The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Unyime Idem, has pledged to facilitate the release of the take-off grant for the University of Uyo and construct a befitting registry complex for the institution.
Idem made the pledge while chairing the University of Uyo’s 6th Distinguished Annual Registry Lecture held at the 1000-seater TETFUND Auditorium.
The lecture had the theme, “Leadership for Change: The Way Forward for University and Societal Transformation.”
He said the planned interventions form part of efforts to strengthen the university’s administrative and academic development.
According to him, the release of the take-off grant will provide financial support for the university to expand infrastructure, improve service delivery and enhance institutional growth.
Idem said the proposed registry complex would also improve operational efficiency, administrative processes and record management in the university.
He noted that the pledge followed a motion he earlier presented on the floor of the House, urging the Federal Government to release the traditional take-off grant to the University of Uyo and other federal universities established without such support.
He said he would engage the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, to fast-track the process.
Speaking on the theme of the lecture, Idem stressed the role of effective leadership in driving institutional development and societal progress.
He said universities must respond to emerging challenges through innovation, accountability and strategic reforms.
The lawmaker also reaffirmed his commitment to educational advancement, citing his previous interventions, including sponsorship of constituents on foreign and local scholarships, construction and equipping of schools and ICT centres, and provision of back-to-school materials to pupils and students.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Samuel Odewumi, commended Idem for his consistent support for education and public institutions.
Odewumi said the lawmaker’s interventions reflected a strong understanding of the link between governance, policy and sustainable development.
The university also presented Idem with an Award of Excellence in Public Service and Leadership in recognition of his contributions to societal and institutional transformation in Nigeria.
The lecture brought together academics, administrators and education stakeholders to discuss strategies for transforming Nigerian universities to meet global standards and contribute to national development.
Stakeholders from Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency who attended the event included the pioneer Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Amadu Atai; former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Okoko; former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paul Udofia; immediate past Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Hon. Godwin Inyieng, Ph.D; former Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council and CEO of NESMAN Ltd, Hon. Nseobong Umanah; MD of Akrosamic Investments Limited, Elder Samuel Akpan; MD of PikkMaster Nigeria Limited, Elder Bassey Essien; investment banker, Barr. Efremfon Usenideh; and Hon. Okokon Etiebet.
