In a groundbreaking victory that highlights the power of women in leadership, Blessing Alims has shattered a 49-year tradition by becoming the first-ever female Student Union Government (SUG) president at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). Her historic win, secured with 254 votes against her closest male rival, Egbim, who received 142 votes, marks a significant milestone in the university’s history.
Blessing, a 300-level student with an impressive CGPA of 4.75, is pursuing a degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. She hails from Gakem in the Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State. Her victory not only sets a new precedent at UNICAL but also paves the way for other young women to aspire to leadership roles.
Beyond her academic prowess, Blessing is a dedicated volunteer, actively contributing to numerous organizations such as Girl’s Power Initiative, The Bridge Leadership Foundation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Youth Advocates, and UNFPA Nigeria. In 2022, she distinguished herself among over 150 contestants across Africa to win the Youngers Foundation Female and More Social Impact Project, earning her a 10-day educational visit to Kigali, Rwanda, as the sole winner from Cross River State.
Blessing’s volunteer efforts extend to various charity initiatives and outreach programs, positively impacting thousands of lives. She is also a founding member of the Youth Friendly Hub at UNICAL, an organization dedicated to equipping students with essential skills for sustainability.
Her commitment to social change, coupled with her diverse skill set and leadership potential, makes her a formidable advocate for progress. Blessing’s advocacy work and her efforts to foster solidarity among women reflect a collective sense of unity and support, transcending differences in background or perspective.
As the newly elected SUG president, Blessing exemplifies the power of women supporting each other, amplifying voices, and challenging societal norms and biases that perpetuate inequality. Her victory underscores the importance of mutual support, advocacy for rights, and the creation of safe spaces where women can share experiences and collaborate towards a more inclusive and supportive society.
Blessing will serve alongside Professor Florence Obi, who is the first female Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, marking a historic moment for the institution with two women in top leadership positions. Together, they represent a new era of female empowerment and leadership at the University of Calabar.
Blessing Alims has made history by becoming the first female Student Union Government (SUG) president at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) with 254 votes, defeating her closest rival who received 142 votes. Alims, a 300-level student with a CGPA of 4.75 in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, hails from Gakem in Cross River State.
Her victory sets a new precedent, encouraging other young women to pursue leadership roles. Apart from her academic achievements, Blessing is an active volunteer with numerous organizations, including Girl's Power Initiative and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. She won the Youngers Foundation Female and More Social Impact Project in 2022, leading to an educational visit to Kigali, Rwanda.
Blessing's efforts extend to charity initiatives and as a founding member of the Youth Friendly Hub at UNICAL. She is committed to social change, leadership, and advocating for women's rights. Her win alongside Professor Florence Obi, the first female Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, marks a significant moment for female empowerment and leadership at the university.
As SUG president, Blessing aims to amplify women's voices, challenge societal norms, and promote inclusivity and support among women, reinforcing the importance of mutual support and advocacy toward a more inclusive society.
