Prof. Offiong Offiong, the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal) on Wednesday reiterated the university’s commitment to accountability, integrity and ethics.
Offiong made the expression at the inauguration of the reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the university.
He said that the university must play a critical role in combating corruption by producing graduates who would uphold integrity and contribute positively to society.
The vice chancellor said that his administration remained committed to repositioning UniCal as a 21st-century institution operating according to global standards and best practices.
He said that his administration would strengthen the institution through well-trained, academically outstanding staff, while promoting integrity, accountability and good character.
“We are committed to ensuring that we not only produce a new breed of scholars, but also produce critical partners in the fight against corruption,” Offiong said.
He stressed that ACTU was not established to sack staff indiscriminately, but to ensure that the university activities complied with established standards and proper procedures.
The VC urged ACTU members to uphold honesty, accountability and service to humanity, adding that UniCal and the ICPC must remain critical partners in the campaign against corruption.
He congratulated the newly inaugurated members, and assured them of management’s full support and cooperation in the discharge of their duties.
Mr Baba Shuaib, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Akwa Ibom and Cross River, said that the commission strengthened ACTUs through oversight, guidance, capacity building and performance evaluation.
Shuaib described ACTU members as agents of change, and that their effectiveness depended on independence, institutional support, capacity and commitment to transparency and ethical conduct.
In her acceptance speech, Prof. Grace Etuk, the ACTU Chairman in UniCal, thanked the management for the confidence reposed in the team, and pledged their commitment to diligent service delivery.