By Solomon OKPO.
The founder of Ekott University, Dr. Emmanuel Ekott, has expressed confidence in the progress made toward the commencement of academic activities at the institution, located in Ikot Udota, Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
During a private tour of the university, Dr. Ekott revealed that out of the 14 required stages for approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the institution has successfully reached stage eight, marking significant progress.
According to him, the university project, which began in 2015, has undergone substantial development, with huge financial investments ensuring its realization. He disclosed that the institution sits on 101.986 hectares of land, surpassing the 100-hectare requirement mandated by the NUC for private universities.
Dr. Ekott, who also founded Heritage Polytechnic, Eket, stated that the university will commence operations with 18 academic programmes under three faculties. He emphasized that his investment in education is not driven by profit-making but by the desire to enhance knowledge acquisition and create employment opportunities.
He further disclosed that Heritage Polytechnic currently employs about 300 staff, while Ekott University is expected to triple that number once fully operational.
“As of 2018, I had already invested ₦1.8 billion in this project. Considering the rising cost of building materials, the current investment is significantly higher,” Dr. Ekott noted.
He stressed that his greatest fulfillment will come when the first set of graduates receive their certificates, reiterating that his commitment is to build a lasting legacy in education rather than focus on financial returns.
Ekott University, the first private university in Eket Senatorial District, boasts modern physical structures, including a massive three-story building for various departments, laboratories, a library, and administrative blocks.
The university is set to commence academic activities following a final inspection by the NUC, paving the way for the institution to open its doors to students.
