Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE University of Uyo Alumni Association has congratulated Professor Chris Ekong on his appointment as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, describing his emergence as a triumph of academic excellence and a source of renewed hope for the institution.
Speaking during a novelty football match held on Sunday as part of activities to welcome the new Vice Chancellor, the President of the association, Mr Ekerette Adiaeduo, said Prof. Ekong’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the university’s history.
He described the new Vice Chancellor as a distinguished scholar, administrator and alumnus whose wealth of experience positions him to advance the institution’s core mandates of teaching, research and community service.
“Prof. Ekong’s emergence is a proud moment for UNIUYO and a victory for academic excellence,” Adiaeduo said. “As one of our own, his leadership gives alumni across Nigeria and in the diaspora renewed confidence in the future of the university.”
He added that the alumni body was committed to supporting the new administration and urged members worldwide to rally behind the Vice Chancellor’s vision for the institution.
“We celebrate this milestone with our alma mater and with Prof. Ekong, who embodies the UNIUYO spirit of hard work, integrity and service. We are optimistic that under his leadership, the university will consolidate its achievements in infrastructure, research output and student welfare while strengthening its impact within Akwa Ibom State and beyond,” he said.
Adiaeduo noted that the association looks forward to working closely with the university management to deepen alumni engagement, expand mentorship programmes and drive development projects that will benefit both students and the institution.
Reflecting on his first year in office as president of the association, Adiaeduo, who marks one year in office on June 26, said unity among alumni remained one of his administration’s major achievements.
“We went into that election without blackmailing anybody. Today, all the contestants maintain a robust relationship. Elections will come and go, but UNIUYO will remain. We cannot destroy ourselves because of personal interests,” he said.
He stressed that his desire is to be remembered for fostering unity among alumni and encouraging collective efforts towards the growth of the university.
“I want to be remembered for bringing alumni together to join forces in making the University of Uyo uniquely great,” he said.
According to him, the association is currently renovating the Elf Auditorium, which had fallen into disrepair, ahead of a special lecture scheduled for June 26. The lecture will be delivered by a distinguished alumnus serving in the Presidency in Abuja.
Prof. Ekong, a respected academic and administrator with decades of service to the University of Uyo, has been widely welcomed by stakeholders as a leader whose appointment combines institutional experience with a fresh vision for the future.
His emergence as the university’s 9th substantive Vice Chancellor is expected to usher in a new phase of growth and development for the 33-year-old institution.
