The Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Otoabasi E. Akpan, has said the transition process for the commencement of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology at the Obio Akpa Campus will be smooth and well coordinated.
Prof. Akpan gave the assurance on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, when he received the management team of FUATECH and a ministerial assessment team on a courtesy visit to the university’s main campus in Ikot Akpaden.
The delegation comprised officials from the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission, who were in the state to assess facilities at the Obio Akpa Campus ahead of the new university’s take-off.
Speaking during the visit, the AKSU Vice-Chancellor described the inspection as an important stage in the transition process. He gave a historical account of the development of the Obio Akpa Campus and reaffirmed the university’s readiness to support the establishment of FUATECH.
He said AKSU would continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free transition and the successful commencement of academic activities at the new institution.
Prof. Akpan also thanked the Minister of Education for setting up the assessment team and reiterated the university’s commitment to cooperation throughout the process.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUATECH, Prof. Joseph Essien, thanked the AKSU management for the warm reception extended to the visiting team. He said the purpose of the visit was to enable the assessment team inspect and familiarise itself with the existing facilities at the Obio Akpa Campus in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Prof. Essien said FUATECH is expected to begin academic activities in the 2026/2027 academic session and expressed confidence that the institution would start operations smoothly.
Also speaking, the team lead and Director of Universities at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Kareem Olawale, praised the Akwa Ibom State Government for its support towards the establishment of the university.
He said the assessment visit was necessary to determine the readiness of infrastructure and facilities for immediate academic take-off. According to him, the team was satisfied with the level of preparedness recorded so far.
Dr. Olawale added that the Obio Akpa Campus has the required facilities to support the smooth commencement of academic activities.
The visit was attended by senior management staff of both institutions, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, representatives of the National Universities Commission, and personnel of the Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Protocol.
