Former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has faced criticism for opposing calls that the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar should be an indigene of Cross River State.
Obono-Obla argued that appointments in federal universities should be based on merit and not restricted by state or senatorial origin. He cited examples of institutions where vice-chancellors were selected from outside the host states, including the Federal University of Owerri, led by Prof Nnenna Oji from Ebonyi, and the University of Jos, whose pioneer vice-chancellor, Prof Gilbert Onuaguluchi, was from Enugu.
His remarks come amid rising tension over the upcoming end of Prof Florence Obi’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, which concludes this month. The succession race has been marked by regional agitations and a court injunction halting the process after a candidate challenged the requirement of at least 10 years of post-professorial experience.
Many Cross River residents have criticised Obono-Obla’s position, insisting the post should go to the southern senatorial district, which last held it about 15 years ago. Some accused him of inconsistency on zoning issues, alleging he often opposes positions that favour his home region.
