Revert AKSU to Science and Tech University in line with Attah’s vision -Open Forum

Open Forum, a prominent advocacy group, has called for the return of the original vision of former Governor Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah, for the establishment of a specialized University of Science and Technology in Akwa Ibom State.

This call, earlier made during the 16th Edition of the Open Forum Town Hall Meeting held on June 7, 2024, was re-presented to the House of Assembly, recently.

According to the group’s position paper made available to Diaspora Digital Media, the advocacy group has urged the current administration of Governor Umo Eno to revisit the policy that transformed the specialized Akwa Ibom State University of Science and Technology into a conventional university, now known as Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU).

The university currently operates with its main campus at Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area (LGA), and a satellite campus at Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam LGA (formerly the College of Agriculture).

Open Forum emphasized that the original vision of the Obong Attah-led administration to establish a specialized university with a clearly defined masterplan should be reinstated.

The group proposed that the current  AKSU be retained with its main campus at Obio Akpa, while a new campus dedicated to science and technology be established in any other local government area within the Oro Nation axis of the State.

This move, according to Open Forum, would align with the ongoing industrial revolution in Akwa Ibom State, driven by mega projects such as the Ibom Deep Seaport, Industrial City, refineries, oil and gas plants, and science and technology parks.

The group argued that a specialized university would provide the necessary skilled manpower to fill job roles in these emerging industries, addressing the long-standing issue of employers citing a lack of qualified personnel from the state for specialized roles.

Also, to ensure that Akwa Ibom’s youth are adequately prepared for the demands of the new industrial era, Open Forum recommended a comprehensive review of the educational curriculum.

Furthermore, Open Forum suggested that if the proposed specialized university incorporates skill acquisition programs, the recruitment of principal officers should prioritize professionals with technical backgrounds.

*Implementation of the Akwa Ibom Strategic Education Roadmap (AKSER) 2020–2030

Open Forum also called for the implementation of the Akwa Ibom Strategic Education Roadmap (AKSER) 2020–2030, a comprehensive plan developed by the Prof. Hilary Inyang-led Akwa Ibom Think-Tank on Education (AKTTE).

The roadmap, which was adopted by the Udom Emmanuel administration but later abandoned, was designed to address the challenges plaguing the education sector in the state.

The group urged the Umo Eno administration to declare a state of emergency in the education sector and fully implement the AKSER roadmap.

They emphasized that ad-hoc interventions would not suffice to address the myriad of issues facing the sector.

The implementation of the roadmap, particularly its second phase, would provide a structured approach to achieving the vision of the ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno’s development blueprint for the state.

*Separation of Tertiary Education from the Ministry of Education

To enhance the supervision and management of tertiary institutions in the state, Open Forum recommended the separation of tertiary education from the Ministry of Education.

The group proposed that all tertiary institutions be placed under the Office of the Deputy Governor, while primary and secondary schools, both public and private, remain under the Ministry of Education.

This recommendation stems from concerns that tertiary institutions in the state have not received the necessary attention and resolution of critical issues.

Open Forum revealed that it had received numerous complaints from individuals with unresolved issues within some tertiary institutions, highlighting the need for a more focused administrative approach.

Diaspora Digital Media understands that copies of the position paper have been delivered to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and the Ministry of Education for their attention and necessary action.

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