The Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Uyo (UniUyo), Muiz Banire (SAN), has announced that the institution has secured approximately N2 billion to fund its digitisation programme. This initiative is part of efforts to modernise operations and strengthen academic delivery at the university.
Banire made the disclosure on Tuesday during the unveiling of Prof. Chris Ekong as the ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university, held at its main campus in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He stated that the funding was secured in addition to the institution’s regular interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), noting that the university has witnessed significant financial improvements in recent years.
According to Banire, the institution’s fortunes changed following the resolution of the leadership crisis that culminated in the appointment of an acting vice-chancellor. “Today, we reap from TETFund as if it is rainfall. Today, the university has achieved financial stability,” Banire said, adding that the institution now enjoys a healthy financial position compared to previous years.
He commended the outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Odewumi, for stabilising the university during a critical period and ensuring a seamless transition to a substantive administration. Describing Odewumi’s tenure as impactful, Banire said he “came, saw and conquered,” while laying the foundation for sustained growth and development.
The council chairman also expressed confidence in the new vice-chancellor, describing Ekong as a committed stakeholder with a deep passion for the advancement of the institution. Addressing the new helmsman, Banire said his emergence reflected the wishes of the university community, declaring that “the voice of the people is the voice of God.”
In his inaugural address, Ekong, a professor of Economics and former Chief Economic Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Government, pledged to restore excellence, deepen scholarship and reposition the university for greater competitiveness. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, among others, for their support and confidence in his leadership.
The new vice-chancellor said his administration would decentralise the admission process by returning key responsibilities under the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) admission system to faculties and departments. He also promised to improve physical infrastructure, strengthen academic programmes and enhance the overall learning environment within the institution.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG), Enobong Uwah, announced that his foundation would collaborate with the university management to construct a building befitting the institution’s status after consultations with the new vice-chancellor.
