One of the proponents of the much touted competence over zoning arrangements has been Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, but as the Latin word captures it, "Vox Populi Vox Dei", translated as, 'the voice of the people is the voice of God', the voice of the people prevailed and the zoning system was summarily adopted.



Just recently, as the curtain of the VCship of Prof Zana Akpagu is winding down to a close, they have been smear media campaign to abolish zoning, the once heralded and all important criterion for the office of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar as against "competence" and thus making it look as if this position was not earlier advocated for strongly. With the debate raging on, opinions have been sampled across but we bring to the furore the arguments of those rooting for zoning in the now and why.

For Stability Amiokam, "even in zoning, there is still administrative competence, there is no zone in the state that you won't count 10 responsible profs that can run the affairs of unical successfully, so the narrative is a wrong one already, we can actually use better indices”.

Uvet E. Egwu, “there isnt a zone without qualified hands. Zoning of the highest academic office in the state tower of ivory is conventional and convenient. Without which, certain parts of the state would consistently prevail over others by numbers: Democracy is a game of numbers. The purpose is to ensure that the people are united and in a position to speak with one voice in demanding that the best candidate by that zoning arrangement - always emerge to represent them. So far so good; let’s stick to the status quo”.

Richard Inoyo, “Look at this my sister o. In a multi-ethnic country, zoning and federal character is central to the gamut of justice.

Please don't tell me you don't know how representative politics work in a multiethnic setting. Go to South Sudan, Mali, and South Africa to read history books and what lead to arm struggle. Visit country like Democratic Republic of Congo to appreciate how central it is to peace building.

Ask yourself why Eritrea broke out from Ethiopia and why there is war between Palestine and Israel. If you are Nigerian president, you will plunge this country into terrible conflict.

If there is one thing, I want you to take home today is this: ‘In a multi ethnic setting, decision-making should be based on fairness and equitable sharing, lest you lead with insensitivity that sends regional irritation

Now that is the turn of south, you don't care about zoning and zone. My question is, are there no competent professors in the south? Let's stop this kind of cold disregard for federal character sensitivity. It is morally unjust to end the rotational justice when it gets to south”.

In setting the above-mentioned records right, it is important to lay bare the true and actual position of things. There have never been zoning for the position of Vice Chancellorship in the University of Calabar. When Prof Epoke contested for this position alongside Prof Offiong Efanga, the erudite scholar was approached by the then Sitting Governor of the state, Sen. Liyel Imoke to abandoned his ambition even when he had the way without to pull the strings for the top job as Commissioner for Education then and Chair of Chairs in the Federation but he respected the decision of his then boss the Governor.

At the expiration of Prof. Epoke's VCship, the sentiment of the north was introduced and the general perception that they have been marginalized was yet another point to contend. However the sad reality was that there were no candidates that best suited this office according to the extant law has enshrined in the regulation of the University. It stipulate that a contestant must be 10years as a professor before taking a shot at the job. Going by this stipulation, Prof. Zana Akpagu was just 7years; so many structures were collapsed to allow an easy passage for the North to produce a Vice Chancellor.

Primetimevoice reliably gathered that in the build up to the contest, no one dead or alive had approached Prof Offiong Efanga to sway or talked him out of the contest in favour of the North and even when he saw the lacuna to explore against the injustice of his denial or even going to court, he maturely allowed the wishes of the people to prevail, "Vox Populi, Vox Dei".

It then only natural that for someone who has been denied his right several in favour of the wishes of the people, he should be given his due right not because he wants to claim his stake on the altar of zoning but on merit, competence and performance

Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong was born in Calabar on November 6, 1963. In 1974, he completed his Primary Education with a Distinction. He then proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar, where he sat and passed with DivisionOne WASC in 1979. Prof. Offiong holds a B.Sc (Hon) degree in Chemistry (1984) from University of Calabar which he graduated with Second Class (Upper Division). In 1990 he obtained his Ph.D in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry from the same department, University of Calabar supported by DAAD in Germany with a scholarship to conduct laboratory bench work in Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany. Prof Offiong also holds a Certificate in Equipment Maintenance (1991) from Bristol Polytechnic, Bristol, UK.

