New university will reshape Akwa Ibom education sector — VC

The newly established Akwa Ibom State University of Education, according to its pioneer Vice-Chancellor Prof. Philip Afaha, will play a significant role in reshaping the state's education sector and equipping graduates with skills for the evolving global economy. Afaha made these remarks during the university's inaugural engagement with its community members.

The institution, formerly known as the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, gained university status following a legislative amendment signed by Governor Umo Eno on July 28, 2026.

Afaha, appointed by Governor Eno during the state's World Teachers' Day celebration, emphasized that his role as the first Vice-Chancellor is not a personal accolade but a responsibility to the institution and its stakeholders. He highlighted the university's commitment to teaching, research, and community service, offering a diverse range of programs in pedagogical sciences, humanities, management, natural sciences, social sciences, computing, and emerging knowledge systems.

The curriculum, Afaha stated, will align with the National Universities Commission standards and global best practices.

Key priorities of Afaha's administration include academic excellence, institutional culture, and infrastructure development. The university aims to foster research, commercialize research outputs, and develop innovations that tackle societal and economic challenges. The VC called for unity among the university community, urging members to set aside personal differences for the institution's betterment.

He pledged to promote mentorship, training, workshops, and collaborations with other institutions while maintaining fairness, discipline, and justice. Infrastructure-wise, Afaha's administration plans to upgrade existing facilities and construct new ones to facilitate teaching, learning, and research.

Seeking support from entrepreneurs, development partners, and corporate organizations, Afaha emphasized that a public university like the one being established belongs to the people, and their ownership is crucial for its survival. The VC dismissed the need for solely dependent on government funding, stating that the university would explore partnerships and interventions within and beyond Nigeria.

He emphasized that the university's establishment is timely, given the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, and genetic editing, necessitating a shift towards modern educational systems. Afaha envisions the university producing not just job seekers but also educationists, innovators, and entrepreneurs capable of competing globally.

Addressing the first batch of university students, Afaha congratulated them on their achievement and cautioned against activities that could tarnish the institution's reputation, such as cultism, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, and other unethical behaviors. He urged them to deliver tangible results to earn global applause.