The Centre for Human Rights Accountability Network (CHRAN) has explained the failure of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to recognise the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit, for the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Addressing journalists in Uyo on Wednesday, CHRAN Director Otuekong Franklyn Isong examined the condition of tertiary education in Akwa Ibom under Governor Pastor Umo Eno, identifying several administrative and structural deficiencies responsible for the institution's unrecognised status.
The institution was elevated from a College of Education to a fully operational university by the Akwa Ibom State Government in December 2025. Despite this development, CHRAN discovered that the state's 2026 Appropriation Law continues to reference the establishment as a College of Education rather than a University of Education, casting doubt over its legitimacy.
Compounding the situation, the organisation found that the university operates without a Vice Chancellor, Governing Council, master plan or academic brief. Its founding legislation equally remains inaccessible to the public. CHRAN challenged the institution's continued reliance on "acting Provost" and "Chief Administrator" designations, asserting that such titles bear no relevance to university governance, which is conventionally led by a Vice Chancellor.
The group cautioned that unless these deficiencies receive urgent attention, the institution risks losing or failing to secure recognition from JAMB, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other relevant federal agencies.
CHRAN equally cautioned the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) leadership against conduct capable of further damaging the institution's reputation, calling on union officials to align with Governor Umo Eno's administration in resolving outstanding issues.
