{
  "id": 12915041,
  "title": "New university will reshape Akwa Ibom education sector — VC",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/new-university-will-reshape-akwa-ibom-education-sector-vc",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-08T17:44:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/new-university-will-reshape-akwa-ibom-education-sector-vc/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prof. Philip Afaha, the inaugural Vice-Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, has revealed that the recently established institution aims to revolutionize the state's education sector and develop graduates equipped for the evolving global economy. This institution previously served as the Akwa Ibom State College of Education until it received university status after a new law was enacted by Governor Umo Eno on July 28, 2026.\n\nAfaha, appointed as the university's first vice-chancellor during a World Teachers' Day celebration, emphasized that his role is a responsibility rather than a personal victory. He stated that the university will focus on teaching, research, and community service, offering a diverse range of programs encompassing pedagogical sciences, humanities, management, natural sciences, social sciences, computing, and emerging knowledge systems. The institution also plans to align its curriculum with the National Universities Commission's standards and global best practices.\n\nAccording to Afaha, academic excellence, institutional culture, and infrastructure will be key priorities during his tenure. He emphasizes the university's commitment to research, commercializing research outcomes, and developing innovations to tackle societal and economic challenges. He also calls for an end to divisions and factionalism among faculty members, urging the university community to prioritize the institution's interests over personal differences.\n\nAfrican leaders must prioritize education to compete in the global economy, stated Afaha. He appeals to entrepreneurs, development partners, and corporate organizations for support with classroom facilities, hostels, laboratories, computers, internet connectivity, and other necessary equipment. Afaha believes that a public university like this belongs to the people, and it must receive their support to continue its operations.\n\nAfaha believes that the changing landscape of technology, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, and genetic editing, necessitates a reevaluation of existing educational systems. He insists that the university will produce not only conventional job seekers but also educationists, innovators, and entrepreneurs ready to compete globally. Addressing the first cohort of students, the vice-chancellor congratulates them on joining a university and warns against acts like cultism, examination malpractice, and sexual harassment that could tarnish the institution's reputation.",
  "summary": "The pioneer VC of the new Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Prof. Philip Afaha, says the institution will produce skilled graduates for the global e Read More: https://punchng.com/new-university-will-reshape-akwa-ibom-education-sector-vc/",
  "key_points": [
    "Akwa Ibom State University of Education aims to reshape the state's education sector.",
    "Prof. Philip Afaha appointed as inaugural Vice-Chancellor during World Teachers Day celebration.",
    "University to focus on teaching, research, community service with diverse programs."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "New university will reshape Akwa Ibom education sector — VC",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/new-university-will-reshape-akwa-ibom-education-sector-vc-12918399",
        "published": "2026-10-08T18:00:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}