The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) has secured N2bn in funding for its academic digitisation programme, according to Muiz Banire, chairman of the institution's governing council. He disclosed the funding during the unveiling of Professor Chris Ekong as the university's 9th substantive Vice Chancellor at the main campus in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Banire stated that UNIUYO has also regained access to TETFUND grants, describing the inflow as "rainfall" after years of financial instability that had previously prevented the governing council from meeting. He credited outgoing acting Vice Chancellor Samuel Odewumi with restoring order, saying Odewumi "came, saw and conquered" during his tenure.
Ekong, a Professor of Economics and former Chief Economic Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State government, pledged to restore excellence in scholarship and return the UTME admission process to departments and faculties. He also committed to improving the university's physical infrastructure and academic offerings. Ekong expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Education Minister Olatunji Alausa for his appointment. Banire described Ekong's appointment as evidence that "the voice of the people is the voice of God," noting the new Vice Chancellor's passion for the institution's development. In a separate remark, Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, announced that his foundation would construct a building for the university following consultations with the new Vice Chancellor.
Muiz Banire celebrates UNIUYO's N2bn digitisation funding and TETFUND access as a turnaround, yet the university only began reaping these benefits after a crisis that forced federal intervention. The same governing council that once lacked funds to meet is now overseeing surplus and major grants, raising questions about prior financial management. Chris Ekong inherits a stabilised institution but inherits expectations tied to promises of academic reform and infrastructure renewal. Enobong Uwah's pledge of a foundation-funded building adds private support to a public university now reliant on both federal grants and individual benefactors.
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