•As Council chairman promises 5,000-bed hostel
By Emmanuel Ntekim
The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Professor Christopher Ekong, has officially assumed office and unveiled a comprehensive 100-day renewal agenda aimed at restoring academic excellence, improving infrastructure, strengthening staff welfare, and driving digital transformation in the institution.
Ekong, a professor of Monetary, Environmental and Development Economics, emerged victorious from a highly competitive selection process involving 16 aspirants.
Speaking during his official presentation to the university community on Tuesday, 16th June, 2026, he pledged his commitment to repositioning the institution for greater national and international recognition.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the challenges confronting the university, particularly in the areas of staff welfare, student experience, infrastructure, and institutional development.
He assured the university community that his administration would focus on academic excellence, research advancement, software development, human-centred growth, digital transformation, good governance, adaptation, and global competitiveness.
According to him, “Renewal is also not the responsibility of one individual. Restoration is also not the work of one person alone. The transformation we seek requires collective commitment. I therefore call on every member of the university community to join this movement for a better University of Uyo.”
He added: “I envision a University of Uyo where our classrooms inspire learning, our laboratories drive innovation, our staff are empowered, and our students thrive. I envision a university that once again becomes a reference point for academic excellence, integrity, innovation, and service.”
Presenting his 100-day renewal agenda, Professor Ekong outlined several strategic initiatives, including the decentralisation of UTME admission processes to faculties and departments, the Green and Safe Campus Initiative, rehabilitation and opening of internal roads, expansion of commercial agriculture through the Faculty of Agriculture, and a comprehensive audit of the university’s infrastructure, finances, and human resources.
He stated that maintenance of internal roads would be handled by the Department of Civil Engineering, while fabrication and maintenance of classroom facilities would involve relevant engineering units.
The Vice Chancellor also announced the introduction of biometric data capturing for staff and students to ensure accurate records and improve access control, disclosing that the exercise would commence on 2nd October, 2026.
As part of efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability, Professor Ekong disclosed that his administration would engage staff, students, alumni, unions, and other stakeholders. He also promised to publish a Vice Chancellor’s statement on standards for transparency and accountability.
He further revealed plans to introduce modern security technologies, including surveillance cameras, drones, and biometric systems, while promoting stronger collaboration with host communities and security agencies.
On infrastructure and aesthetics, the Vice Chancellor promised to beautify the university through artistic designs on walls, gates, and buildings, renovate abandoned structures, maintain existing facilities, as well as adopt a sustainable management approach for hostels and lecture theatres. He also promised 24-hour internet access across faculties.
Professor Ekong emphasised that his administration would prioritise academic quality, improve the university’s ranking, support staff participation in international conferences, and maintain zero tolerance for cultism and sexual harassment.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, as well as former Vice Chancellors: Professors Akpan Ekpo, Comfort Ekpo, and Akaneren Essien for their support.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, Dr Muiz Banire, while presenting Professor Ekong to the university community, stated that the office of the Vice Chancellor was more administrative than academic, stressing the need for a leader who possessed strong networks and the ability to attract opportunities to the institution.
“You must have someone who can open doors for the university, someone whose reputation and connections can bring opportunities and development,” Banire stated.
He urged the new Vice Chancellor to work closely with his former contestants and consider incorporating their ideas into his administration.
The Pro-Chancellor also announced that the university would soon commence the construction of a-5,000 beds hostel to address accommodation challenges faced by students.
In her remarks, the Registrar of the university, Mrs Blossom Okorie, commended the immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Odewumi, for his dedication and commitment to the institution during a critical transition period.
She noted that his stewardship ensured administrative stability and a smooth process that led to the successful emergence of the ninth Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo. She hoped this spirit would continue to grow with the new administration.
According to her, the university community demonstrated maturity by placing the collective interest of the institution above personal considerations and ensuring that the university remained focused on its core mandates of teaching, research, community service, and human capital development.
She described the transition as not merely the end of a tenure but a successful transfer of leadership responsibility and a new chapter in the history of the university.
