The Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Uyo, UNIUYO, Prof Chris Ekong, looks good to emerge the next vice chancellor of the institution, according to findings by TNN. The tenure of the current VC, Nyaudo Ndaeyo, will elapse on December 1.
Ekong is said to be enjoying the support of majority of the governing council members of the university, whose right it is to monitor the processes for the emergence of vice chancellors whenever the need arises.
The council members have been meeting formally and informally over the matter. It is said that the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno and the senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, are disposed to having Ekong as the next vice chancellor.
TNN learnt that Akpabio’s support for Ekong stemmed from the relationship they shared after Akpabio appointed him Commissioner for Economic Development and Chief Economic Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Government.
It was learnt that as commissioner, he was one of Akpabio’s most favoured commissioners. Ekong was to later serve as chairman, Akwa Ibom State Township Taxi Scheme and member, Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC).
Although, the current vice chancellor is believed to be supporting one of his deputies, a decision that is said to not go well with most of the council members who have not hidden their support for Ekong.
A meeting of the council was scheduled for 9am on Tuesday. But by 3pm, it was not clear if anything tangible had come out of the meeting. TNN was informed that there have been consultations and lobbying by the vice chancellor, even though the council members were said to have made up their mind on their preference.
