It’s for effective governance, says UNICAL’s first female SUG president after appointing 50 aides

The first female president of the student union government (SUG) at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has appointed 50 individuals in advisory roles after assuming office.

The student of political science, Blessing Alims, was elected as SUG president on June 14.

Alims, on August 1, announced the appointment of the 50 aides in a now-viral letter.

The letter has elicited mixed reactions, with netizens likening SUG politics to the “wasteful tendencies” of mainstream governance.

Reacting in a statement by Madueke Chinenye, her press aide, Alims said appointing 50 aides is to allow for effective governance.

The SUG president said catering for over 42,000 students from 20 faculties and over 110 departments of the varsity can be challenging.

“The student union government is tasked with ensuring the welfare and progress of our entire university community,” she said.

“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.

“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 mobilisation and governance. This approach allows us to address the unique needs of each segment of our student population.”

Alims said the appointments were voluntary and were without financial compensation.

“They are designed to foster career development, instilling a sense of duty and motivation in the appointees,” she added.

Blessing Alims, who majors in peace studies and conflict resolution, is the first female SUG president at UNICAL in 49 years.