The new Vice Chancellor of University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Enefiok Essien said he will place the development of the institution on a front burner.
In doing this, Prof. Essien pledged to sustain and add value to the development records of his predecessor in office, as well as carry everybody along since only through togetherness for a common purpose that he can achieve the heights set before him.
Speaking during a threshold prayer service of his administration held at the Victory Chapel of the University on Tuesday, the new Vice Chancellor said that his administration would welcome advice and constructive criticism that will help to raise the standard of the institution higher.
“Every administration is happy to see the succeeding administration raise the bar of development in that organization, therefore as partners in progress, I urge everybody to endeavour to add value to the system”, Prof. Essien stressed.
He also admonished the students to always show good moral conducts and study hard with a passion to make good results from the University.
In his remarks, Pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Prof. Kimse Okoko represented by Retired General Wilson Gbor, thanked the outgoing VC, Prof Comfort Ekpo for her immense contributions to the development of the institution, saying that the council was pleased with her efforts.
He also congratulated the incoming VC, Prof. Essien and pledged the council’s support to his administration to ensure more successes in the University.
The new Vice Chancellor who took over from Prof. Comfort Ekpo whose five-year tenure in office lapsed on 30th of last month, described the day of his assumption of office as the day the Lord has made and shall remain memorable in his heart.
A Professor of commercial law, Essien who is the 5th Vice Chancellor of the University, was appointed into the coveted office of the institution on October 16, 2015 by the Governing Council of the University presided by the Pro-Chancellor, Prof Kimse Okoko.
Earlier, the chaplain of the University, Rev. Iniobong Udoh in an exhortation, advised the new VC to lean his strength on God, besides the support of management staff and other ranks of the University as well as students.
He also stressed the need for unity and harmony among all and sundry for the University to develop to a greater height academically.
Commenting on the expectations from the new VC, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Professor Linus Asuquo described Prof. Essien’s assumption of office as the new Vice Chancellor as a unique chapter in the development of the University of Uyo.
He advised him to beware of sycophants but make use of good advisers and rely on God for direction in the running of the University.
