By Ephraim, Racheal Emem
The Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Prof. Nse U. Essien, received an award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council (JCC), Akwa Ibom State axis during a courtesy visit Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. This is the umbrella Student Body drawn from different tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State.
Prof. Essien welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the cordial relationship between the Management and the Students’ Union. He also expressed gratitude for the ICONIC award presented to him in recognition of his outstanding leadership qualities at the University. He commended the union members for their level-headedness and highlighted that Akwa Ibom State University conducts e-voting, which is always free of acrimony. He mentioned that three free and fair elections have been conducted so far in his administration, with the fourth one scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2024, also to be conducted through electronic voting. Prof. Essien expressed hope for Nigeria to learn from Akwa Ibom State University’s election processes.
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that standardizing policies such as research and development have significantly contributed to Akwa Ibom State University’s visibility as evidenced by recent rankings. He stressed that the high ranking was achieved through research and development as well as infrastructure.
The Chairman of NANS JCC, Akwa Ibom State axis, Comrade Ifiok Okafor, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his student-friendly approach and warm reception. He mentioned that the purpose of the visit was to formally present an ICONIC Award to the Vice-Chancellor in recognition of his exemplary leadership style, policies, and dedication to the University, leading to its recent ranking above other Universities in the South-South region. The Chairman considered the award well-deserved, especially given the University’s ranking as number 17 in the country. He also identified the challenge faced by AKSU students as a result of the non-availability of hostel accommodation.
In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor thanked NANS JCC for the award and assured of a continued cordial relationship with the body. He reiterated his commitment to working with and supporting the students, emphasizing that the relationship should be symbiotic rather than parasitic.
Present during the visit were: the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Dominic Ekpo; Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Administration, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Akaninyene Ibanga; Head of the Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Gabriel Otu; and members of the same Directorate. From NANS JCC were Comrades: Ndaramfon Noah; Blessed Udom; Gideon Anietie; Effiong Isaiah; Okon Victor; Inyang Emmanuel; Sunday Edet; Tom Friday; and Nathaniel Archibong.
