Akwa Ibom Govt Inaugurates AKSU Governing Council

The Governor also  approved the appointment of Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, as the Chancellor of the institution.

The appointments signal a strategic move to consolidate leadership stability and strengthen governance at the state-owned university.

Professor Akpan’s emergence as substantive Vice Chancellor places the responsibility of academic and administrative leadership squarely on his shoulders. He is expected to drive policy direction, research advancement, infrastructural development and staff-student welfare in line with global best practices in higher education management.

As Chancellor, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk is expected to provide ceremonial leadership and moral guidance, leveraging his stature as Oku Ibom Ibibio to deepen institutional credibility and foster stronger ties between the university and the wider Ibibio community.

Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, the Okuibom Ibibio

The dual appointments are widely seen as part of the state government’s broader agenda to reposition Akwa Ibom State University for greater competitiveness, innovation and relevance in Nigeria’s evolving tertiary education landscape.

Stakeholders within the academic community anticipate that the new leadership structure will usher in renewed focus on academic excellence, discipline, institutional reforms and strategic partnerships capable of elevating the university’s national and international profile.

Eno Inaugurates AKSU Governing Council

Similarly, Eno inaugurated a seven-member Governing Council of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), with Senator Udoma Udo Udoma as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council.

The inauguration ceremony, held at Government House, Uyo on Monday, also featured the Governor’s formal congratulations to His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, on his appointment as Chancellor of the University, as well as Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan as the substantive Vice Chancellor.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Governor Eno commended the Vice Chancellor for what he described as purposeful and result-driven leadership that has repositioned the institution.

He particularly lauded the successful accreditation secured for the Faculty of Law and other academic programmes, attributing the achievement to effective collaboration with relevant regulatory and accreditation bodies.

Eno described AKSU as one of the most sought-after institutions in the state and across the country, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector under the ARISE Agenda. He noted that education remains a critical tool for social mobility and sustainable development.

The State Chief Executive highlighted government support to the institution, listing the award of contracts for the construction of internal roads at the main campus, consistent payment of subventions, and bursaries to students in tertiary institutions as part of deliberate efforts to improve learning conditions and access to quality education.

He charged members of the newly inaugurated Governing Council to uphold discipline and ensure zero tolerance for cultism and other anti-social activities within the university system. Stressing that degrees must reflect both learning and character, the Governor urged students to remain focused on academic excellence and personal development.

The Governor congratulated the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, and other members of the board, expressing confidence in their capacity to advance the institution’s growth and maintain high standards of governance.

Other members of the Governing Council include Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Surveyor Mfoniso Essien, Lady Stella Udoh, Dr. Enefiok Edem, Prof. Ubong Essien, and Dr. Frank Ekpenyong.