UNIUYO HOST COMMUNITIES CELEBRATE APPOINTMENT OF PROF. Christopher EKONG AS VICE CHANCELLOR

Uyo

Stakeholders and leaders of the University of Uyo host communities have congratulated Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong on his appointment as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, describing his emergence as a historic milestone for both the institution and its host communities.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting of the University of Uyo Host Communities Committee held on May 29, 2026, at the Palace of the Village Head of Eniong Offot, who is also the Clan Head of Offot Ukwa and Paramount Ruler of Uyo.
The Committee noted that Professor Ekong’s emergence through a rigorous and competitive selection process reflects his academic excellence, administrative competence, integrity, and commitment to institutional development.
Members expressed confidence that the new Vice Chancellor possesses the vision and leadership capacity required to reposition the University of Uyo for greater relevance, innovation, academic excellence, and global competitiveness at a time when higher education institutions face increasing challenges relating to funding, infrastructure, technology, research, and international visibility.
The host communities particularly expressed satisfaction that, for the first time since the establishment of the University of Uyo, a distinguished son of the host communities has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the institution as substantive Vice Chancellor.
They described the appointment as a source of pride and renewed hope for the host communities whose lands and contributions have supported the growth and expansion of the University over the years.
The Committee commended the Federal Government, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Governing Council of the University of Uyo, the University Senate, and all stakeholders involved in the selection process for ensuring a transparent and merit-based exercise that produced Professor Ekong as Vice Chancellor.
While pledging their support to the new Vice Chancellor, the host communities urged him to build on the achievements of his predecessors by pursuing policies that would strengthen academic excellence, research development, staff welfare, infrastructure expansion, entrepreneurship, innovation, and institutional sustainability.
They further encouraged him to promote inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, and harmonious relations among management, staff, students, alumni, and host communities.
The Committee also appealed to the Vice Chancellor to aggressively pursue international collaborations, donor partnerships, research grants, academic exchange programmes, and strategic investments capable of enhancing the University’s global standing and internally generated revenue.
The stakeholders emphasized the need to strengthen town-and-gown relations through regular engagement with host communities, community-inclusive policies, youth empowerment initiatives, employment opportunities, environmental sustainability programmes, and mutually beneficial development projects.
Expressing optimism about the future of the institution under Professor Ekong’s leadership, the Committee stated that the University of Uyo is well positioned to consolidate its reputation as a leading centre of excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community service.
The communiqué was endorsed by 43 representatives of the University of Uyo host communities, including:
Hon. Joseph Edem; Hon. Augustine Ita Etinan; Hon. Domingo Bassey Etim; Elder Aloysius Edet Etim; Obong Sylvanus A. Akpan; Obong Joseph B. Akpan; Ubon Edem Inyang; Nicholas Titus Ekpo; Francis Ima Ataja; Elder Emmanuel Edet Jonah; Elder Clement Ottoh; Deacon Anesthasia Sunday Jimmy; Obongawan Princess Ekette F. Nyong; Utu Obong Godwin Edet; Obong Peace Bassey Okon; Anthony Peter Edem (Secretary); Udo Bassey Udo (Chairman); Don Brown Kuthinyo; Anthony Etim Udoe; Okon Emmanuel Dem Enwong; Elder Richard Ita Okokon; Christopher Ekpenyong Etim; Amiable Edem Okon; Ubon Okon Peter; Christopher Edet Solomon; Elder Iboro M. Inyang; Monday S. Udoesen; Charity Okon Etim; Obot Peter Okon; Glory Alfred Effiong; Iniobong Effiong Bassey; Idorenyin Effiong Udo; Ubon Marvel Okon; Obong Elder Patrick Andubon; Otuekong Eniefiok Ekefre; Elder Oliver Etim; Elder Iniebong Udo; Elder Effiong Emmanuel Udo; Elder Christopher Ekeso; Ransom Patrick Unung; Gabriel Fred; Etiebong Bassey James; and Elder Anthony Ukpe.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the University administration and expressed confidence that Professor Ekong’s tenure would usher in a new era of institutional growth, stability, innovation, and stronger community engagement.