UYO – The newly inaugurated Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UniUyo), Professor Christopher Ekong, has declared an uncompromising war against cultism and sexual harassment, warning that anyone found culpable would face disciplinary action and dismissal within 72 hours.
Professor Ekong made the declaration on Tuesday during his investiture as the ninth substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution, unveiling an ambitious reform agenda aimed at strengthening security, digitalising operations and transforming the university into a globally competitive institution.
The Vice Chancellor said his administration would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of misconduct and insecurity across the university’s campuses.
“We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and cultism. Any investigative panel handling such matters will not sit for more than 72 hours, and anyone found culpable will be shown the way out of the university,” he stated.
As part of his first 100-day action plan, Ekong announced the introduction of biometric data capture to establish the actual population of staff and students, enhance access control and improve administrative efficiency.
He also disclosed plans to undertake a comprehensive institutional audit covering infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programmes and administrative systems.
To tackle insecurity, the Vice Chancellor said the university would deploy modern technology, including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, drones and biometric login systems, while strengthening collaboration with host communities to safeguard all campuses.
“We shall ensure zero insecurity outcomes across all campuses, block all security vulnerabilities and deploy cutting-edge technologies to secure the university environment,” he said.
Professor Ekong further revealed plans to outsource the management of critical facilities, including hostels and lecture theatres, to professional facility managers to ensure sustainability and proper maintenance.
He also promised uninterrupted internet access for both staff and students, noting that work had already commenced on the full digitisation of the university’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure.
According to him, efforts would also be made to improve the aesthetic appeal of the institution through regular landscaping, grass cutting, artistic beautification of buildings and gates, as well as the renovation of dilapidated structures.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the university, Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), congratulated Professor Ekong on his emergence through a competitive selection process and advised him to forgive those who opposed his appointment.
“The journey to this day has been turbulent and, at times, traumatic. I urge you to overlook your detractors and remain focused on the enormous task ahead.
“There is no room for revenge and certainly no time for it,” Banire said.
He, however, noted that legitimate institutional reforms should still be pursued where necessary.
Also speaking, the immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Odewumi, advised the new helmsman not to dwell on past controversies but to concentrate on the task of repositioning and transforming the University of Uyo for greater excellence.
