The University of Calabar has sworn in its first female President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), marking a historic milestone in the institutions existence in 49 years.
The inauguration ceremony, which held Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the University Senate Chambers, saw Blessing Alims taking the oath of office amidst cheers from faculty heads, students and principal officers of the University.
In her inaugural speech, Ms. Alims expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in her by the University community. She pledged to work with the University management and all stakeholders in the institution to address the needs and aspirations of all other students.
Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Obi, in her congratulatory address, highlighted the critical role of exemplary leadership and praised Alims for her sterling qualities that resonated with the electorate.
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She expressed optimism that Alim’s 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 threat of gender and societal limitations.
“Today we witness a truly historic occasion, marking a significant milestone in our University’s journey towards gender equality,” Obi stated, while urging the new SUG President to achieve record-breaking success and serve as a beacon of hope and progress for all students.
Gender and Development Action (GADA) also extended their congratulations to Blessing Alims. In a statement, GADA hailed her victory as a powerful reminder of the progress being made towards gender equality and female empowerment in leadership roles. They expressed pride in her accomplishment and anticipation of the positive impact her presidency will have.
The statement from GADA reads, “Gender and Development Action (GADA) is elated to congratulate Blessing Alims on her historic victory as the first female SUG President of the University of Calabar in 49 years.
“This incredible achievement is a powerful reminder of the progress we continue to make towards gender equality and female empowerment in leadership roles. We are immensely proud to witness the historic emergence of the first female Vice Chancellor at the University of Calabar, as well as the inauguration of its first female SUG President.”
During the SUG Presidential campaign, GADA, through the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Nigeria project, supported Blessing Alims with sponsored advocacy, capacity building through manifesto refinement, campus square mobilization, financial support, as well as promotional materials such as billboards and banners. This support played a crucial role in her success.
GADA’s support for Blessing Alims underscores her commitment to fostering women’s leadership and political participation. Blessing’s victory is a testament to the effectiveness of many interventions initiated by GADA and to drive positive change.