UNIUYO secures N2bn funding for digitisation programme

The management of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) says it has secured a funding of N2bn for the digitisation of its programmes in addition to being able to access grants from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for various projects unlike in the past, Muiz Banire, chairman of the governing council has said.

Speaking at the unveiling of the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University held at the institution’s main campus in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, Banire said the University has been reaping from TETFUND as if was rainfall after the crisis that led to the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor for the University.

“Today, we reap TETFUND as if it is a rainfall,’’ he said.

He said the University has achieved “financial stability and has surplus funds unlike the previous years when the governing council could not meet due to lack of money.”

He praised the outgoing acting Vice Chancellor, Samuel Odewumi for restoring stability in the federal university adding that Odewumi came, saw and conquered with the successful transition following the appointment of Chris Ekong as the 9th Vice Chancellor of the University.

According to him, the University is lucky to have Ekong as the 9th Vice Chancellor saying he is passionate about the University’s development.

“Your appointment is a a testament that the voice of the people is the voice of God.’’

In his speech, Ekong, a Professor of Economics and one-time Chief Economic Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State government promised to restore excellence and strengthen scholarship in the University while thanking both President Bola Tinubu and the minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa among others for the appointment.

Ekong promised to return the admission process under the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination to departments and faculties in addition to giving the University a facelift in terms of physical development as well as academic programmes.

Also speaking, Enobong Uwah, Secretary to Akwa Ibom State government announced that his foundation, would after consultation with the Vice Chancellor construct a building befitting the status of the University.