Ikot Esenam Community Appreciates Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno Over Appointment of Prof. Essien as FUATECH Vice Chancellor
By Dominic Akpan
The people of Ikot Esenam Community in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu over the appointment of Prof.Joseph Essien as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, FUATECH, Obio Akpa.
Describing the appointment as a historic milestone for the community, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, and Akwa Ibom State at large, the people noted that the development has brought renewed hope, pride, and confidence in the future of education and development in the state.
In a press release jointly signed by the Chairman of the Village Council, Prof. Francis Udoudoh, and the Secretary, Mr. Dominic Utin, the community stated that Prof. Essien’s appointment by the President demonstrates his commitment to merit, competence, and the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria.
The community further stated that the news of the appointment was received with immense joy and gratitude, noting that 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.
According to the statement, the appointment is not only an honour to Prof. Essien and his family, but also a landmark achievement for Ikot Esenam, and Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Also, Ikot Esenam Community 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.
The community noted that Senator Akpabio has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in attracting federal presence and opportunities to the state.
Furthermore, the community acknowledged Senator Akpabio’s significant contributions toward the realization of the appointment, describing his role as invaluable and deeply appreciated.
Similarly, the community commended Gov. Umo Eno for his goodwill, support, and tireless efforts toward the establishment of the new university.
His approval of the Obio Akpa campus of Akwa Ibom State University as the take-off and permanent site for FUATECH, the community noted, underscores the governor’s commitment to educational development and determination to create opportunities capable of improving the lives of citizens across the state.
To the community, Prof. Essien’s appointment represents far more than the emergence of a Vice Chancellor.
‘It is the beginning of a new era of educational advancement, agricultural innovation, research excellence, and technological development,” the release 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.
As goodwill messages continue to pour in from within and outside the state, the community reaffirmed its deep appreciation to President Tinubu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Gov. Eno, and all stakeholders whose support and advocacy contributed to what they described as a milestone appointment.
Before his appointment, Essien, who is a
Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Uyo, UNIUYO, combined scholarship with leadership.
Since attaining the rank of Professor in 2010, he has held several strategic positions, including Head of the Department of Microbiology; Vice Dean, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
As the Senior Research Scientist at the International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research (ICEESR), University of Uyo, he demonstrated a capacity to lead institutions, shape policy, and mentor emerging scholars.
In these roles, he championed academic excellence, strengthened institutional research capacity, and contributed to the development of science education in Nigeria.
