Tension is mounting at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) as a looming advertisement for the office of Vice Chancellor stirs fierce controversy over a proposed eligibility criterion many fear is designed to exclude credible contenders. At the centre of the storm is the Chairman of the Governing Council, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Udom Ekpoudom, whose suggestion to introduce a new 10-year post-professorial requirement is facing intense pushback.
The proposal, if implemented, would mandate that only professors who have held the title for a minimum of 10 years can apply to lead the institution. While it might seem like a routine administrative tweak, critics argue it disrupts 25 years of academic tradition at UNICAL and smacks of manipulation.
Historically, the university has adopted a balanced and inclusive model. Since 2000, Vice Chancellors at UNICAL have been appointed with between five and nine years of professorial experience. For instance, Prof. Ivara Esu (2000) and Prof. Bassey Asuquo (2005) were both professors for five years before taking office. Prof. James Epoke and Prof. Zana Akpagu assumed office with seven years, while the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, had served nine years at the time of her appointment in 2020.
Stakeholders say this historical pattern reflects a commitment to fairness and continuity. The sudden imposition of a 10-year rule—especially after just one cycle at the nine-year mark—is being interpreted as an attempt to disqualify strong, younger candidates and potentially tilt the race in favour of certain individuals.
“This is not just about a number,” said a senior academic at the university who requested anonymity. “This is about equity, tradition, and the integrity of our institution. Changing rules midstream without proper consensus is dangerous.”
The proposed change also places UNICAL at odds with established practices in Nigeria’s academic landscape. No first-generation university currently enforces a 10-year professorial requirement. Most institutions set the bar between six and eight years, recognizing that leadership capability is not solely dependent on the duration of one’s academic title.
Observers argue that UNICAL has consistently shown that excellence in leadership stems from competence, vision, and service—not an arbitrary number of years. The push for 10 years, many believe, is not about academic merit but about eliminating competition.
Even within the Governing Council, there appears to be a lack of consensus. Several members are said to have openly opposed the Chairman’s proposal, citing procedural irregularities and a lack of broad consultation. There are also concerns that Professor Florence Obi could face a credibility crisis if she supports a criterion that would have disqualified her in 2020.
The Federal Ministry of Education has reportedly expressed unease. A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the move as “legally questionable and administratively unjust.” Legal action is now being contemplated by some stakeholders, with arguments centering on breach of established norms and discrimination against eligible candidates.
“If this flawed criterion is used in the advertisement, the process will be challenged in court. We won’t allow this manipulation to go unchallenged,” said a representative of a civil society education watchdog based in Abuja.
Beyond legal threats, the reputational damage to UNICAL could be significant. Alumni, staff, and students have already begun voicing their discontent, warning that the university’s governance fabric is being threatened by personal agendas. Protests, petitions, and open letters are said to be in the works as stakeholders seek to reverse the controversial clause.
In response, education experts are urging the Governing Council to embrace a compromise that aligns with national standards. Setting the benchmark at eight years, they say, would strike a fair balance—respecting tradition while maintaining competitiveness.
“It is not about lowering standards. It is about upholding fairness, protecting the university’s integrity, and preventing a needless crisis,” said Dr. Vivian Orok, a former council member and higher education analyst.
As UNICAL stands on the brink of a major leadership transition, the university community is demanding transparency and adherence to established norms. The Governing Council and management are being urged to prioritise institutional legacy over personal ambition.
With time running out, stakeholders say the Council still has a chance to correct course. How it handles this moment could define UNICAL’s credibility for years to come.
