UNICAL’s First Female SUG President Explains Appointment of 50 Aides

Blessing Alims, the first female President of the Student Union Government at the University of Calabar, has explained her decision to appoint 50 individuals to advisory roles in her administration.

Alims, who gained significant attention as the university’s first female President in its 49-year history, made the appointments in a letter dated August 1, 2024, which went viral online.

The decision has sparked controversy on social media, with some critics claiming she mimicked the leadership style of what they termed as Nigeria’s “wasteful government.”

In a statement released on Wednesday by her Press Secretary, Madueke Chinenye, Alims defended her decision, stating it was aimed at ensuring effective governance and catering to the welfare of over 42,000 students across 20 faculties and more than 110 departments.

Titled ‘Addressing Concerns on Appointment,’ the statement emphasized the need for a collaborative effort in governance. Alims explained, “The Students’ Union Government is responsible for the welfare and progress of our entire university community. Effective governance for a student body of over 42,000 requires a strong and diverse team.”

She highlighted that the University of Calabar’s complexity necessitated representation from each faculty and department to address the unique needs of each student segment. Alims stressed that the appointments were voluntary and unpaid, aimed at fostering career development and a sense of duty among the appointees, who underwent a rigorous screening process and took an Oath of Office.

The President assured that the selection was merit-based, with appointees bringing valuable expertise to support the administration’s goals. She praised some appointees for their national and international recognition in voluntary work, promising that they would deliver on their responsibilities.

Blessing Alims, a student of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolutions in the Department of Political Science, was elected SUG President on June 14, 2024.