New VC Takes Over At UNIUYO, Unveils Reform Agenda

A new Vice Chancellor (VC) has taken over as the 9th substantive Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State.

He is Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, who took over the mantle from the acting VC, Prof. Samuel Adewumi, who was named to fill the void following succession crisis that trailed the exit of the 8th substantive VC, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, December last year.

Professor Ekong, a distinguished Economics’ scholar, and a proud alumnus of the institution, who is a former Chairman of the Committee of Deans, after taking the helms, pledged far – reaching reforms in the areas of academics, fight against cultism and other anti – social menace plaguing the university system.

Ekong,  said he was assuming the office with a clear vision to reposition the University along the line of global competitiveness, driven by technology, research, transparency, and student-centered administration with the ultimate aim of making the institution fulfill its major roles as centre of teaching, research and manpower development.

In his inaugural address, the VC unveiled an ambitious 100-day action plan anchored on the following strategic priorities:- campus security enhancement

He stated that modern CCTV surveillance systems across strategic locations within the university, deployment of drone surveillance technology to strengthen campus monitoring and emergency response capabilities, comprehensive review of existing security architecture to improve safety for students, staff, and visitors as well as  establishment of a centralized digital security control room, would form part of the entire security architecture.

He listed other intervention areas to include digital transformation and connectivity, expansion of internet and network services across faculties, departments, hostels, libraries, and administrative blocks, introduction of campus-wide Wi-Fi access to support teaching, learning, and research.

Under his watch in the next five years, the ICT infrastructure, according to him, would also be upgraded to facilitate e-learning, digital administration, and online service delivery.as well as strengthening of the university’s digital governance framework.

He also pledged to institute infrastructure renewal programme with immediate assessment and rehabilitation of critical academic and administrative facilities, renovation of lecture halls, laboratories, and office complexes, improvement of road networks, drainage systems, street lighting, and environmental sanitation across the campus.

In the areas of hostel and students’ welfare reforms, Prof. Ekong, disclosed that plans were afoot to launch Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements for the management and maintenance of students’ hostels., rehabilitation of existing hostel facilities , strengthening of welfare services and student support systems.

To enhance academic excellence and research advancement, the VC said his administration would review academic processes to improve efficiency and quality assurance.

“We will promote interdisciplinary research and innovation., strengthens collaborations with national and international institutions. and work towards  the enhancement of research funding opportunities and grant acquisition initiatives.

“My vision is to build a secure, digitally connected, research-driven, and globally competitive University of Uyo,” he maintained, assuring that the first 100 days of his administration will set the foundation for sustainable institutional growth and excellence.

“The University of Uyo possesses immense potential. Together, we shall build a stronger institution defined by innovation, accountability, academic excellence, and service to humanity,” he stressed.