Niger Delta
UNICAL VC Decries Alleged Corruption In Varsity
The new Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Banku Obi was in tears as she lamented the high level of corruption now plaguing the institution.
Being the 11th Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Obi, made the disclosure in her investiture speech at the International Conference Centre of the university.
In her words, “we cannot deny the fact that our university is presently having a reputational problem orchestrated by the ugly spectre of a moral eclipse, under the gloomy climate of unbridled desire for immediate gratification, quick wealth, mediocrity and compromise of academic standards, sexual harassment, employment, admission and hostel racketeering. Indisputably, this is a stain on the hard earned reputation of the university we have collectively laboured to build over time.
Continuing, she stressed, “all these call for the War Against Corruption, which I consider cardinal to the recovery of the soul and values of the university system.
“I am committed to putting in place robust strategies to prosecute this war, part of which shall include establishing a framework to protect the integrity of examinations and results, reinforcing the whistle-blowing system and introducing student assessment of lecturers.
“In my unwavering commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, I will introduce a new code of ethics for staff and students for information and guidance, collaboration with anti-graft agencies and consider a raft of other measures to apprehend and discipline culprits according to the law,” She promised.
Prof Obi also stated, “as a psychologist, I am not oblivious of the fact that human beings are unpredictable, capricious and shady in character most of the time.
“I have garnered the experience, exposure, training, administrative skills to help me cope with situations and people. I pledge to dedicate myself wholly and completely to the onerous duty of pragmatic leadership, tough choices and sacrifices.
The Vice Chancellor however, pledged, “I promise most solemnly to have as my watch words accountability, transparency, truth and courage. I am certain that with your support and encouragement, by the way of advice or constructive criticism, my vision for the university will materialize; and the journey by the special grace of God will be a successful one.
She regretted that contrary to exemplary university ethos, sycophancy and rumour mongering had assumed a larger-than-life character portending a grave danger to the soul of the institution.
The former Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic lamented that the university had witnessed the corrosive dimensions of rumour mill, flattery and lies, much of which has destroyed relationships, undermined confidence and affected the quality of academic governance and governance.
She, pledged to deploy the concept of effective motivation, which connects the personal goals, and needs of the worker to the University’s goal.
“I expect attitudinal change from all categories of staff in terms of commitment to their schedule of duty in appreciation of the new administration disposition to welfare.
“Let it be clear to all that this administration will effectively use the carrot and stick approach to increase productivity and I will maintain a cordial working relationship with the various unions on campus.
“Therefore, I implore the leadership of the various university-based labour unions, while constructively engaging management on genuine issues bothering on their members’ welfare to also make time to counsel their members to desist from unwholesome practices that will pinch administration against staff,” she said.
Earlier, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of University of Calabar Governing Council, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu had said that her robust engagements with Prof. Banku-Obi after the selection exercise in Sept. further deepen her confidence in the power of her vision, resourcefulness, competence and passion to provide the leadership that will produce concrete result.
By Friday Nwagbara, Calabar
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.
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