ORUK ANAM – The people of Ikot Esenam Community in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Professor Joseph Essien as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology (FUATECH), Obio Akpa.
The community described the appointment as a landmark achievement that has brought pride, hope, and renewed confidence to Ikot Esenam, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, and Akwa Ibom State as a whole.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Village Council, Prof. Francis Udoudoh, and the Secretary, Mr. Dominic Utin, the community said the appointment reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to merit, competence, and the advancement of higher education in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the announcement was received with widespread excitement and gratitude, noting that the President’s decision to entrust Prof. Essien with the leadership of the newly established institution demonstrates confidence in his academic excellence, visionary leadership, and administrative capacity.
“The appointment is not only a personal honour to Prof. Essien and his family but also a significant milestone for Ikot Esenam Community and Oruk Anam Local Government Area,” the statement noted.
The community also extended special appreciation to the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, for his steadfast commitment to the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State, describing his role in attracting federal presence and opportunities to the state as exemplary.
It further acknowledged Senator Akpabio’s contributions toward the realization of the appointment, describing his support as invaluable and worthy of commendation.
Similarly, the community commended Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering support and dedication to educational development in the state.
The statement particularly praised the governor’s approval of the Obio Akpa campus of Akwa Ibom State University as the take-off and permanent site of FUATECH, noting that the decision underscores his commitment to expanding educational opportunities and driving socio-economic development across the state.
The community emphasized that Prof. Essien’s emergence as Vice Chancellor signifies more than an administrative appointment, describing it as the dawn of a new era of educational advancement, agricultural innovation, scientific research, and technological development.
Expressing confidence in the new Vice Chancellor’s ability to lay a solid foundation for the institution, the community said his wealth of experience, leadership credentials, and academic accomplishments position him to transform FUATECH into a centre of excellence.
The statement added that the university is expected to play a critical role in producing graduates equipped to address contemporary challenges in agriculture, science, technology, and national development.
As congratulatory messages continue to pour in from within and outside Akwa Ibom State, the community reaffirmed its gratitude to President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Eno, and all stakeholders whose support and advocacy contributed to what it described as a historic appointment.
Before his appointment, Prof. Essien, a renowned Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Uyo, had built a distinguished academic and administrative career.
Since attaining the rank of professor in 2010, he has served in several strategic positions, including Head of the Department of Microbiology, Vice Dean, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
He also served as Senior Research Scientist at the International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research (ICEESR), University of Uyo, where he distinguished himself in research leadership, policy development, and mentorship of emerging scholars.
Throughout his career, Prof. Essien has championed academic excellence, strengthened research capacity, and contributed significantly to the advancement of science education and sustainable development in Nigeria.
