As the tenure of Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo winds down, the University of Uyo is once again at a critical crossroads.
The search for his successor has set the campus abuzz, and after weeks of consultations, the Press can report that the overwhelming sentiment across the University community is united: Prof. Christopher Nyong Ekong is the choice of the people.
In a rare show of consensus, 40 student leaders, 40 lecturers, 40 alumni, and 40 non-academic staff were interviewed separately. Their verdict was unanimous—UniUyo needs Prof. Ekong to regain its lost glory.
Students Demand Change:
Student leaders were uncompromising in their support for Prof. Ekong.
“I wish students were allowed to vote for who becomes Vice Chancellor. All of us would have voted for Prof. Christopher Nyong Ekong,” one said passionately. “He is brilliant, humble, and firm.
He speaks truth to power and makes UniUyo proud whenever he is invited to state functions.
Recently, his lecture on the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno drew standing ovations. That is the kind of intellectual capacity we need to lead this University.”
Another voice from the Faculty of Engineering was even more blunt: “Affliction shall not rise a second time. God will not allow the current VC to impose his deputy on us. If that happens, UniUyo will sink further—grasses will grow into forests, reptiles will multiply, and the campus will remain a refuse dump.”
Students also raised concerns over rising tuition fees. “Without Prof. Ekong, school fees will continue to be hiked endlessly, and poor students will keep dropping out,” one lamented.
Lecturers Back Their Own:
Lecturers across faculties were just as emphatic. They praised Prof. Ekong’s proven record as HOD of Economics and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
“He personally sank a borehole for his Faculty, renovated facilities, and donated an administrative/classroom block to the Department of Economics while serving as Commissioner. Which of the other aspirants can boast of such selfless commitment?” a senior lecturer asked.
Others pointed to his scholarly standing: “He is widely published, globally exposed, and respected at international conferences and seminars. His competitors cannot match his reach or depth. He is not just an administrator—he is a true scholar.”
Alumni Stand Behind Him:
The alumni community is equally vocal. Forty of them interviewed by the Press described Prof. Ekong as “a worthy ambassador” whose leadership would restore UniUyo’s pride.
“With him as VC, alumni will no longer feel embarrassed about the state of our alma mater,” one prominent alumnus insisted. “Instead, we will finally have someone whose achievements make us proud to identify with UniUyo.”
Non-Academic Staff Cry Out:
The non-academic staff, often sidelined in University politics, spoke with one voice. Many criticized what they described as years of neglect under the outgoing administration.
“We have suffered enough under Prof. Ndaeyo and his management,” one senior staff member declared. “We need a level-headed man who values people over politics. Prof. Chris Ekong is that man.”
The Verdict:
From students to professors, alumni to staff unions, the chorus is loud and clear: Prof. Christopher Nyong Ekong is the people’s choice for Vice Chancellor.
As UniUyo prepares to elect a new helmsman, the question that now hangs in the air is simple yet decisive: Will the Governing Council listen to the voice of its people—or repeat the mistakes of the past?