By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, has paid separate courtesy and gratitude visits to the palaces of the Muri Munene of the Efut Nation and the Ndidem of Calabar, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strong collaboration with traditional institutions.
During his visit to the palace of the Muri Munene, Professor Offiong expressed deep appreciation for the monarch’s support throughout the process that led to his emergence as the university’s 12th Vice Chancellor.
He said the backing of the Efut traditional institution played a significant role in strengthening his resolve, noting that the university would continue to maintain a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with its host communities.
The Vice Chancellor formally invited the royal father to his thanksgiving service held on March 21, as well as the institution’s 38th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for April 18, 2026.
He described the invitation as symbolic, stressing that the monarch is not only a traditional ruler but also a professor of the University of Calabar and a key stakeholder in the institution’s progress.
Professor Offiong commended the warm reception accorded him at the palace and assured the monarch of an open-door policy that would encourage continuous engagement between the university and the Efut Nation.
Responding, the Muri Munene, Professor Itam Hogan Itam, thanked the Vice Chancellor for the visit and pledged the unwavering support of the royal cabinet and host communities to his administration.
The monarch described Offiong’s emergence as Vice Chancellor as divinely ordained, expressing confidence that his tenure would usher in transformation, excellence and renewed glory for the university.
In a separate visit to the Ndidem of Calabar, the Vice Chancellor said he returned in gratitude, likening his action to the biblical leper who came back to give thanks.
He noted that the visit was both symbolic and personal, as he had earlier sought support from the palace and was now returning to formally present himself as the substantive Vice Chancellor.
“I came to seek support months ago, and now I return with a grateful heart to say, ‘it is well’,” he said.
Professor Offiong also extended invitations to the Ndidem and his council to attend both his thanksgiving ceremony and the forthcoming convocation, appreciating their goodwill toward the university.
In his response, the Ndidem of Calabar, His Royal Majesty Ndidem Dr. Eta Bassey Eteta, appreciated the honour of the visit and assured the Vice Chancellor of continued support, pledging to attend the scheduled events and wishing him a successful tenure.
