Biography of Prof Offiong UNICAL VC – Here is all you need to know about Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong University of Calabar (UNICAL) Vice-Chancellor (VC).
Table of Contents
- 1 Biography of Prof Offiong UNICAL VC
- 2 Early Life and Education
- 3 Prof Offiong Academic Career and Mentorship
- 4 Research and Scholarly Contributions
- 5 Administrative and Leadership Experience
- 6 Public Service and Educational Reform
- 7 Global Recognition and Community Service
- 8 Personal Life
- 9 Vision for the University of Calabar
- 10 Conclusion
Biography of Prof Offiong UNICAL VC
Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, is the newly elected and 12th Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious University of Calabar (UNICAL).
Prof Offiong is a respected scholar, seasoned administrator, and passionate educator from the South Local Government Area, Cross River State.
He has dedicated his life to excellence in teaching, research, and leadership in Nigeria’s higher education system.
Early Life and Education
Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong was born on November 6, 1963, in Calabar, Cross River State.
He began his academic journey at the University of Calabar, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons) in Chemistry and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry.
His doctoral research was supported by the prestigious DAAD Scholarship, which gave him the opportunity to conduct part of his research at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.
He also holds a Certificate in Equipment Maintenance from Bristol Polytechnic, United Kingdom.
Prof Offiong Academic Career and Mentorship
Professor Offiong began his academic career in 1985 as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Calabar.
Through dedication and excellence, he rose through the ranks and became a full Professor in 2002.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has supervised seven Master’s and sixteen Ph.D. theses.
Notably, one of his doctoral students won the National Universities Commission (NUC) Award for the Best Thesis in the Physical Sciences across Nigerian universities.
Many of his former students have gone on to become Professors and Associate Professors in various universities within and outside Nigeria, a clear reflection of his commitment to mentorship and academic growth.
Research and Scholarly Contributions
Professor Offiong E. Offiong is a prolific researcher.
He has published over 90 scientific papers in reputable international journals.
His works have been widely cited in academic research databases, and his scholarly impact is recognised globally.
He has served as an external examiner for several Nigerian universities, including the University of Uyo, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and University of Abuja, contributing significantly to academic standards and quality assurance in higher education.
Administrative and Leadership Experience
Within the University of Calabar, Professor Offiong has held several key administrative positions.
He has served as Sub-Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dean of Students’ Affairs, and Member of the University Governing Council (2000–2004).
He is also well-known for his leadership within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), where he served as Chairman, Zonal Coordinator, and later as National Vice President.
His dedication to academic freedom, staff welfare, and institutional reforms has earned him the respect of his colleagues nationwide.
Public Service and Educational Reform
Beyond the university walls, Professor Offiong made significant contributions to public service.
He served as the Commissioner for Education in Cross River State from 2007 to 2015, where he introduced transformative educational reforms.
During his tenure, Cross River State’s WAEC performance improved remarkably, moving from 22nd position to 6th and 7th in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
He also played a key role in establishing the Institute of Technology and Management (ITM), Ugep, and facilitated the reopening of the College of Education in Akamkpa, which has now evolved into a degree-awarding institution.
Professor Offiong also served as Chairman of the Forum of State Commissioners for Education (2009–2015) and was a member of the Presidential Task Team on Education, where he contributed to national education policy formulation.
Global Recognition and Community Service
Professor Offiong’s influence extends beyond Nigeria.
He has participated in several international academic exchanges, earned multiple fellowships, and served as Chairman of numerous NUC accreditation panels.
In 2021, he was appointed a member of the Presidential Visitation Panel to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
He is also deeply involved in community service.
Professor Offiong is the immediate past President of the Boys Brigade Nigeria (Cross River State Council) and a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Education Committees of both the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum and the Presbyterian Schools in Nigeria.
Personal Life
Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong is happily married to Professor (Mrs.) Ame I. Offiong, a Professor of Finance at the University of Calabar.
Their marriage is blessed with three children — Efanga, Asa, and Eme.
Vision for the University of Calabar
When Professor Offiong declared his intention to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, he outlined a clear and inspiring vision.
He emphasised the importance of restoring academic freedom, improving staff welfare, and investing in the training and retraining of academic and non-academic staff to promote a culture of excellence and innovation.
In his words:
“Most importantly, there must be a liberal academic environment.
Nobody should be in a university system where their liberty is compromised.
As a scholar, you need academic freedom.”
He also expressed concern about the university’s low ranking in graduate employability, stressing that this must change.
“There is nothing wrong in retaining graduates to nurture their zeal and contribution to the same institution that shaped them,” he noted. continuity.
Conclusion
Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong brings to the office of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar a wealth of experience in academia, administration, and public service.
His leadership is built on integrity, intellectual depth, and a genuine passion for reforming higher education in Nigeria.
His vision represents hope for a more inclusive, academically vibrant, and globally competitive University of Calabar.
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