UNIUYO, Host Communities End 35 Years Rift

UYO
The University of Uyo and its host communities have reached a landmark reconciliation after nearly 35 years of strained relations. 
The reconciliation which was achieved recently at the office of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, during a high-level peace and mediation meeting between representatives of the University and leaders of the host communities has opened a new chapter in the history of the institution and its host communities.
In a quick reaction to the trace between the host communities and the University of Uyo, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, described the reconciliation as a historic moment for the institution and an important development for its future.
Ekong acknowledged that the dispute had endured across several administrations and had at times created an environment that was not conducive to the kind of relationship required between a major university and its host communities.
The Vice Chancellor said the University was not interested in sustaining confrontation with its neighbours, but in building genuine partnerships based on communication, mutual respect and shared responsibility.
He explained that while the University remained committed to safeguarding its land and institutional assets, it was equally prepared to listen to the legitimate concerns of the host communities and seek constructive ways of addressing them.
Ekong, while responding to the issues raised by the delegation, said he would hold another meeting with the community leaders as part of efforts to further consolidate and strengthen the peace reached at the meeting.
The proposed follow-up engagement, according to the Vice Chancellor, would provide an opportunity for both parties to deepen discussions around the outstanding issues and establish a stronger framework for sustained cooperation between the University and its host communities.
Ekong further stated that the University needed communities that would identify with the institution, protect its interests and contribute to its peace and security. In the same vein, he said, the University had a responsibility to ensure that its presence continued to generate opportunities, development, knowledge and wider benefits for the surrounding communities.
The Vice Chancellor connected the reconciliation to the University’s broader pursuit of institutional development and academic excellence, stressing that a stable and peaceful environment was indispensable to the growth of any university.
He noted that when disputes and insecurity are reduced, the institution is better positioned to concentrate on teaching, research, innovation, infrastructure, partnerships and other initiatives capable of strengthening its national and international standing.
He therefore expressed optimism that the new relationship with the host communities would contribute significantly to the University’s development agenda and its determination to improve academic excellence and institutional visibility.
Eteidung Ekeso said the community had chosen to embrace peace because continued conflict could serve neither the interests of the people nor those of the University. He recognised the institution as an important neighbour and development partner whose success would also have implications for the surrounding communities.
He assured the University authorities that the community was prepared to work with the Vice Chancellor to preserve the peace achieved, adding that community leaders would not ignore activities capable of threatening the University’s security or property.
The Village Head of Anua Offot, Eteidung Linus Bassey Inyang, described the reconciliation as an encouraging development whose significance extended beyond the immediate parties.
Inyang said communities could no longer afford to allow historical disagreements to determine their relationship with an institution of such strategic importance to the region. He urged all sides to sustain the spirit of dialogue and cooperation that produced the latest breakthrough.
The Chairman of Use Atai Village, Elder Joseph Effiong Akpan, also pledged the community’s support for the emerging peace arrangement, while Obong Pastor Sylvanus Augustine Akpan, Secretary of Use Atai Village, underscored the need for continuous communication between community leaders and the University authorities.
Other members of the delegation included Obong Paulinus Essien Ekpe, Family Head, Udung Udo Abasi Inyang, and Obonganwan Lucy Etuk Udoh, Obonganwan Use Atai.
The parties agreed that the peace achieved must evolve into a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship, with particular attention to community security, prevention of crime and criminality, protection of university land, peaceful resolution of future disputes and support for development initiatives.