The pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit, Prof. Philip Afaha, has stated that the newly established institution will help reshape the state’s education sector. He made this statement during the university’s first interactive session with members of its community. The university was formerly the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, before it was upgraded to a university following legislation signed into law by Governor Umo Eno on July 28, 2026.
Prof. Afaha described his appointment as the university’s pioneer vice-chancellor by Governor Eno as a responsibility rather than a personal achievement. He emphasized that the university would focus on teaching, research, and community service while offering programmes spanning pedagogical sciences, humanities, management, natural sciences, social sciences, computing, and emerging knowledge systems. The institution would also align its curriculum with the standards of the National Universities Commission and global best practices.
The vice-chancellor identified academic excellence, institutional culture, and infrastructure as key priorities of his administration. He added that the university would promote research, commercialize research outputs, and develop innovations capable of addressing societal and economic challenges. Prof. Afaha also stated that the university would prepare students for the global workforce, producing innovative technologies, incubating entrepreneurial projects, and producing scientific discoveries useful for the overall development of Nigeria.
Prof. Afaha called for an end to divisions and factionalism among staff, urging members of the university community to put the institution’s interests above personal differences. He declared a ceasefire and an immediate end to bickering and factions on the campus. The vice-chancellor also emphasized the importance of mentorship, training, workshops, and collaboration with other institutions while ensuring fairness, discipline, and justice in its administration.
On infrastructure, Prof. Afaha said his administration would upgrade existing facilities and develop new ones to support teaching, learning, and research. He appealed to entrepreneurs, development partners, and corporate organizations to support the institution with classrooms, hostels, laboratories, vehicles, computers, internet connectivity, and other equipment. The vice-chancellor noted that a public university like theirs belongs to the people, and people must take ownership for it to survive.
Prof. Afaha defended the establishment of the specialized university, citing the need to connect the growing youth population to the global workspace without a requisite pedagogical infrastructure for traditional and new knowledge systems. He said the university would seek to produce not only conventional job seekers but also educationists, innovators, and entrepreneurs capable of competing globally. The vice-chancellor congratulated the pioneer students, warning them against cultism, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, and other acts capable of damaging the institution’s reputation.
The university will not depend solely on government funding but will seek partnerships and other interventions within and outside Nigeria. With a focus on producing graduates equipped for the changing global economy, the Akwa Ibom State University of Education is poised to make a significant impact in the state’s education sector.
Key points
- The university will focus on teaching, research, and community service.
- The institution will align its curriculum with the standards of the National Universities Commission and global best practices.
- The university will promote research, commercialize research outputs, and develop innovations capable of addressing societal and economic challenges.
