I’ll leave University of Calabar better than I met it, says VC

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has reiterated her commitment towards the development of the institution, assuring that she would leave the university better than she met it.

Obi stated this when the executive members of the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) paid a courtesy call on her at the Council Chambers of the institution on Friday in Calabar.

According to her, I will strive hard to make a difference by enthroning academic excellence in line with global best practices.

She said her appointment as the first female Vice Chancellor of the institution was a call to service, even as she promised to reposition the institution for efficient service delivery.

Obi also used the occasion of the visit to appreciate Cross River women for their massive support to her emergence as the First Female Vice Chancellor of the institution, assuring that she would not let them down.

“I am here to make a difference. I believe with God, I will leave this university better than I met it because I am interested in the development of the university,” she said.

She charged PANDEF to always protect the interest of Cross River indigenes and people of the Niger Delta region of the country in all their activities.

Describing PANDEF as the mouth-piece of the Niger Delta people, the VC tasked them to redouble their efforts in ensuring that developmental issues in the region are given priority.

She pledged her commitment to support and partner with PANDEF in the onerous task of bringing development to the Niger Delta region.

“I appreciate your effort towards the development of the Niger Delta region and also thank you for your hand of fellowship to the university,” she added.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of PANDEF, Sen. Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, said the group came to felicitate with Obi over her emergence as the Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar.

Ewa-Henshaw, a former lawmaker representing Cross River South in the National Assembly, commended the VC for her show of humility and dedication to duty.

He added that the VC’s disposition in office is a departure from the prevalent display of arrogance by many when they attain high positions of authourity.

While thanking the VC for appointing some members of the group into strategic positions in her administration, he expressed confidence in her ability to take the institution to an enviable height.

The Chairman pledged the forum’s commitment to support the Vice Chancellor’s effort geared towards positively repositioning the institution.

Ewa-Henshaw was accompanied on the visit by other executive members of the forum, including the former Military Administrator of Kwara state, Retired Col. Peter Ogar.