By Ubong Akra
In the past few days, social media has been agog with fabricated stories about the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). While it’s understandable that people may have preferences for certain candidates, pushing false narratives on social media can cause more harm than good.
More than three names have been mentioned in the past two days as having emerged as Vice Chancellor, with some individuals spreading unverified information about their preferred candidates. This unsavory trend is unbecoming of unscrupulous elements who seek to stir up tension and heat up the polity.
To set the record straight, the selection process for a new Vice Chancellor follows a defined and transparent procedure, which is not done on social media. The University of Calabar, a reputable second-generation citadel of higher learning, has always followed due process in its operations and will not be caught in a web of confusion by those who want to erode the institution’s peace.
It’s unfortunate that supposedly respected individuals including a former presidential aide, would engage in spreading false narratives to garner attention and stir controversy.
Rather than peddling falsehoods, we should allow the University’s Governing Council to conduct their search for a suitable candidate in a fair and transparent manner. The focus should be on finding a qualified individual who can lead the institution to greater heights, not on self-aggrandizement or personal vendettas.
Caution and restraint should be embraced from all stakeholders at this time. Certainly, whoever gets the nod by the University Governing Council as the new Vice Chancellor will be announced through the approved official communication channels of the University. I understand there are frayed nerves at this point, but pushing false narratives is the least any right thinking person should do. The University community deserves better than to be misled by baseless claims and speculation.
It’s time for us to promote a culture of truth-telling and fact-checking, rather than allowing false narratives to spread like wildfire. Ultimately, the truth will come to light, and posterity may not be kind to those responsible for spreading falsehoods. Until then, let’s focus on supporting the University’s efforts to find a worthy leader, rather than engaging in malicious gossip and speculation.
Ubong Akra is a journalist/ Public Relations practitioner
