Leaders, elders and stakeholders of Ikot Esenam community in Oruk Anam local government area of Akwa Ibom State have lauded the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu over the appointment of their kinsman, Prof.Joseph Essien, as the pioneer Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology ( FUATECH), Obio Akpa campus.
Describing the appointment as a historic gesture for the community, they also applauded the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, for their different roles in securing legislative and logistics facilities, noting that “the development has brought renewed hope, pride, and confidence in the future of education and development in the State.”
Chairman of the Village Council, in a communque made available to journalists in Uyo, the state capital and signed by the village chairman, Prof. Francis Udoudoh, and the secretary, Mr. Dominic Utin, the community stated that “Prof. Essien’s appointment by Mr. President demonstrates his commitment to merit, competence, and the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria.”
“The news of the appointment was received with immense joy and gratitude. President Tinubu’s decision to entrust Prof. Essien with the responsibility of leading the newly established university reflects confidence in excellence, academic distinction, and visionary leadership.
“The appointment is not only an honour to Prof. Essien and his family, but also a landmark achievement for Ikot Esenam, and Oruk Anam LGA,” the community stated.
The leaders also expressed special appreciation to the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, for his unwavering support and commitment to the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State, noting that “Senator Akpabio, has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in attracting federal presence and opportunities to the State.”
Similarly, the community commended Gov. Eno, “for his goodwill, support, and tireless efforts toward the establishment of the new university,” noting that his approval of the Obio Akpa campus for the institution as the take-off and permanent site for FUATECH, “underscores the Governor’s commitment to educational development and determination to create opportunities capable of improving the lives of citizens across the State.”
“It is the beginning of a new era of educational advancement, agricultural innovation, research excellence, and technological development,” the communique stated.
While expressing confidence that the Vice Chancellor possesses the experience, administrative competence, and leadership capacity required to lay a solid academic and infrastructural foundation for the university, the community also expressed optimism that the institution would grow into a centre of excellence capable of producing graduates equipped to address contemporary challenges in agriculture, science, technology, and national development.
