The Ag VC Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan giving speech during the town hall meeting at Obio Akpa campus, AKWA Ibom State University
By Theresa Donatus, Uyo
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Prof. OtoAbasi E. Akpan, has outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform the institution into one of Nigeria’s leading conventional universities through expanded academic programmes, infrastructural upgrades, and improved welfare for staff and students.
Speaking during a town hall meeting at both campuses of the institution recently, Prof. Akpan disclosed his plans to establish a Medical School, Law Programme, and Faculty of Environmental Studies, alongside other strategic programmes that reflect the University’s new status as a conventional institution.
“We are no longer a specialised University; we are a conventional institution. This means we must have a variety of programmes, especially new ones that are relevant to present and future needs,” he stressed.
He further announced the introduction of courses in Innovation, Entrepreneurial Studies, and Robotics, noting that one of his goals is to double the University’s postgraduate student population in the coming years.
To strengthen research and development, Prof. Akpan revealed that the University Senate had been briefed on his proposal to establish five institutes and seven centres across diverse fields of study.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor assured staff of improved welfare packages, including staff buses, enhanced healthcare services, and better accommodation facilities.
He also pledged to create an enabling environment for students with improved sporting facilities and a broader range of academic options beyond science-based disciplines.
Additionally, he disclosed that the University would invite the National Universities Commission (NUC) to verify more postgraduate programmes, a move expected to further raise the institution’s academic profile.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Eta-Ewa Oboho, applauded the Acting Vice-Chancellor’s proactive start, urging both staff and students to key into the reform agenda.
“Our promotion is in our hands. We must do the needful and join the Acting Vice-Chancellor in restructuring and rebuilding the University, no lateness, no loitering, no idleness,” he charged.
Similarly, the Head of Campus and Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Nkanikpo I. Ibok, praised Prof. Akpan’s leadership style and pledged the full commitment of staff to actualize his vision.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Registrar and Secretary to Senate, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, FNIM, represented by Mr. Raphael Ukeme, Director of Human Resources, lauded the Acting Vice-Chancellor’s sense of dedication. He called on staff to reciprocate with loyalty and commitment, stressing that “the responsibilities on his shoulders are enormous, and he needs our full support to succeed.”
The event featured a cultural performance by the Pinnacle Troupe from the Department of Performing Arts, AKSU, adding colour to the interactive session.
In attendance were principal officers of the University, deans of faculties, heads of departments and units, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, as well as staff of the Directorate of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol.
At the close of the meeting, staff members in their numbers pledged unalloyed support to Prof. Akpan, appreciating what they described as his “people-centred leadership style” and reaffirming their commitment to the University’s growth.
