Professor Florence Obi has been sworn in as the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and the first female to head the institution in 45 years.

Obi was sworn in on Tuesday in Calabar by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of UNICAL Governing Council, Nkechi Nwaogu.

Obi, a Professor of Special Needs Education in the university, was appointed the VC of the institution on September 10, 2020, replacing Prof. Zana Akpagu, whose tenure ended on November 30, 2020.

Speaking at the inauguration, the new Vice Chancellor expressed her commitment to the enthronement of academic excellence through quality research output, teaching and learning, scholarly publications as well as integrity of examination results.

She said, “As a psychologist, I shall deploy the concept of effective motivation, which connects the personal goals, and needs of the worker to our goals as a University.

“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.

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“Let it be clear to all, that, this administration will effectively use the 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 bordering on their members’ welfare to also make time to counsel their members to desist from unwholesome practices that will pitch administration against staff.”

Dignitaries at the occasion include the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu; former Governor of Cross River, Mr Donald Duke; Speaker of Cross River House of Assembly, Mr Eteng Williams, among many others.