By Edet Ikotidem
The Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem has thrown his weight behind the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Professor OtoAbasi Akpan, describing his appointment by Governoty.
AKHA Deputy Speaker Backs AKSU VC, Hails Gov. Eno for Merit-Based Appointment of Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan
The Deputy Speaker made the remarks when political leaders, government officials and prominent stakeholders from Itu Local Government Area paid a courtesy visit to Professor Akpan at the University’s main campus in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The visit was not merely a political or ceremonial gathering. It was a show of solidarity and a celebration of one of Itu’s own who has risen to occupy one of the most significant academic leadership positions in the state.
AKHA Deputy Speaker Backs AKSU VC
According to the Deputy Speaker, the people of Itu are proud of Professor Akpan’s emergence as Vice Chancellor and grateful to Governor Eno for providing their son the opportunity to serve at the highest administrative level of the institution.
He noted that the rapid expansion taking place at the University, particularly the creation of new academic programmes and departments, was evidence that the Vice Chancellor understood the demands of his office and was determined to move the institution forward.
He also pointed to the visible construction and development activities taking place across the University, observing that the institution was increasingly taking on the appearance of a major construction and development site.
With the direction in which AKSU is currently heading, he expressed optimism that the sky remains the limit for the University and, by extension, Akwa Ibom State.
The Deputy Speaker further encouraged Professor Akpan, the people of Itu and Akwa Ibom indigenes at home and in the diaspora to support the developmental vision of the Governor through the ARISE Agenda Season Two.
He said the continuity of policies and programmes capable of producing tangible development was important to the long-term progress of the state, urging stakeholders to continue to support initiatives that advance education, human capital development and economic growth.
He also emphasised the wealth of professional expertise within Itu, noting that the Local Government Area was blessed with people in different fields whose knowledge, experience and networks could be deployed to support AKSU’s growth.
He therefore called on Itu professionals to see the University’s development as a collective responsibility and identify areas where they could contribute meaningfully to its academic and institutional advancement.
The Commissioner for Housing and political leader of Itu, Dr. Henry Archibong, described the occasion as particularly significant because it marked the first time an indigene of Itu had risen to become Vice Chancellor of a university in Akwa Ibom State.
He said the stakeholders were at the University to celebrate Professor Akpan, acknowledge his achievements and demonstrate their pride in his leadership.
Dr. Archibong commended the Vice Chancellor for making Itu proud through his academic and administrative accomplishments, while expressing appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for recognising the capacity of the people of Itu and appointing their son as the fourth Vice Chancellor of AKSU.
For the Itu political leader, the appointment was not simply a personal achievement for Professor Akpan. It was also a moment of pride for the entire local government and an opportunity for the people to demonstrate their support for his success.
The Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, also expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to Governor Eno for giving an Itu indigene the opportunity to serve as Vice Chancellor of the institution.
He acknowledged the importance of having someone from Itu lead a university community, stressing that AKSU remained a strategic institution whose growth and success were directly connected to the development of Akwa Ibom State.
He therefore pledged the support of the local government and its people to the Vice Chancellor as he continues to steer the affairs of the University.
Former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Obongawan Grace Ekong, described Professor Akpan as academically and administratively sound.
She expressed confidence that his qualifications, experience and performance would continue to open new doors for him and enable him to make a lasting contribution to the development of the University.
Professor Etuk Ekanem, who described himself as an insider, noted that Professor Akpan was the fourth Vice Chancellor of the University.
He expressed optimism that, by the end of the Vice Chancellor’s tenure, the people of Akwa Ibom would have even greater reasons to be proud of his achievements.
He also pledged his support throughout Professor Akpan’s tenure.
Responding, Professor OtoAbasi Akpan expressed gratitude to God for His goodness and mercies, while thanking Governor Umo Eno for appointing him as the fourth Vice Chancellor of the University.
He also expressed appreciation to the Itu stakeholders for taking the time to visit him, describing their presence as a demonstration of the unity, brotherhood and support that exist among the people of Itu.
The Vice Chancellor said the solidarity shown by political leaders and other stakeholders was encouraging, noting that leadership becomes easier when people are willing to provide support and constructive partnership.
Professor Akpan subsequently highlighted some of the developments recorded since he assumed office.
According to him, he inherited 42 academic programmes but has increased the number to 103. Similarly, the number of faculties has risen from eight to 19, with the Faculty of Law being the latest addition.
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He also announced the development of the College of Medicine and Surgery, expressing confidence that the college would be completed and handed over to Akwa Ibom State as a gift to commemorate the anniversary of the state’s creation.
The Vice Chancellor explained that his administration had focused on responding to the needs of the University community, the people of Akwa Ibom and the wider interests of the state.
He said he had also leveraged his professional and institutional networks to attract opportunities to the University.
According to him, the first year of his administration was largely devoted to introducing new academic programmes, while the second year focused on consolidation and physical development.
He further disclosed that his engagement with Governor Eno contributed to the handing over of the Ibom Model Farm to the University, creating another opportunity for AKSU to strengthen its agricultural education, research and practical training.
The developments highlighted during the visit paint a picture of an institution undergoing significant expansion.
From the increase in academic programmes and faculties to the development of new facilities and the planned College of Medicine and Surgery, AKSU appears to be positioning itself for a broader role in the educational and economic development of Akwa Ibom.
For the people of Itu, Professor Akpan’s emergence as Vice Chancellor is a source of particular pride. But beyond the celebration of an indigene occupying a prominent position, the greater expectation is that his tenure will leave behind an institution that is stronger, more competitive and better equipped to serve future generations.
That expectation also explains the significance of the stakeholders’ visit.
Their message was clear: Professor Akpan has the support of his people, Governor Eno’s appointment has been welcomed as a recognition of merit, and the growth of AKSU should be treated as a shared responsibility.
As construction activities increase and new academic frontiers emerge, the challenge now is to sustain the momentum.
If the current trajectory is maintained, the transformation of AKSU could become not only a source of pride for Itu, but a significant milestone in Akwa Ibom’s continuing investment in education, knowledge and human capital development.
