RismadarVoice Reporters, April 12, 2026
Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Samuel Odewumi, has described the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, as a transformational leader whose tenure brought stability, growth, and enduring institutional impact.
Professor Odewumi made the remark on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, during the 65th birthday celebration and public presentation of a book titled “The Strides: Profiling Prof. Nyaudoh Ukpabio Ndaeyo”, organised by the Ikono/Ini UNIUYO Staff Forum at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Main Campus, University of Uyo.
He noted that although public office often attracts recognition, only meaningful leadership leaves a lasting legacy beyond tenure, adding that Professor Ndaeyo’s record continues to earn him respect and admiration.
Using a biblical analogy, the Acting Vice-Chancellor likened his role to that of John the Baptist, stating that his responsibility is to prepare the ground for a substantive Vice-Chancellor who would build upon the foundation laid by his predecessor.
He expressed confidence that Professor Ndaeyo’s influence and leadership capacity would continue to find expression beyond his tenure, describing him as a man whose journey of impact is far from over.
Odewumi also commended the Ikono/Ini UNIUYO Staff Forum for honouring excellence, noting that such recognition encourages service and dedication within the academic community.
In his remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Isaac Ayandele praised Professor Ndaeyo’s administration, describing it as a period marked by transformation, purposeful leadership, and institutional stability.
He highlighted notable progress recorded under the former Vice-Chancellor, including academic expansion, infrastructural development, and administrative reforms that repositioned the University within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
Ayandele further emphasized that beyond physical development, Ndaeyo’s leadership was instrumental in stabilizing the University system, describing it as a significant achievement in the context of Nigerian university administration.
He, however, noted that while the tenure recorded commendable successes, balanced evaluation remains necessary, as every leadership period comes with its own challenges.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Peter Esu outlined key achievements of Ndaeyo’s tenure, including the promotion of over 500 academics to professorial rank, expansion of faculties and academic programmes, infrastructural growth, and governance reforms.
He also highlighted the former Vice-Chancellor’s contributions to agricultural research and food security initiatives, including securing a one billion naira grant for commercial agriculture development.
Professor Esu added that while Ndaeyo may not have left office with material accumulation, he departed with an enduring legacy of integrity, service, and excellence.
In his response, Professor Ndaeyo expressed gratitude to the Acting Vice-Chancellor for relocating the University Management to the event in his honour, as well as to the organisers and attendees for their support.
He appreciated colleagues, friends, and associates for their cooperation during his tenure, noting that the achievements recorded were made possible through divine guidance and collective effort.
The President of the Ikono/Ini UNIUYO Staff Forum, Professor Friday Ude, described Ndaeyo as a pride of the academic community, commending his contributions to institutional development.
A vote of thanks was delivered by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Professor Nseabasi Akpan, who appreciated guests for their participation.
The event climaxed with the formal presentation of the book chronicling Professor Ndaeyo’s academic journey, leadership experience, and contributions to the growth of the University of Uyo.
