…seeks partnership for University’s growth
By Ime Silas
The newly inaugurated Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Chris Ekong, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships for the institution’s development.
The visit, held at the Senate President’s office in Abuja, was one of Prof. Ekong’s first post-inauguration engagements with critical national stakeholders. It comes barely days after he assumed office as the 9th Substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Ekong said the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration between the University of Uyo and key arms of government with a view to advancing the university’s vision of academic excellence, institutional renewal, innovation, and sustainable development.
He described Senator Akpabio as a consistent advocate of education and national development, and expressed appreciation for the Senate President’s continued support for the growth of higher institutions in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
“Your leadership at the National Assembly has continued to give hope to the education sector. As we begin a new administration at the University of Uyo, we are determined to lead with purpose, transparency, and a commitment to transformational progress,” Prof. Ekong said.
The Vice Chancellor outlined his administration’s priorities to include strengthening research output, improving infrastructure, expanding digital learning, and positioning the University of Uyo as a globally competitive institution that can attract partnerships and funding.
In response, Senator Akpabio congratulated Prof. Ekong on his appointment and pledged the support of the National Assembly in advancing legislation and appropriations that will benefit tertiary institutions across the country.
The Senate President noted that universities remain critical to Nigeria’s development agenda and stressed the need for university leadership to align with national priorities while maintaining institutional autonomy and accountability.
The meeting was a manifestation of what the two leaders described as a shared commitment towards strengthening higher education in Nigeria, promoting quality research, and improving the physical and academic infrastructure of federal universities.
University of Uyo officials who accompanied the Vice Chancellor said the engagement marks another significant step in building strategic relationships that will drive the institution toward greater heights under the new administration.
Prof. Ekong’s inauguration has been widely received within and outside the university community, with expectations high for reforms that will address issues of funding, research, student welfare, and industry collaboration.
Since taking office, the new Vice Chancellor has embarked on a series of consultations with alumni, traditional rulers, government officials, and development partners. The visit to the Senate President is expected to open new channels for legislative support, especially in areas of budgetary allocation, constituency projects, and interventions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund.
As the University of Uyo marks another chapter in its history, stakeholders say the focus of the new administration on partnership-building and transparency will be key to sustaining the institution’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading centers of learning.