After his successful mandatory National Service (NYSC) in the University of Ibadan, Prof Offiong started his lecturing career in 1985 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Chemistry, University of Calabar and rose to the rank of Professor in Coordination /Inorganic Chemistry in 2002. He has so far successfully supervised 7 Masters and 13 Ph.D theses in the University. One of the theses won a National Universities Commission's Award of Best Thesis in Physical Sciences in Nigerian Universities in 2012.

As a true scholar, he has been a mentor to many budding Academics especially in the field of Inorganic Chemistry. Many of his former Graduate Students are now Professors and others high ranking Academics in Nigerian Universities and abroad. One of them is the current Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar.

Prof Offiong is an astute Academic/ Researcher with over 70 Research articles/publications in Peer-review journals cited in high impact databases. He had been Postgraduate/ Undergraduate External Examiner in many Universities across the country including; UNIUYO, MOUA, BSU, UNIABUJA, UNN and presently in RSU. He had also served the University system in several capacities including; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science, Dean Faculty of Science, Dean of Students' Affairs, Member, Governing Council of the University of Calabar (2000 2004), Chairman and Zonal Coordinator ASUU, National Vice-President ASUU among others.

A celebrated Academic whose spirit of assistance spans through different human endeavours, Prof. Offiong also shared his passion and acumen in public service. Between 2007 and 2015, he served as Commissioner for Education, Cross River State. During this period, the Schools across the 18 LGAs witnessed massive infrastructural transformation, the first of its kind. The performance of CRS Students in WASCE rose from 22nd position to 7th and 6th in 2012 and 2013 respectively. His contributions to the establishment of the prestigious Institute of Technology and Management (ITM), Ugep and the reopening of previously closed down State-owned College of Education in Akamkpa speak volume to elucidate his sterling qualities and passion for Scholarship. He was the Chairman of All States Commissioner of Education in Nigeria from 2009 to 2015.

Prof. Offiong served in the Presidential Task Force on Education under President Goodluck Johnathan with the mandate of implementing a transformation agenda in Nigeria education system. His love for academic and human resource development knows no bounds; as a Commissioner, Prof. Offiong still offered services free as an Academic by teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses and successfully supervised ten (10) Graduate theses during this period despite the fact that he was on Leave of Absence.

Prof. Offiong has won several international Fellowships/Awards through which he visited many laboratories/Institutions and Universities in Italy, France, Germany, Russia, United States of America, United Kingdom, India, United Arab Emirates, Finland among others. As part of his community and humanitarian services, he is the immediate Past President of the Boys Brigade Nigeria (BBN), CRS Council (2013 to 2019). He is currently the Chairman of Education committee in the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum. Prof. Offiong is married to his heartthrob Dr. (Mrs.) Ame l. Offiong; the marriage is blessed with three beautiful children; Efanga, Asa and Eme.

Prof. Offiong has clearly demonstrated profound and purposeful leadership as an administrator, academic and above all a role model for young people in his thirty-five years as a Lecturer. With these experiences, his managerial and administrative acumen over the years have not waivered as he has proven his mettle all round. To this end, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong would make a good Vice Chancellor if entrusted with the responsibility.

Mynd44
Fergie
Blackking98
Eneyoduke
Udechid
Kenturkey
Offiong
Ekpeitit
Mizwisdom
Ubonkokon

Hmmm.....

