From Judex Okoro, Calabar
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has stated that the institution is aggressively waging war against corruption.
Professor Obi, who stated this at a town hall meeting held at the International Convention Centre on Thursday to mark her second anniversary in office, said the administration cannot hope to excel in an environment where corruption is a norm.
According to her, “in my investiture speech, I had promised to do all within my powers to fight corruption, for we cannot hope to excel in an environment where corruption is a norm.
“In addition to the modest successes recorded in the years, we are waging the war against corruption aggressively.
“I am pleased that the cashless policy has sunk into both staff and students as well as the policy on booknsales.
“As we continue to deal with unscrupulous elements within the system, through the invocation of the relevant rules and regulations and subjecting them to the prescribed disciplinary procedure, I assure you of our unwavering commitment to the task of sanitizing the university”, she said.
She warned lecturers against inserting assignments into books they publish and then compelling students to do them saying the policy against compelling students to buy books is in place.
She said the university’s policy initiatives and implementation remain in place and having let everyone understand what guides them, her administration remains firm in the holistic implementation of it’s policies and enforcement of our rules no matter whose ox is gored.
She added that the fibre roll out that started in the first year of her administration has terminated in over 80% of departments and units across the university.
She emphasised that “with our pace and tempo having been set, our goal of excellence clearly in view, our resolve is unshakable and stronger than any obstacle on the way as we continue the March of our time to place our university on an enviable pedestal”, she said.