UNIUYO’s New VC Unveils Digital Revolution, Targets Cultism, Campus Insecurity

UNIUYO’s New VC Unveils Digital Revolution, Targets Cultism, Campus Insecurity June 18 () — The newly inaugurated Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, has unveiled an ambitious reform agenda to transform the institution into a technologically driven, secure and globally competitive university, with a sweeping digital overhaul topping his priorities. Speaking shortly after assuming office as the ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the federal university, Prof. Ekong outlined a 100-day action plan and a five-year strategic vision centred on digital transformation, enhanced security, infrastructure renewal and the eradication of social vices on campus. The new helmsman pledged to significantly upgrade the institution’s information and communication technology infrastructure through the introduction of campus-wide Wi-Fi services, and expanded internet connectivity across hostels, libraries, faculties and administrative buildings. According to him, the initiative is designed to support seamless e-learning, improve research productivity and align the university with global best practices in higher education. In what could be described as one of the boldest security initiatives proposed by a university administrator in recent years, Prof. Ekong announced plans to deploy drone surveillance technology, modernise existing CCTV systems and establish a central digital security control room to strengthen campus safety. Advertisement The Vice-Chancellor also declared a zero-tolerance policy against cultism, sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct, stressing that the university under his watch would uphold discipline, accountability and academic excellence. Beyond security and technology, he outlined plans for extensive environmental beautification, landscaping projects and the refurbishment of ageing infrastructure across the institution’s campuses. “The University of Uyo will see evidence of progress, movement and a fair sense of responsibility,” he assured members of the university community during his inaugural address. THEWIL reports that Ekong’s emergence has generated optimism among staff, students and stakeholders, with the institution’s Governing Council Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), as well as Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, pledging support for the administration’s reform agenda. Prof. Christopher Nyong Ekong is a distinguished scholar and administrator with decades of experience in higher education. Before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, he served in several strategic academic and administrative positions at the University of Uyo, earning a reputation for scholarship, institutional leadership and commitment to educational development. An accomplished academic, Ekong has contributed extensively to research, teaching and university governance, mentoring generations of students while participating in national and international academic engagements. His appointment marks a new chapter for the institution as it seeks to strengthen its academic standing, embrace digital innovation and improve campus life. Stakeholders who aired their views at the event reason that the success of his administration will largely depend on how quickly the promised reforms are translated into tangible improvements in infrastructure, security and the quality of teaching and learning across the university.