The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Offiong Effangha Offiong, has unveiled a comprehensive transformation agenda aimed at repositioning the institution for academic excellence, innovation and global relevance.
Professor Offiong made this known during a press conference marking the commencement of activities for the university’s 38th convocation ceremony in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, south-south Nigeria.
Professor Offiong said that the administration’s vision was anchored on three core pillars of excellence, innovation and integrity, designed to restore the institution’s prestige and strengthen its competitiveness locally and internationally.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the transformation blueprint will be driven by “strategic priorities including academic excellence, research and innovation, student welfare, human capital development, infrastructure expansion, digitalisation and global partnerships.
“We are committed to rebranding this university, widening the scope of skills development and enthroning a culture of transparency,” he emphasised.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged that past challenges negatively impacted the institution’s image, assuring, “We are determined to commit our energy to confront these awful and damaging perennial practices that have undermined and attempted to relegate the status of our great and prestigious institution.”
He also announced that the Central Admissions Committee has been restored and established a strict policy against over-admission, stressing that disciplinary measures had been initiated against erring officials.
The Vice Chancellor further disclosed plans to fully digitalise university operations, improve transcript processing, enhance security and upgrade teaching and learning facilities.
“We are working very hard to permanently address several issues that have darkened our light. Over time, the results will be visible,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor said that the 38th convocation ceremony, which has been scheduled for April 10 and 11, 2026, respectively, would be preceded by activities such as a convocation lecture to be delivered by Major General Garba Wahab on the topic “Redefining National Security in an era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary Institutions.”
Other activities, the vice chancellor said, included a research fair and exhibition, an interdenominational service, a gala, and a climax with the graduation of more than 10,000 students.
He added that there would be the launch of an endowment fund to boost support for long-term development goals as well as award three deserving Nigerians with honorary academic degrees.