The University of Uyo has a new substantive Vice Chancellor with an ambitious reform agenda, as Professor Christopher Ekong was formally invested as the ninth holder of the office on Tuesday, pledging sweeping changes across security, digital infrastructure and institutional governance.

Ekong, a Professor of Economics and former Chief Economic Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State government, announced that the university has secured N2bn in funding for the digitisation of its programmes, with work already commenced on strengthening internet services across the institution.

"We will ensure 24 hour internet access for staff and students. Work has already commenced on strengthening internet services and the full digitalisation of the university's ICT infrastructure," he stated.

The new Vice Chancellor declared zero tolerance for cultism and sexual harassment, warning that disciplinary panels would conclude proceedings within 72 hours. "We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and cultism. The panel will not sit for more than 72 hours, and anyone found culpable will be shown the way out of the university," he stated.

Within his first 100 days, Ekong disclosed plans to introduce biometric data capture to determine the actual number of staff and students on campus, alongside a comprehensive institutional audit covering infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programmes and administrative systems.

On security, he announced the deployment of CCTV cameras, drones and biometric access control systems across all campuses, alongside deepened engagement with host communities to strengthen intelligence gathering. He also pledged to outsource the management of hostels and lecture theatres to professional facility managers to ensure sustainable maintenance and efficient operations.

The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Muiz Banire, disclosed that the university had returned to accessing Tertiary Education Trust Fund grants and had attained financial stability, describing the institution's turnaround as remarkable. He urged Ekong to remain focused despite the turbulence that accompanied his appointment process and to forgive those who opposed his emergence.

The Registrar, Mrs Blossom Okorie, commended outgoing Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Samuel Odewumi for his dedication and for successfully supervising the transition that produced the institution's ninth substantive Vice Chancellor.