The first female President of the Student Union Government (SUG) at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Blessing Alims, has explained that she appointed 50 aides to ensure effective governance.
Alims, a political science student, has been in the spotlight since her election on June 14. Her recent appointment of 50 aides, announced in a letter dated August 1, has attracted even more attention.
In a statement by her spokesperson, Madueke Chinenye, the SUG president said the aides would help manage the welfare of over 42,000 students across 20 faculties and more than 110 departments within the university.
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“The Student Union Government is tasked with ensuring the welfare and progress of our entire university community,” she said. “Just as a single tree does not make a forest, effective governance for a student body of over 42,000 requires a collaborative effort. It is essential to have a strong and diverse team to implement our initiatives successfully.”
Alims emphasized that with over 20 faculties and more than 110 departments, UNICAL is a complex institution. She noted that appointing aides from each faculty and department is crucial for effective student mobilization and governance, as it allows the union to address the unique needs of each segment of the student population.
Alims, who majors in peace studies and conflict resolution, clarified that there are no financial rewards associated with the appointments.
UNICAL is currently managed by a female Vice-Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi. In 2020, Professor Obi from the Faculty of Education became the first female Vice-Chancellor of the university.
