After six meritorious years, Prof Daniel Udo leaves a lasting mark of stability, digital transformation and growth at Afaha Nsit College of Education
After serving meritoriously for six years, including his initial period as Acting Provost from October 2019, Prof Daniel Udo’s stewardship at the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, has been widely associated with resilience, institutional stability and steady progress despite challenging circumstances. His tenure coincided with difficult periods such as the COVID-19 lockdown, which disrupted academic activities, strained infrastructure use and affected revenue, yet the institution managed to stay on course without recoding academic hicopps.
One of the defining achievements of his administration has been the full digitalisation of the college, particularly the remarkable turnaround of its Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre.
Previously blacklisted by JAMB, the centre regained accreditation under his watch and has since evolved into a modern examination hub with a 250-candidate capacity, CCTV surveillance and enhanced facilities. The centre now hosts not only JAMB examinations but also teacher certification tests, recruitment assessments and other national and state examinations, strengthening the college’s educational relevance.
Administrative and financial reforms equally featured prominently during the six-year period. The introduction of ICT-driven payment systems simplified fee processing, improved financial documentation and enhanced transparency.
The administration also addressed inherited tax liabilities while pursuing infrastructural expansion through new projects and the completion of previously abandoned buildings, improving the learning environment and institutional functionality.
On the academic front, the college maintained its core NCE and Degree programmes while broadening access through sandwich, part-time and amnesty programmes designed to accommodate diverse learners. Staff development, promotions, seminars, improved welfare initiatives and better student support services were also emphasised, alongside sustained engagement with the host community.
For many stakeholders, Prof Udo’s six years in office reflect a leadership style anchored on adaptability, innovation and human-centred administration.
While perspectives on any tenure may differ, his period as Provost is widely seen as one that stabilised the institution, advanced digital transformation and positioned the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, for continued academic and infrastructural growth.
It is important and quite impressive to note that, throughout the six years of Prof Udo’s administration, the incessant industrial disharmony that used to disrupt the academic calendar of the College was was addressed to a standstill. Prof is a man that would not accept anything outside due process. For that reason, some of the Union leaders who were familiar with “anything goes”, became uncomfortable and pushed hard against him even to a personal confrontation.
Prof Udo is an academia, a leader per excellence and a strong supporter and believer of Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
There’s no doubt that a number of well-meaning individuals and groups in the newly upgraded University are praying for the return of Prof Daniel Udo as the Head of the institution.
