Uniuyo to install CCTV cameras and biometric login systems on campuses

The University of Uyo, located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, announced plans to deploy advanced security measures, including Closed‑Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and biometric identification systems, to enhance campus safety and accurately count staff and students.

Professor Christopher Ekong, who revealed the initiative during his investiture as the university’s ninth substantive Vice‑Chancellor, said that a thorough institutional audit covering infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programmes, and administrative systems would be carried out.

The new Vice‑Chancellor also issued a strict directive against cultism and sexual harassment, stating that anyone found involved would be expelled within 72 hours.

He explained, “Within the first 100 days, my administration will intentionally introduce biometric capturing to know the actual number of staff and students on the ground and for access control, and conduct a comprehensive institutional audit of infrastructure, finances, human resources, academic programmes and administrative systems.”

He added, “We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and cultism. The panel will not sit for more than 72 hours, and anyone involved will be shown the way out of the university.”

Professor Ekong also announced that his administration would outsource the management of key facilities—such as hostels and lecture theatres—to professional facility managers, aiming for sustainable upkeep and ensuring 24/7 internet access for staff and students.

During his remarks, Dr Muiz Banire, the Chairman and Pro‑Chancellor, praised the Vice‑Chancellor for emerging through a competitive process and urged him to disregard detractors during his selection.

He said, “The journey to this day has not been smooth. It has been turbulent and, at times, traumatic. A lot of challenges accompanied the arrival of the Acting Vice‑Chancellor and, indeed, the process leading to the emergence and appointment of the new Vice‑Chancellor.”

“Mr Vice‑Chancellor, I urge you to overlook your detractors and forgive those who opposed your emergence. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by their antics. I travelled the same road and survived it through focus, patience, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to duty.”

“There is no room for revenge, and there is certainly no time for it. The task ahead of you is enormous. This is, however, not to suggest that where remedies are desirable, they should not be applied.”

Professor Samuel Odewumi, the outgoing Acting Vice‑Chancellor, advised the new Vice‑Chancellor to avoid dwelling on the past and to focus on transforming the university.