Professor Florence Obi – UNICAL’s First Female Vice-Chancellor
Professor Florence Obi, the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, with over 30 years thriving in the educational space is our WCW for today.
The governing body of the University of Calabar, (UNICAL) Cross River boasts of a record-breaking development as Professor Florence Obi emerged the first female Vice Chancellor-elect of the University, following a thorough screening and assessment stage where she was the top candidate. This was announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of UNICAL, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu. Professor Florence Obi will succeed Professor Zana Akpagu whose tenure ends in November 2020.
Nkechi Nwaogu who congratulated Professor Florence Obi for attaining the position as first female Vice-Chancellor of the 45-year old University expressed that she is an icon whose persistence finally paid off, following her application for the same position in 2015. Nkechi noted that the board was transparent, impartial and was critically guided by the guidelines for screening as provided by the Ministry of Education.
Nkechi described Professor Florence’s win as a total victory, expressing that she emerged the winner over 12 other qualified individuals. She urged the new Vice-Chancellor on the assumption of the duty to build upon the legacies of the outgoing VC and begin hers as well.
Reacting to her appointment, Professor Florence, who is expected to assume duty on December 1, 2020, was grateful to God for the victory and promised to run an inclusive administration.
Professor Florence’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree and master’s in Special Education, 1988 and 1990 respectively from the University of Jos, Plateau state. She also had her post-graduate education at Jordan Hill College of Education, Glasgow, Scotland in 1993 and completed her PhD in Psychology of Education at the University of Calabar, 2002.
Professor Florence’ experience spans over 30 years in the educational sector where she has been utilizing her leadership skills and qualities. She began her academic career as an Assistant Lecturer at the Institute of Education, UNICAL and won a 6-month post-graduate scholarship to Jordan-hill College shortly after her appointment.
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The educational icon is a Permanent Member of the Senate, UNICAL, since 2007, and a Member, University Central Accreditation Committee, 2006-2008. She also served as an Honorable commissioner at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in 2007. From 2011 to 2015, she was the Chairperson, Housing Loan Implementation Committee of the University.
Prior to emerging the Vice Chancellor-elect of UNICAL, her integrity and commitment to service earned her the position of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Academics) by the University Senate. As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, she was also a member of UNICAL’S Governing Council, where she used her expertise to necessitate the growth and development of the university.
As the VC-elect of UNICAL, Professor Florence will use her experience to run the university’s administration effectively, providing opportunities for members to take part in the decision-making process of the university.
Congratulations to Professor Florence Obi, we wish her more success.