The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has held a thanksgiving mass and dedicated her emergence as the first female and 11th Vice Chancellor of the institution to God.
The thanksgiving mass was held in her home town of Bansan Community, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Boki Local Government area, Cross River State.
The VC led her family, friends, colleagues and well wishers to thank God for her elevation to this enviable position.
She said that her educational career towards attaining the highest rank of a Professor was not a smooth one, but she was determined towards achieving success.
She told the congregation that as a young child from a humble background, she was focused on becoming great through her educational pursuits in spite of the challenges.
Obi, however, said that her emergence as the 11th VC of UNICAL was divine.
The VC encouraged women to always have a positive outlook towards life, adding that success does not come easily, but with determination and perseverance.
She solicited the support of management staff, workers and students of the University towards achieving her mission and vision for the institution.
The VC explained that her choice for the thanksgiving in her home town was to also honour the church and her community for their separate contributions in her life from childhood.
Obi donated 150 long pews to the church, 100 medium ones, lighting of the church and others, while her friends and colleagues also made financial donations to the church
She explained that the donation was one of the ways of giving back to the church that played a significant role in her life and upbringing.
The event attracted politicians, captain of industries, the academia, religious and traditional leaders, students and members of Youth Councils among others.