UNICAL’s First Female SUG President Defends Appointment Of 50 Aides   

The University of Calabar’s first female President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Blessing Alims, on Wednesday, defended her her decision to appoint 50 aides for advisory roles in her administration.

In a statement signed by her Press Secretary, Madueke Chinenye, Alims addressed the social media controversies following the announcement of the appointments in a letter dated August 1, 2024.

Alims explained that her decision aimed at ensuring effective governance and catering to the welfare of over 42,000 students across 20 faculties and over 110 departments at the University of Calabar.

“The Students’ Union Government is tasked with ensuring the welfare and progress of our entire university community,” she stated. “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.”

She emphasised that the university’s complexity necessitated such appointments. “With over 20 faculties and over 110 departments, the University of Calabar is a complex institution. Appointing aides ensures representation from each faculty and department, which is crucial for effective student mobilization and governance. This approach allows us to address the unique needs of each segment of our student population.”

Alims also clarified that the positions were voluntary and come with no financial reward. “They are designed to foster career development, instilling a sense of duty and motivation in the appointees. Each aide underwent a rigorous screening process by the Senate Committee, took an Oath of Office, and is eager to contribute their skills and creativity to the administration,” she added.

She highlighted that the selection process was merit-based, ensuring that each appointee brings valuable expertise to support her administration’s goals. Alims also praised some of the appointees who have received national and international recognition for their voluntary work and assured the university community of their capability to deliver.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Blessing Alims, a student of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolutions at the Department of Political Science of UNICAL, gained the attention of netizens after becoming the first female President of SUG in the university’s 49-year history, announced the appointment of the aides in a viral letter dated August 1, 2024.

However, her decision sparked controversies on social media, with many critics suggesting that she may have adopted her leadership style from what they described as the “wasteful government” plaguing Nigeria.