The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Professor Christopher Ekong, has announced plans to deploy modern security and monitoring technologies, including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and biometric systems, to enhance security and determine the exact number of staff and students in the institution.
Professor Ekong disclosed this during his investiture as the 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He said his administration would, within its first 100 days, introduce biometric capturing for staff and students to improve access control and establish accurate records of the university community.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed plans to conduct a comprehensive institutional audit covering infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programmes, and administrative systems.
“Within the first 100 days, my administration will intentionally introduce biometric capturing to ascertain the actual number of staff and students on ground and strengthen access control. We will also conduct a comprehensive institutional audit of infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programmes, and administrative systems,” he said.
Professor Ekong declared a zero-tolerance policy on cultism and sexual harassment, warning that anyone found culpable would face swift disciplinary action.
“We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and cultism. The panel will not sit for more than 72 hours, and anyone found involved will be shown the way out of the university,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the management would outsource the maintenance of key facilities such as hostels and lecture theatres to professional facility managers to ensure sustainable management. He also pledged to provide 24-hour internet access for staff and students.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Muiz Banire, congratulated the new Vice-Chancellor on his emergence through a competitive selection process and urged him to remain focused on the task ahead.
“The journey to this day has not been smooth. It has been turbulent and, at times, traumatic. However, I urge you to overlook your detractors and forgive those who opposed your emergence. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by their antics,” Banire said.
He stressed that there was no room for revenge and advised the Vice-Chancellor to concentrate on the enormous responsibility of advancing the institution.
The outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Odewumi, also advised Professor Ekong not to dwell on past challenges but to focus on transforming the university and moving it to greater heights.
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