14th October, 2010
No fewer than 10 candidates have lined up to succeed the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Professor Bassey Asuquo, who will retire by the end of November at the completion of his elongated six-year term.
His successor is expected to emerge through an electoral process.
Professors presently jostling to succeed Asuquo include Offiong E. Offiong, Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Celestine Bassey, a former Commissioner for Education in the state, John Ofem, who lost out to Asuquo in 2004 and Gabriel Ugal.
Others are Professor James Ekpoke, Prof. Mrs. Mranda Dosumu, Professor Spencer Efem, Francis Bisong, Prof. Eme Osim and Prof. Sylvanus Obi Abang. P.M.NEWS gathered that the 10 professors have filed their applications in response to an advertorial in newspapers published five months ago.
Investigations revealed that for a candidate to be eligible, he must have been a professor for a period of at least seven years. This condition has made it possible for Professor James Epoke and Gabriel Ugal to qualify since they attained seven years experience on 1 October, this year.
But Professor Bisong and Prof. Obi Abang were said to be uncomfortable with this clause since they are yet to attain the number of years as professors.
It was also learnt that the appointment of the V.C. will be based on a number of criteria, including popularity rating, performance at the interview and community service. But the last condition will be at the discretion of the council of the university.
—Emma Una, Calabar