Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated a seven-member Governing Council for the state-owned university, appointing Senator Udoma Udo-Udoma as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.

The Governor also congratulated 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.

Performing the inauguration at Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah commended the Vice – Chancellor for what he described as purposeful and result-driven leadership, which has secured full accreditation for the commencement of a Faculty of Law and other academic programmes.

He particularly lauded the successful accreditation of the Law Faculty, attributing the achievement to Prof. Akpan’s passionate leadership and effective collaboration with relevant regulatory and accreditation bodies across the country.

Describing the institution as one of the most sought-after universities by prospective students within and outside the state, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector as a strategic driver of social mobility and sustainable development, in line with his ARISE Agenda.

Governor Eno highlighted key interventions of his administration in the university, including the award of contracts for the construction of internal roads at the main campus, regular payment of subventions, and bursary awards to students in tertiary institutions.

He charged members of the newly inaugurated Governing Council to uphold discipline and maintain zero tolerance for cultism and other anti-social activities, stressing that university degrees must reflect both learning and character.

He also urged students to remain focused on building strong intellectual foundations for future success and expressed confidence in the leadership capacity of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and other council members, wishing them a successful tenure.

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.