Cc sonoyom,ijoba,blackspanner

if it is based on competence. the hat suits prof offiong the most. He performed extremely well as a commissioner of education in the state. His track record as former commissioner of education is still unbeatable

ibbo:
if it is based on competence. the hat suits prof offiong the most. He performed extremely well as a commissioner of education in the state. His track record as former commissioner of education is still unbeatable

Yes you are right.hes over qualified and highly competent.he almost got it in 2010 and 2015.I don't see anything stopping him this time.again being an old boy of hope waddell is another advantage.
Another competent person is prof celestine bassey

As a Malabite, i will definitely support Professor Offiong E. Offiong for the position. For those proposing the 'no Zoning' agenda they should remember that it was zoning that gave the North Governorship and enabled them to clinch the Vice Chancellor position. Professor Offiong has proven to be a very competent administrator, so he is favoured on both sides; Zoning and Competence.

senatordave1:


Yes you are right.hes over qualified and highly competent.he almost got it in 2010 and 2015.I don't see anything stopping him this time.again being an old boy of hope waddell is another advantage.
Another competent person is prof celestine bassey

Prof Zana, has his cliques and cabals, that ultimately wants to handover the position to Prof Ayara. The same clique brought Zana on board, and Zana has already positioned Ayara to take over from him as a member of his clique. So i don't see Prof Offiong winning, even though i really want him to win.

Pls give to Offiong who happen to be my external project supervisor.

ibbo:
Prof Zana, has his cliques and cabals, that ultimately wants to handover the position to Prof Ayara. The same clique brought Zana on board, and Zana has already positioned Ayara to take over from him as a member of his clique. So i don't see Prof Offiong winning, even though i really want him to win.

You are right.I just found out that he recently made ayara dvc just like zanna was made dvc before he became vc.prof ayara is also a member of the governing council which is very crucial.unfortunately,offiong doesn't have federal or apc links.
What zanna doesn't know is that prof ayara despises him and will immediately undo all he has put in place in unical.

Sonoyom:
As a Malabite, i will definitely support Professor Offiong E. Offiong for the position. For those proposing the 'no Zoning' agenda they should remember that it was zoning that gave the North Governorship and enabled them to clinch the Vice Chancellor position. Professor Offiong has proven to be a very competent administrator, so he is favoured on both sides; Zoning and Competence.

I also want him but the cabal views him as a radical person.the only way is if the governing council is dissolved before then

senatordave1:


You are right.I just found out that he recently made ayara dvc just like zanna was made dvc before he became vc.prof ayara is also a member of the governing council which is very crucial.unfortunately,offiong doesn't have federal or apc links.
What zanna doesn't know is that prof ayara despises him and will immediately undo all he has put in place in unical.

If prof Ayara will toe that line that will be great.

senatordave1:


You are right.I just found out that he recently made ayara dvc just like zanna was made dvc before he became vc.prof ayara is also a member of the governing council which is very crucial.unfortunately,offiong doesn't have federal or apc links.
What zanna doesn't know is that prof ayara despises him and will immediately undo all he has put in place in unical.

Prof Ayara Ndiyo na my B.Sc project supervisor ooooo

kahal29:


Prof Ayara Ndiyo na my B.Sc project supervisor ooooo

Wow,you finished from unical? When did he become prof

ibbo:
If prof Ayara will toe that line that will be great.

Well,we don't know yet but I feel prof offiong will be a better vc.

senatordave1:


Well,we don't know yet but I feel prof offiong will be a better vc.

unfortunately, the powers that be wants Ayara, even though Offiong is better.

senatordave1:


I also want him but the cabal views him as a radical person.the only way is if the governing council is dissolved before then

Those guys are always lawless in achieving their desires, imagine giving Zana who was professor for only 7years vice chancellor position when the law stipulates 10. Professor Offiong needs to put more effort if he wants to achieve his goal. The recruitment in Unical for Academic or Non Academic staff has always been done through the backdoor without any form of transparency. Imagine you have to pay a certain amount of money for you to get employment in the university.
Let me not talk about the hostel that is reportedly owned by his wife.

Sonoyom:

Those guys are always lawless in achieving their desires, imagine giving Zana who was professor for only 7years vice chancellor position when the law stipulates 10. Professor Offiong needs to put more effort if he wants to achieve his goal. The recruitment in Unical for Academic or Non Academic staff has always been done through the backdoor without any form of transparency. Imagine you have to pay a certain amount of money for you to get employment in the university.
Let me not talk about the hostel that is reportedly owned by his wife.

