The University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, says it will introduce cutting-edge technology, including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and biometric capturing, to secure the institution and ascertain the exact number of staff and students.
Professor Christopher Ekong, who disclosed this in Uyo during his investiture as the 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university, stated that a comprehensive institutional audit of infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programmes and administrative systems would be conducted.
The new Vice-Chancellor also issued a marching order on cultism and sexual harassment, warning that anyone involved would be expelled within 72 hours.
His words: “Within the first 100 days, my administration will intentionally introduce biometric capturing to know the actual number of staff and students on the ground and for access control, and conduct a comprehensive institutional audit of infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programmes and administrative systems.
“We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and cultism. The panel will not sit for more than 72 hours, and anyone involved will be shown the way out of the university.”
He added that his administration would outsource the management of key facilities like hostels and lecture theatres to facility managers for sustainable management of the facilities and ensure 24/7 internet access for staff and students of the university.
In his remarks, the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Dr Muiz Banire, commended the VC over his emergence through a competitive process, urging him to overlook his detractors during the process of his selection.
He said, “The journey to this day has not been smooth. It has been turbulent and, at times, traumatic. A lot of challenges accompanied the arrival of the Acting Vice-Chancellor and, indeed, the process leading to the emergence and appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor.
“Mr Vice-Chancellor, I urge you to overlook your detractors and forgive those who opposed your emergence. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by their antics. I travelled the same road and survived it through focus, patience, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to duty.
“There is no room for revenge, and there is certainly no time for it. The task ahead of you is enormous. This is, however, not to suggest that where remedies are desirable, they should not be applied.”
The outgoing Acting VC, Professor Samuel Odewumi, in his remarks, advised the new Vice-Chancellor not to waste much of his time looking back but to move on with the task of transforming the university.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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