The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, has said the institution has a sustained culture of timely promotion of members of staff since its establishment.
Professor made the disclosure in a release disclaiming a recent video circulating on social media by a staff of the university, Dr. Eyo Etim of the Department of English, alleging victimization and stagnation of his career.
Akpan reiterated the institution’s resolve to motivate staff members through timely appraisal and promotion for effective service delivery, which he said culminates into excellent performance by students.
The statement reads in parts, “The University is committed to the timely promotion of deserving staff members as a way of motivating its personnel, enhancing industrial harmony, and accelerating career progression. As of October 1, 2025, all eligible staff due for promotion to their next rank in 2025 have since received their letters of promotion following successful appraisals at their respective Departments and Faculties, and final approval from the Central Appointments and Promotions Committee (A&PC)”.
The release noted that staff members of the university facing disciplinary cases, especially on grounds of gross misconduct, rely on reports from layers of several committees, and would have to wait to be exonerated, before they could be promoted, as this is the established convention and the position of the university’s Conditions of Service.
“It may interest the general public to know that once a case of gross misconduct has been established, there are many layers to ascertain the veracity of such cases, which are ultimately decided by the Governing Council of the university”, the release highlighted.
The statement noted that university system is a universal system influenced by principles of multiculturalism, which implies that it does not have any room for biases, whether those of tribes, gender, sex, race, or religion. Indeed, a university is a micropolitan of morals, ethics, creativity, talents, and scholarship devoid of unnecessary emotional discharges from sidelines, which unfortunately underlined the video circulating online.
A source in the university told our reporter that there are numerous channels within the university system to explore in airing grievances, which staff members are encouraged to utilize, rather than seeking sympathy on social media.