AKSU Acting VC says proposed Staff Quarters will enhance productivity

AKSU Acting VC says proposed Staff Quarters will enhance productivity

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, has described the proposed staff quarters at the university’s main campus in Ikot Akpaden as a development that will enhance staff productivity.

Professor Akpan announced this at recent town hall meetings held at both university campuses. He emphasized the university’s willingness to collaborate with corporate organizations and private individuals to expedite the construction of the quarters.

He said the initiative is premised on the fact that 80% of staff members of Akwa Ibom State University reside in Uyo, a distance of 55 km away from the main campus of the university, which, according to him, negates productivity and limits the efficiency of personnel to contribute optimally to the advancement of the institution.

Responding to issues raised by some staff members at the meeting, who collectively lamented that the high cost of transportation from Uyo to Ikot Akpaden takes between 50 to 60% of their monthly salary, he assured the staff members that the university management will work out modalities on the short-term basis to provide a subsidized means of transportation for both teaching and non-teaching staff.

The Vice Chancellor highlighted the university’s strategic location in the heart of the Niger Delta and the Gulf of Guinea as a comparative advantage. He said the regions provide abundant natural and environmental resources that can foster human, social, capital, and sustainable development. He pledged to engage the staff in developing the capacity needed to promote collaborations at local, sub-national, national, and international levels.

Admonishing the university community on the need to imbibe discipline and hard work as virtues, Professor Akpan said his administration will be rule-based, leveraging the law establishing the university, conditions of service, regulatory policies, university conventions, and global best practices in administering the institution for optimal results.

In a discussion about broadening the university’s reach, Akpan stated his intention to enhance existing infrastructure and develop new physical facilities. He also mentioned that plans have been finalized for the creation of several institutes, including the Institute of Marine Research and Blue Economy, the Institute of Hospitality Management, the Institute of Agricultural Research, and the Institute of Oil, Gas, and Renewable Energy Studies.

Also to be established are the Nyong Essien Center for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Wellington Bassey Center for Defense and Security Studies, Philip Effiong Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Victor Attah Center for Urban and Environmental Studies, Godswill Akpabio Center for Leadership and Democracy Studies, Udom Emmanuel Center for Economic Development, Umo Eno Center for Tourism and Humanitarian Studies, Centre for Gulf of Guinea Studies, and Center for Akwa Ibom Studies, amongst others.

Stressing the relevance of research in the development of the state and nation, the Vice-Chancellor noted that several Akwa Ibom sons and daughters in the diaspora are talking, and plans are on the way for the establishment of a 10-hectare Biotechnology Development Center and the development of greenhouse facilities for the production of high-yielding crops in the next six months.

According to the Times Higher Education ranking for 2025, Akwa Ibom State University is ranked 23rd among universities in Nigeria. This achievement underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and research, solidifying its position as the best state university in the South-South region.