The Vice Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University of Education (AUE), Afaha Nsit, Professor Philip Afaha, has announced plans to provide free Computer-Based Test (CBT) preparation and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills training for Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students in public schools across Akwa Ibom State.
The programme, to be implemented under the University’s Mobile Digital Training Clinic (MDTC) Initiative, is expected to commence in a few days.
Professor Afaha disclosed this during an interactive meeting with the University’s teaching staff, explaining that the initiative would leverage the institution’s existing ICT infrastructure to support public school students and improve their readiness for computer-based examinations.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the University possesses state-of-the-art ICT facilities that should not remain underutilised when they can be deployed to address critical educational needs and benefit students across the state.
He stressed the need for the institution to maximise its available resources to expand digital learning opportunities, particularly for students preparing for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), NECO, NABTEB and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.
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“A few days from today, we will launch our Mobile Digital Training Clinics. This initiative seeks to leverage this university’s massive ICT infrastructure and capacity to train SS3 students, computer science teachers and CBT operators on hands-on solutions to computer-based examinations in our state,” he said.
Professor Afaha disclosed that he had directed the University’s ICT team to develop a template for the programme, which will commence in secondary schools within Afaha Nsit and its environs.
He described the initiative as part of the University’s community service mandate, aimed at improving students’ performance in major external examinations and addressing educational challenges through practical interventions.
The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that the university’s research group and teaching practice group had been directed to submit briefs on functional methods and methodologies for strengthening their respective areas of operation and achieving optimal impact.
He added that the university would continue to identify other areas requiring improvement as it progresses.
Professor Afaha also expressed delight at the quality of academic staff in the institution.
He announced plans to commence operations with 34 academic departments organised into nine faculties, including a newly established Faculty of Computing.
He explained that the new academic structure comprises eight education-related faculties derived from the schools and programmes inherited from the former College of Education system, alongside the Faculty of Computing as the university’s only non-education faculty, with three departments.
According to him, the restructuring is designed to consolidate the institution’s heritage in teacher education while expanding its capacity to respond to emerging demands in computing and digital technology.
“A few days ago, members of the Transition Implementation Committee, alongside the deans, had a meeting in my office and resolved to float 34 academic departments compressed into nine faculties.
“The new arrangement has eight Education faculties derived from the schools and programmes inherited from the defunct College of Education system, and a new Faculty of Computing was added as the only non-Education faculty, with a complement of three departments,” he stated.
Professor Afaha said the arrangement would enable the University to leverage its comparative advantage and build on its longstanding experience in teacher education while utilising its ICT infrastructure to strengthen its academic offerings.
He further noted that the institution was making progress towards obtaining the necessary approvals from the National Universities Commission (NUC), alongside other required verifications and accreditation processes.
The Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Visitor to the University, Pastor Umo Eno, for upgrading the institution to a specialised university and appointing him as its pioneer Vice-Chancellor.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its objectives of improving education, strengthening human capital development and expanding opportunities for young people.
“I wish to reiterate my gratitude to our Visitor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for upgrading our status to a specialised university and for appointing me as your pioneer Vice-Chancellor.
“As you rightly heard from him at the Uyo Stadium during the Teachers’ Day anniversary, our first assignment, apart from mandatory stocktaking, is the commencement of necessary procedures for NUC approvals and sundry verifications and accreditations. I am happy to announce that these processes have commenced,” he said.
Professor Afaha also appreciated the immediate past Acting Provost, Dr Jeremiah Peter Iweh, and his management team for their cooperation, which he said had facilitated a smooth transition to the new university status.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Vice Chancellor to engage with members of the teaching staff on the institution’s academic direction, development priorities and strategies for delivering on its mandate as a specialised university of education.
In their response, members of staff expressed satisfaction with Professor Afaha’s inclusive and people-oriented leadership style and pledged their cooperation and support towards the realisation of the University’s vision.
