10th June 2020
Recall that on 28th May 2020, NEGROIDHAVEN reported that the Office of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) was announced to be vacant in accordance with the provisions of the University (Miscellaneous Provisions) Decree No. 11 of 1993 (as amended) as the Council has commenced the process of filling the vacancy https://www.negroidhaven.org/2020/05/unical-varsity-declares-seat-of-vice.html?m=1
It became important to profile the various candidates angling for the varsity's top job. First on our list is
Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong was born in Calabar on November 6, 1963.
Education
In 1974, he completed his Primary Education with a Distinction. He then
attended Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar, where he sat and passed with Division–One WASC
(1979). Prof. Offiong holds a B.Sc (Hon) degree in Chemistry (1984) from University of Calabar which he graduated with Second Class (Upper Division). In 1990 he obtained his Ph.D in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry from the same department, University of Calabar supported by DAAD in Germany with a scholarship to conduct laboratory bench work in Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany. Prof Offiong also holds a Certificate in Equipment Maintenance (1991) from Bristol Polytechnic, Bristol, UK.
Civil Service
After his successful mandatory National Service (NYSC) in the University of Ibadan, Prof Offiong started his lecturing
career in 1985 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Chemistry, University of Calabar and rose to the rank of Professor in Coordination /Inorganic Chemistry in 2002. He
has so far successfully supervised 7 Masters and 13 Ph.D theses in the University. One of the theses won a National Universities Commission's Award of Best Thesis in Physical
Sciences in Nigerian Universities in 2012. As a true scholar, he has been a mentor to many budding Academics especially in the field of Inorganic Chemistry. Many of his former
Graduate Students are now Professors and others high ranking Academics in Nigerian Universities and abroad. One
of them is the current Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar.
Prof Offiong is an astute Academic/ Researcher with over 70 Research articles/publications in Peer-review journals cited in high impact databases.
He had been Postgraduate/ Undergraduate External Examiner in many Universities across the country including; UNIUYO, MOUA, BSU, UNIABUJA, UNN and presently in RSU. He had also served the University system in several capacities
including; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science, Dean Faculty of Science, Dean of Students' Affairs, Member, Governing
Council of the University of Calabar (2000 – 2004), Chairman and Zonal Coordinator ASUU, National Vice-President ASUU among others.
Public Service
A celebrated Academic whose spirit of assistance spans through different human endeavours, Prof. Offiong also
shared his passion and acumen in public service. Between 2007 and 2015, he served as Commissioner for Education,
Cross River State. During this period, the Schools across the 18 LGAs witnessed massive infrastructural transformation,
the first of its kind. The performance of CRS Students in WASCE rose from 22nd position to 7th and 6th in 2012 and
2013 respectively. His contributions to the establishment of the prestigious Institute of Technology and Management (ITM), Ugep and the reopening of previously closed down
State-owned College of Education in Akamkpa speak volume to elucidate his sterling qualities and passion for
Scholarship. He was the Chairman of All States Commissioner of Education in Nigeria from 2009 to 2015.
Prof. Offiong served in the Presidential Task Force on Education under President Goodluck Johnathan with the mandate of implementing a transformation agenda in Nigeria education system.
His love for academic and human resource development knows no bounds; as a Commissioner, Prof. Offiong still
offered services free as an Academic by teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses and successfully
supervised ten (10) Graduate theses during this period despite the fact that he was on Leave of Absence.
Fellowships & Awards
Prof. Offiong has won several international Fellowships/Awards through which he visited many laboratories/Institutions and Universities in Italy, France, Germany, Russia, United States of America, United Kingdom, India, United Arab Emirates, Finland among others.
Community Service
As part of his community and humanitarian services, he is the immediate Past President of the Boys Brigade Nigeria (BBN), CRS Council (2013 to 2019). He is currently the
Chairman of Education committee in the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum. Prof. Offiong is married to his heart–throb Dr. (Mrs.) Ame l. Offiong; the marriage is blessed with three beautiful children; Efanga, Asa and Eme.
Addendum
Prof. Offiong has clearly demonstrated profound and purposeful leadership as an administrator, academic and above all a role model for young people in his thirty-five years as a Lecturer. With these experiences, he would make a good Vice Chancellor if entrusted with the responsibility.
