Former vice-presidential candidate Peter Obi has congratulated Prof. Florence Banku-Obi who broke a 45-year jinx by emerging the first female vice-chancellor-elect of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Cross River State.
Mr Obi, who spoke through his media office in a statement on Sunday, explained that the position of vice chancellorship was highly elevated and demanded a lot of intellectual input. He said it is a position only attained after a rigorous screening process.
Describing Prof Banku-Obi as a profound educational icon, Obi urged her to continue raising the educational standards of the university, while ensuring that the citadel of learning continued producing individuals certified in learning and in character. Obi wished her well on her new journey, while encouraging her to give in her best and leave behind lasting legacies.
“I believe the emergence of Prof Florence Obi as the Vice Chancellor-elect of University of Calabar, Cross River State, is a blessing to the institution. I sincerely congratulate her on such a great attainment, while urging her to boldly keep raising the standard of learning in the institution,” he said.
Obi encouraged the youths, especially the female folks, to look up to the likes of Banku-Obi and many other Nigerian women like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chimamanda Adichie, Prof Rita Orji, and others making great impacts across the globe.
He described them as worthy role models to young women who should learn from them the virtue of hard work, dedication and focus in one’s endeavours.