Yes,there are some school accounts that had Winifred akpagu as the name.epoke started all these impunity,they had to remove the former bursar who stood in their way.I think the fg needs to dissolve the governing council like they did I'm uniport to give everyone a level playing field.
Prof offiong neglected school politics too much.zanna even empowered another prof of chemistry Ben ita over him

ibbo:
unfortunately, the powers that be wants Ayara, even though Offiong is better.

Sorry apart from zanna and nkechi nwaogu,who are the other powers that be?

senatordave1:


Yes,there are some school accounts that had Winifred akpagu as the name.epoke started all these impunity,they had to remove the former bursar who stood in their way.I think the fg needs to dissolve the governing council like they did I'm uniport to give everyone a level playing field.
Prof offiong neglected school politics too much.zanna even empowered another prof of chemistry Ben ita over him

Ekpoke looted so much if you see the house he built in his village you would marvel and Zana took over the looting mantle from him. Both of them vandalised the school and recruited People from their villages into the university. There has to be a change for the school to make progress.

Akpagu looted and is very spiritual,most professor's who have been dying are known to confront him on issues,then next thing dey hear about u is u are dead

Sonoyom:

Ekpoke looted so much if you see the house he built in his village you would marvel and Zana took over the looting mantle from him. Both of them vandalised the school and recruited People from their villages into the university. There has to be a change for the school to make progress.

am telling u, illiterates everywhere in unical,dey will boast dat der man is in office and nothing will happen,I hope an Efik man will climb dey seat and get sense.

thundafire:
Akpagu looted and is very spiritual,most professor's who have been dying are known to confront him on issues,then next thing dey hear about u is u are dead

Hmmm.certainly such a high calibre fellow will be fetish and diabolical

senatordave1:


Hmmm.certainly such a high calibre fellow will be fetish and diabolical

offiong is the better choice but ayara is the next VC Sha. They're both Efik so I think zoning is respected here.

Blackking98:
offiong is the better choice but ayara is the next VC Sha. They're both Efik so I think zoning is respected here.

Prof ndiyo is from ukwa which is not really efik

Cc shugaa,takim107

thundafire:
am telling u, illiterates everywhere in unical,dey will boast dat der man is in office and nothing will happen,I hope an Efik man will climb dey seat and get sense.

No ooo if an Efik man comes on board he will start talking about transparency and equality. I have had similar experience with a woman who was our departmental secretary, she was from a village next to mine.

How can we move forward with this kind of mentality? Even university VCship is woven in politics zoning - a citadel of learning.
Federal university should be decentralized in a way that VCs can be appointed from every region of the country based on competence.

senatordave1:


Prof ndiyo is from ukwa which is not really efik

Cc shugaa,takim107

which lga is ukwa and what language do they speak? I'm lost

Sonoyom:

No ooo if an Efik man comes on board he will start talking about transparency and equality. I have had similar experience with a woman who was our departmental secretary, she was from a village next to mine.

dats dey problem I have with dey Efik,dey wouldn't help der people

Blackking98:
which lga is ukwa and what language do they speak? I'm lost

Ukwa is in Odukpani

Blackking98:
which lga is ukwa and what language do they speak? I'm lost

Efuts,quas, akamkpa speak efik but there not efiks.I just heard from some economics student that ndiyo doesn't help people

Sonoyom:

No ooo if an Efik man comes on board he will start talking about transparency and equality. I have had similar experience with a woman who was our departmental secretary, she was from a village next to mine.

You are right.efiks because of that phrase efik obio mbakara like pretending to be upright,honest and straightforward like oyibo..but offiong offiong helps people but hates corruption

Senator so your are from Niger Delta

Caseless:
How can we move forward with this kind of mentality? Even university VCship is woven in politics zoning - a citadel of learning.
Federal university should be decentralized in a way that VCs can be appointed from every region of the country based on competence.

Yes but not in minority dominated states