UNIUYO INAUGURATES ANTI-CORRUPTION UNIT, ICPC CHARGES MEMBERS ON INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

By Godwin Lawrence Ajake

UYO, October 7, 2026 — The University of Uyo has inaugurated its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) urging members to make integrity, accountability, transparency and ethical conduct central to the administration of the University.

The inauguration took place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the 1,000-Seater TETFund Building, University of Uyo, and was attended by members of the University Management and other senior officials of the institution.

The event was part of efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms for preventing corruption and promoting transparency in the University.

ICPC CHARGES ACTU MEMBERS ON CORRUPTION PREVENTION

Delivering the opening remarks, the Chairman of the ICPC Akwa Ibom and Cross River State Command, Mr. Baba Alaro Shuaib, charged members of the newly constituted ACTU to remain committed to the principles of integrity, accountability and transparency in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He stressed the importance of preventing corrupt practices rather than waiting until corruption had occurred before taking action.

According to him, corruption prevention requires the collective commitment of management, staff and other members of the University community. He encouraged the ACTU to identify areas vulnerable to corruption and promote systems that would reduce opportunities for unethical practices.

He also emphasized the importance of compliance with established rules and procedures, ethical conduct and accountability in institutional administration.

VICE CHANCELLOR: UNIVERSITY READY TO WORK WITH ICPC

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Uyo, Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, expressed the University’s readiness to work closely with the ICPC in strengthening transparency and accountability within the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the establishment of the ACTU, describing it as an important step towards building a stronger culture of integrity in the University.

Professor Ekong noted that the responsibility for maintaining an accountable institution could not be left to one individual or office, but required the collective commitment of the University community.

He assured the ICPC and members of the ACTU of the University’s support and cooperation in carrying out their mandate.

The Vice-Chancellor further appealed to members of the University community to work together to promote a culture that would protect the institution’s reputation and strengthen public confidence in its administration.

He thereafter congratulated the newly constituted ACTU and called for continued collaboration between the University and the anti-corruption agency.

ICPC EXPLAINS ACTU MANDATE

The major technical presentation at the event was delivered by Mr. Nsuhoridem E. Akpan, who spoke on the Standing Orders of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He explained that ACTUs were established as institutional mechanisms for preventing and addressing corruption-related risks within government institutions.

According to him, the work of ACTU goes beyond investigating corruption. Its responsibilities include corruption prevention, public enlightenment, advocacy, monitoring compliance, corruption-risk assessment, integrity promotion and reporting suspected corrupt practices to the appropriate authorities.

Mr. Akpan explained that ACTUs were expected to maintain a direct institutional relationship with the ICPC while retaining sufficient independence to perform their functions effectively.

He identified several areas that could require particular attention within a university environment, including procurement, financial management, examination malpractice, admission processes, recruitment, research misconduct, plagiarism, misuse of institutional resources and other practices capable of undermining institutional integrity.

He also stressed the need for ACTU members to protect the identities of whistleblowers and informants, noting that confidentiality was essential to encouraging members of the University community to provide information about suspected corrupt practices.

MONITORING AND REPORTING

The ICPC representative further explained that the ACTU was expected to monitor compliance with relevant policies and procedures, undertake corruption-risk assessments and submit periodic reports on its activities.

He urged the University Management to provide the necessary funding, logistics, training and institutional support required for the effective operation of the ACTU.

He also emphasized the importance of sensitization programmes for staff and students, noting that corruption prevention was more effective when members of an institution understood their responsibilities and the consequences of violating established rules.

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH

The newly constituted members of the University of Uyo ACTU subsequently took their oath of office, with the administration of the oath conducted by Dr. Kioba Anabraba.

The oath formally committed members to carrying out their responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, confidentiality and dedication to the interests of the University.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UYO ACTU

The ACTU was constituted by the University Management through a letter issued by the Office of the Registrar on July 3, 2026.

The committee comprises:

1. Professor Fidelis Onwioduokit — Chairman, Department of Science Education
2. Professor Lucky I. Igbinosun — Member, Department of Mathematics
3. Dr. Eyakndue E. Ntekim — Member, Department of Private Law
4. Dr. Sunday Peter Umana — Member, Department of Theatre Arts
5. Dr. Queensley C. Chukudum — Member, Department of Insurance and Risk Management
6. Dr. Umoh Akpan Kofi — Member, Department of Political Science and Public Administration
7. Mr. Idongesit Nsubong — Member, Directorate of Information and Public Relations
8. Mrs. Sifon Otuekong Edet — Member, Bursary Department
9. Mr. Nyakno A. Ekpo — Member, Directorate of Procurement
10. Mrs. Udeme E. Etukudo — Member, School of Basic Studies
11. Mrs. Rosemary Ededei Ansa — Member, Directorate of Internal Audit
12. Mr. Nya Effiong Ndem — Secretary, Vice-Chancellor’s Office

The letter stated that the committee would operate in line with the relevant Government requirements and Standing Orders governing ACTUs, and would submit periodic reports to the Vice-Chancellor.

A NEW STEP TOWARDS INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY

The inauguration marks a significant step in the University’s continuing efforts to institutionalize transparency, accountability and ethical conduct.

With representatives drawn from key areas including academics, administration, finance, procurement, internal audit, public relations and the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the composition of the ACTU provides a cross-section of the University’s administrative structure.

The success of the initiative, however, will depend on the willingness of the University community to support the Unit, the provision of adequate resources and the effective implementation of recommendations arising from its monitoring and assessment activities.

The event therefore ended with a renewed commitment by the University of Uyo and the ICPC to work together in promoting a university environment where integrity is upheld, public resources are protected, procedures are respected and accountability remains a shared responsibility.