By Dianabasi Effiong
The Chairman, Governing Council, University of Uyo (UniUyo), Muiz Banire, said on Tuesday in Uyo that the management secured not less than N2 billion to fund the noinstitution’s digitisation programme.
Banire, a Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SAN), made this known at the unveiling of the Ninth substantive Vice- Chancellor of UniUyo held at the institution’s main campus, Uyo.
He added that unlike what prevailed in the past the funding secured by the Council was an addition to being from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for various projects at UniUyo.
According to him, the University has been reaping from TETFUND after what he described as the crisis that led to the appointment of an acting Vice-Chancellor for UniUyo.
“Today, we reap from TETFUND as if it is a rainfall. Today the University has achieved financial stability.”
According to him, the institution now has surplus funds unlike what hapoened in the previous years.
He lauded the outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Odewumi for ensuring stability in the federal university adding that Odewumi came, saw, conquered, and ensured a successful transition following the appointment of Prof. Chris Ekong as the ninth substantive Vice- Chancellor of UniUyo.
Banire said the University was lucky to have Ekong as its ninth Vice Chancellor, adding that Ekong was known for his passion for the UniUyo’s development.
Addressing the ninth Vice Chancellor directly, Banire said, “Your appointment is a a testament that the voice of the people is the voice of God.’”
In his inaugural speech, Ekong, a professor of Economics and one-time Chief Economic Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State government, assured that his administration would restore excellence and strengthen scholarship in the University.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, among others for his appointment.
Ekong promised to return the admission process under the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination to departments and faculties in addition to giving the University a facelift in physical development and academic programmes.
Also, the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG), Enobong Uwah, said that his foundation, would after consultation with the Vice-Chancellor to construct a building befitting the status of the University.