Obono-Obla Criticized for UNICAL VC Indigenous Stance

Former presidential aide Chief Okoi Obono-Obla faces strong criticism for stating that vice-chancellors for federal universities should not be reserved for indigenes of the host states. He insists the appointment process must be open to all qualified Nigerians.

Obono-Obla referenced universities where vice-chancellors were appointed from outside the host state. His comments arrive amid tension over the succession at the University of Calabar, where Vice-Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi’s tenure concludes this month.

Controversy Over Unical Succession

The race for the next Unical Vice-Chancellor has intensified, with many contenders from Cross River State. Historically, most vice-chancellors at the university have been state indigenes. Current local agitation, however, demands the position go to the southern senatorial district, which last held the role 15 years ago.

The succession process, expected to deliver a new vice-chancellor by December 1, 2025, is currently stalled. A court injunction was secured by a candidate challenging the requirement for contestants to have at least ten years of post-professorial experience.

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Defending the Merit-Based Stance

Obono-Obla defended his position by citing national precedents. He noted the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Owerri is from Ebonyi State, not Imo. He also recalled that Prof. Chinedum Nebo from Enugu State served as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.

“The appointment of Vice-Chancellors in federal universities is not tied to senatorial or state origin but based on merit and qualification,” Obono-Obla stated. He believes the process for appointing vice-chancellors must prioritize merit above geographical considerations.

Cross Riverians Push Back

Many from Cross River have rejected his view, insisting fairness demands the South produce the next Unical Vice-Chancellor. A social media user, Mr. Tempest Nyong, argued that the southern district possesses the required leadership acumen and that no power play should deny them the position.

Another commentator, Duke-Akabom Eyo-Nsa, accused Obono-Obla of inconsistency. He recalled that Obono-Obla opposed the ‘Back to South’ movement during the 2023 governorship debate, and is now similarly opposing the southern district’s interest for the Unical vice-chancellor role. The debate over the appointment of vice-chancellors continues to highlight the tension between merit and federal character in Nigeria’s education sector.