BREAKING: Prof. Jacob Abiodun Dada Elected as Member of UNICAL Governing Council
Prof. Jacob Abiodun Dada, distinguished Professor of Law and former Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, has been elected as a member of the University of Calabar Governing Council.
The election took place on Thursday the 22nd day of January, 2026, during the 253rd meeting of the University of Calabar after the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong announced that there was a vacancy in the Governing Council as a member had retired. 3 members of the Senate were nominated to fill that position and at the end of the voting process, Prof. Dada emerged as the winner.
Prof. Dada, who had in the past also served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in The Gambia, brings extensive legal, academic, and administrative experience to the Council. His appointment is expected to strengthen governance, oversight, and policy formulation at the University.
Colleagues describe Prof. Dada as a scholar of remarkable integrity and intelligence, a wordsmith, whose career spans academic excellence, judicial service, and institutional leadership. His election is widely seen as a recognition of his contributions to legal education and public service both within Nigeria and internationally.
Experts say that Prof. Dada’s presence on the Governing Council will directly benefit the Faculty of Law, as he is well-positioned to advocate for policies, resources, and programs that enhance academic standards, research opportunities, and professional development for students and staff. His deep understanding of the Faculty’s operations is expected to ensure that its interests are well represented at the highest decision-making level.
The University of Calabar Governing Council, which oversees strategic decisions and policy direction for the institution, now welcomes Prof. Dada’s expertise in law, governance, and administration. Observers note that his membership is likely to enhance the Council’s capacity to address emerging challenges in higher education and institutional management.
This development marks another milestone in Prof. Dada’s distinguished career, underscoring his continued influence in Nigerian legal academia and governance.
