Blessing Alims, the first female President of the Student Union Government (SUG) at the University of Calabar, has addressed criticism surrounding her recent appointment of 50 individuals to advisory roles in her administration.
Alims, who made history as the first woman to lead the SUG in the university’s 49-year existence, announced the appointments in a letter dated August 1, 2024. The letter, which has gone viral, outlined her decision to enlist a large number of aides to support her administration.
The appointments have sparked debate on social media, with some critics accusing Alims of emulating what they described as a “wasteful government” model.
In response, Alims issued a statement on Wednesday through her Press Secretary, Madueke Chinenye, explaining that the large advisory team was crucial for effective governance and addressing the diverse needs of the university's over 42,000 students across 20 faculties and more than 110 departments.
“Appointing aides ensures representation from each faculty and department, which is essential for effective student mobilization and governance,” Alims said. “This approach allows us to meet the unique needs of different segments of our student population.”
She emphasized that the appointments were voluntary and did not include financial compensation. The aides were selected through a rigorous screening process conducted by the Senate Committee, took an Oath of Office, and are motivated to contribute their skills and creativity to the administration.
Alims also praised some of the appointees for their national and international recognition in voluntary work, assuring the university community that the team is committed to achieving the administration’s objectives.
Alims, a student of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution in the Department of Political Science, was elected SUG President on June 14, 2024.
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