Edith CHUKU
In a way to reaffirm his commitment to strengthening ties with traditional institutions, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, paid a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, at his country home in Adiabo.
Offiong also visited the palace of the Muri Munene of the Efut Nation, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, where he assured that his administration would uphold integrity and excellence in the university system.
The VC appreciated the traditional ruler for his support throughout the process that led to his appointment as Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar.
He also formally extended an invitation to the monarch to grace his thanksgiving service billed for Saturday 21 March as well as the 38th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for April 18, 2026, with his royal presence.
According to the vice chancellor, “the invitation is significant because the monarch is a professor at the University of Calabar and also the royal father of the university’s host community.”
Offiong further commended the monarch for his warm reception and continued support toward his administration, assuring him of full cooperation and an open-door relationship between the university and the Efut Royal Institution.
In his response, Itam declared that Offiong’s emergence as VC was divinely orchestrated, stating that his ascension to the position was not a product of chance but of a higher calling.
The royal father expressed confidence that his reign would bring transformation, excellence, and renewed glory to the institution.
He appreciation the varsity helmsman for the honour of paying homage to him at his palace as the Muri Munene of the Efut Nation, while affirming that the entire royal cabinet and the host communities have pledged their support to Offiong’s administration as the 12th vice chancellor of the university.
At the palace of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the vice chancellor pledged zero tolerance for unethical practices in the institution, assuring that his administration will maintain the highest standards of integrity.
Offiong revealed that the ideals of his administration were anchored on God and expressed confidence that they will not be misled.
“You will not hear any verified account of endorsed awful practices perpetrated by us. My team and i will be committed to upholding the values of excellence and transparency.”
The vice chancellor highlighted the progress made by the institution and outlined plans to further improve its standing, noting that lots of changes have taken place that will properly situate UNICAL in the comity of varsities and accelerate its progress.
He expressed gratitude to the first class monarch for his support and counsel, which he said, played a significant role in his appointment as vice chancellor.
Further, Offiong invited the monarch to a thanksgiving service on March 21, 2026, and the 38th Convocation ceremony in April 2026.
On his part, the Obong of Calabar praised Offiong for what he described as his thoughtful visit, describing him as a true son who has made significant contributions to the palace.
Urging the management team to rally behind Offiong, the royal father assured the VC of the palace’s support and pledged to attend the thanksgiving service and convocation ceremony,
