By Nsikan Essien
In demonstration of appreciation, solidarity and kindredship, stakeholders from Itu Local Government Area, Thursday, paid a courtesy visit on the Vice Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU, Professor Otoabasi Etim Akpan.
The visit which took place at the Senate Council Chambers of the University in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin, was led by the political leader of Itu and Commissioner for Housing, Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Henry Archibong.
The stakeholders made up of traditional rulers, scholars, professionals, youths and women appreciated the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for appointing their own to the lofty office of a Vice Chancellor. They described the gesture as a deserving recognition of the high intellectual resources that Itu as a local government is blessed with and known for.
Speaking, the Political Leader, who is also a former House of Representatives Member for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, said the visit became necessary to formally congratulate the VC for his intellectual rise, administrative acumen, and also commend him for his leadership impact.
He said: “Your performance academically and administratively has made you a star. And you’ll keep shinning. Thank you for making us proud”.
Also speaking, were the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem and Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, who noted that the visit was also to show solidarity to reassure the VC of their continued support, as well as openly thank Governor Umo Eno for the appointment, which according to them, “is a reflection of the inclusive template of the Arise Agenda”.
Hon. Edidem who described Professor Akpan as an uncle, father and highly respected son of Itu lauded his track record in the academia and public service. “Thank you for shinning the light for Itu people and Akwa Ibom State. We’ll always support you. We came to congratulate you, for you to know that we value, love and appreciate your contributions to Itu and Akwa Ibom development”, Edidem stated.
According to Hon. Nkutt, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan has shown example in academic resilience worthy of emulation and a challenge to others to follow in lifting Itu higher and higher.
In his response, the Vice Chancellor said the visit was heartwarming and also a practical expression of love that would lift his spirits for the challenges and expectations of the office.
He remarked, “I thank you for showing me this quality of love and coming all the way from Itu to my office, a distance of over 60 kilometres, to encourage and appreciate me for what God has used me to do for Akwa Ibom State and humanity”.
He particularly thanked the stakeholders for their discretion for the visit, assuring them that he will do everything within his power to ensuring that he doesn’t fail in the mandate entrusted to him by Governor Umo Eno, the University Community, and Akwa Ibom people as a whole.
“What you’ve done by initiating this event is not common and shall never be forgotten. You postponed your personal and official engagements just for the purpose of visiting. I’m grateful. But, please help me thank His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for this great love and appointment. I will never disappoint him and my people”.
Giving highlights of his strides since assumption of office, Prof. Akpan disclosed that he inherited 42 programs, and that he has worked hard to make it 103 currently. According to him, another area of breakthrough is securing the establishment of a College of Medicine & Surgery, which is billed for handing- over to the State government during the 39th Anniversary of Akwa Ibom State.
It would be recalled that Prof. Akpan assumed office initially in an acting capacity in August 2025 and was confirmed as the substantive fourth Vice Chancellor by the Akwa Ibom State Governor on February 23, 2026, succeeding Professor Nse Essien.
The delegation, numbering more than 70 Itu sons and daughters included Obonganwan Grace Ekong, former Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Sir Raphael Edem, SSA to the Governor on Marketing and Brand Management, Professor Etok Ekanem, Former Commissioner for Agriculture, Akparawa James Edet, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Obong Barr Godwin Awah, Ph.D, Rt Hon. Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon, Former State House of Assembly Member for Itu, Engr. Bassey Ekanem, M.D BASSE Engineering, Mrs Elise Esara, HSA on Women Mobilization, Ntufam Engr Akan Okon, APC Caucus Chairman for Itu as well as the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Akparawa Kingsley Sammy Akpan.
Present also were the Secretary to Itu LG Council, Mr Imoh Okon, APC State House of Assembly standard bearer for Itu, Engr Emmanuel Udang, the Leader of Itu Legislative Council, Hon. Godswill David, Elder Emmanuel Abel and Elder Enefiok Udoh, Deans, College of Honourable Supervisors and Ward Personal Assistants to His Excellency respectively, the Chiefs of Staff, to the Executive Chairman and Deputy Speaker, Hon. George Akpan and Hon. Godspower Udoffe respectively, among many other dignitaries.
