By Onigah Joseph
In her effort to set a template for the measurement of a good leader, former American First Lady, Rosalynn Cater once observed that, \”A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don\’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.\” Prof. Florence Banku Obi\’s emergence as the First Female Vice-Chancellor, and 11th in the roll of the ivory tower after about 45years of its establishment came at the most special time in the history of the University.
It is a settled fact that certain events do not just occur. At a particular point in history, some leaders are divinely ordained to saunter on board the stage for a rescue mission. Obviously, the appointment of Prof. Florence Banku Obi, a seasoned scholar and an administrator per excellence to steer the affairs of the second generation University resonate hopes and succours with the trappings of divine providence where God has appointed to turn around the endearing fortunes of the institution.
Two years down the stream, they\’ve been no disappointment. Prof. Obi\’s appointment elicited instant thunderous jubilation and has maintained momentum as a result of her firmed resolved to energetically change the trajectory of the University and place it on the path of excellence.
This conviction appears to be her covenant with God Almighty. It is so believed because Prof. Obi is one person who strongly believe and fear God so much. No doubt, she was spotted immediately after her appointment in the Temple of God laying bay in the most humble manner.
The Administrative avatar has greatly led the institution into many phases of tremendous impacts immediately after her inauguration as Vice-Chancellor on December 1st, 2020.
Having served the institution diligently in plethora positions and most recently before her appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. Obi understands the nitty-gritty of the university community which her colleagues deemed her worthy to lead.
Prof. Obi who has recorded remarkable and sterling achievements in the institution within the last two years in office has remain focus and resolute in her transformation drive which spans but not limited to:
• Provision of adequate infrastructure
• Students welfare priority
• Provision of adequate ICT facilities
• Provision of regular power and water supply
• Improved corporate social responsibilities with host community
• Provision and maintenance of adequate teaching, learning, and research facilities
•Timely release of students results, transcripts and certificates
Adequate security, etc.
The workaholic Vice-Chancellor who has earned herself an enviable name as\”Mama Projects\” has been able to move the institution from its sleepy status to an institution that is undergoing an incredible positive transformation in a wide range of areas within the last two years. This is attested to multiple evidences of academic excellence among students and avalanche of innovation in most critical sectors of the university.
The Vice-Chancellor who\’s generally reputed as a humble, but disciplined and vibrant academic is set out to prove her mettle. By the time she and her resilient Team are done with the institution after five years of visible and unprecedented achievements, everyone, including her detractors would have reasons to testify that redemption was berthed in Unical and Prof. Obi was the armour bearer of the message of redemption laced in the mantra of positive transformation and blazing in excellence.
