By Ime Silas
UYO— The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Christopher Ekong, on Friday, July 24, 2026, formally handed over 10 brand new official vehicles to principal officers and other senior management staff of the institution.
The presentation ceremony took place at the foyer of the Central Administrative Block, Main Campus, Nwaniba Road, and was witnessed by members of the University community, including Deans, Directors, and staff representatives.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ekong said the acquisition was part of his administration’s commitment to strengthen administrative operations and improve mobility across the University’s campuses and external engagements.
“The provision of these vehicles is a deliberate step to enhance administrative efficiency and ensure that our officers have the necessary mobility to discharge their duties effectively,” the Vice-Chancellor stated, adding that “We expect this to support representation duties, day-to-day administration, and the overall smooth running of the University.”
He expressed optimism that the new fleet would enable management to respond faster to official demands, attend to stakeholders, and improve service delivery to students, staff, and the public.
The beneficiaries of the gesture include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Enobong E. Ikpeme; Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Iniobong Uko; the Bursar, Dr. Moses Akpan; and the University Librarian, Dr. Thomas Adigun.
Other recipients are the President of the UNIUYO Women Association, Mrs. Idara Ekong; Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Dianabasi Eduwem; Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Kenneth Opara; and Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Ashong Ashong. The Abuja Liaison Office also received a vehicle, while one was reserved for the use of the Governing Council.
Members of management who received the vehicles expressed appreciation to the University authority for what they described as a timely intervention. Several of them noted that the provision would serve as a morale booster and help improve productivity in their various offices.
“The timing of this gesture is very important,” one of the recipients said, maintaining that “It will reduce the logistical challenges we face in moving across campuses and for official engagements outside Uyo.”
The vehicle rollout is the latest in a series of infrastructure and welfare initiatives being pursued by the Ekong-led administration since assuming office.
University officials said the move aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of renewal, restoration, and transformation aimed at repositioning UNIUYO as a leading institution in teaching, research, and community service.
In recent weeks, the University has prioritized staff welfare, classroom rehabilitation, ICT upgrades, and campus security as part of efforts to create a more conducive environment for learning and administration.
Respondents within the University community say that providing reliable transport for top officers is critical in a multi-campus institution like UNIUYO, where coordination between faculties, directorates, and external offices is constant.
With the new vehicles now in use, management says it expects to see improved response times, better representation at national functions, and more efficient monitoring of projects across the institution.
