vice Chancellor for swiftly addressing the worrisome incident.

Mrs Onibon stated that they were on a fact-finding mission, saying it has become imperative to hear from the 'horse's mouth' given the nature of the matter, even as she urged the Vice Chancellor to take appropriate actions against anyone found culpable.

The National Coordinator further stated that the essence of the visit was to synergize with the University Management in ensuring that students who report such issues will be protected and managed in such a way that it won't affect their personalities.

She commended the Vice Chancellor for the bold step and expressed optimism that the image of the Institution will be redeemed.

According to her, the Vice Chancellor's action will serve as a deterrent to other staff.

She appealed to the Vice Chancellor to put in place more stringent and punitive measures to guard against future occurrences.

The National Coordinator advised management to adhere strictly to the institution's extant laws and policies, saying the group would give the institution the desired support.

Speaking also, President of, the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ladi Bala appealed to the University Management to do everything humanly possible to protect female students from sexual harassment, as well as, uphold justice, accountability and fair play. 

She called on the Federal government to enact a law to severely punish perpetrators of violence against women and sexual abuses.

She lauded the Vice Chancellor for suspending the Dean while soliciting protection for the female students against any threat.

Others who spoke at the event include the President,Women in Politics Forum, PWPF, Barrister Ebere Ifendu and representatives of Gender and Development Action (GADA)

The visit was also graced by Management Staff as well as the Executive Director, Gender Development Center, Dr. (Mrs) Brenda Akpan.