In a groundbreaking event, the University of Calabar, yesterday, June 25, 2024, the inauguration of her first female president of the Students’ Union Government, SUG, of the institution.
Blessing Alim, new SUG president, in her inauguration speech, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and vowed to focus on addressing the needs and aspirations of her constituency throughout her tenure, while also articulating her commitment to transforming the Union and making it a more viable platform for addressing student concerns.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Florence Banku Obi, while congratulating Blessing Alims in her address, highlighted the significance of Alims’ historic election. She emphasized the crucial role good and exemplary leadership, irrespective of gender, can play and praised Alims for exhibiting the qualities that endeared her to those who voted her into office. Obi further charged her to be an epitome of excellence and register record breaking achievements during her time in office.
“Today we witness a truly historic occasion, marking a significant milestone in our University’s journey towards gender equality”, Obi said and went on to celebrate the progress made in breaking gender barriers, while underscoring the importance of fostering an environment where women are encouraged to assume leadership roles and contribute actively to campus and societal affairs. She expressed optimism that Alims’ tenure will inspire more women to actively participate in shaping the future of the University, while affirming that her victory has become an emblem of hope and progress to many out there to aspire to leadership positions without the expectation of gender, family or any kind of societal limitations.