New UniUyo VC Promises Digital Overhaul, Internet Access, Cracks Down On Cultism, Sexual Harassment

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UYO – The newly inaugurated Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UniUyo), Professor Christopher Ekong, has pledged to ensure a 24-hour internet access and the full digitisation of the university’s ICT infrastructure as part of efforts to reposition the institution for academic excellence and global competitiveness.

Ekong, who was formally invested as the ninth substantive Vice Chancellor of the university on Tuesday, said work had already commenced on improving internet connectivity across the institution, assuring staff and students that reliable digital infrastructure would become a key driver of teaching, learning, research and administration.

The Vice Chancellor also announced plans to introduce biometric capturing and access-control systems within his first 100 days in office, explaining that the initiative would help determine the actual number of staff and students in the institution while strengthening campus security and accountability.

As part of efforts to improve governance and operational efficiency, he disclosed that his administration would undertake a comprehensive institutional audit covering infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programmes and administrative systems.

Ekong further pledged to tackle insecurity across all campuses through the deployment of modern security technologies, including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, drones and biometric log-in systems, stressing that his administration would leave no vulnerability unchecked.

According to him, the university would also deepen engagement with host communities to strengthen intelligence gathering and collaboration in securing lives and property within and around the institution’s campuses.

The Vice Chancellor, however, adopted a hardline stance against cultism and sexual harassment, declaring zero tolerance for both offences and warning that offenders would face swift disciplinary action.

“We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and cultism. The panel will not sit for more than 72 hours, and anyone found culpable will be shown the way out of the university,” he stated.

Ekong also disclosed plans to outsource the management of critical facilities such as hostels and lecture theatres to professional facility managers in a bid to ensure sustainable maintenance and improve service delivery.

He further promised to embark on extensive environmental renewal projects, including regular grass-cutting, landscaping and beautification of the university environment through artistic designs on walls, gates and buildings, while also refurbishing dilapidated structures and maintaining existing facilities.

The Vice Chancellor said the combined reforms were aimed at creating a more secure, technologically driven and aesthetically appealing learning environment capable of meeting the expectations of students, staff and other stakeholders.

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Muiz Banire, congratulated Ekong on his emergence through what he described as a rigorous and competitive process. He urged him to remain focused on the task ahead despite the challenges that accompanied his appointment.

Banire acknowledged that the process leading to the emergence of the new Vice Chancellor was turbulent and, at times, contentious, but advised him to forgive those who opposed his candidature and avoid distractions that could hinder the progress of the institution.

The outgoing Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Odewumi, also charged Ekong to concentrate on transforming the university rather than dwelling on past controversies, expressing confidence that the new administration would build on existing achievements and move the institution to greater heights. He applauded the Registrar, Mrs Blossom Okorie for her proficiency in the management of the institution.

Earlier, the Registrar of the University, Mrs Blossom Okorie, said the twin ceremonies were organised not only to mark the end of a tenure but to celebrate a period of purposeful leadership and a seamless transition in the institution’s administration.

She commended the outgoing Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Odewumi, for his wisdom, dedication and unwavering commitment to the welfare of staff and students, as well as his efforts in promoting peace and inclusiveness within the university community.

Okorie described Odewumi’s successful supervision of the process that produced the university’s ninth substantive Vice Chancellor as one of his most enduring legacies. According to her, the institution was celebrating not merely the successful completion of a tenure but also the effective transfer of the baton of leadership. She welcomed Professor Christopher Ekong to office and expressed optimism that the University of Uyo would continue to advance in excellence under his administration.