Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) was conceived and funded by the Akwa Ibom State Government. Unity of people with a passion to constantly seek knowledge that addresses practical issues of development in Nigeria. The university opened its doors to its pioneer students in the 2010/2011 academic year.
Her vision is to create an academic institution that keeps aflame the pursuit of knowledge, excellence and the spirit of enquiring; and offers opportunities for learning and leadership, service and self-actualization to all mankind, towards a peaceful, humane, and prosperous and just society. Hence her mission statement “To foster sustainable socio-economic development of a humane society through the utilization of knowledge and technology, to unlock the hidden treasures of nature and the human mind within a sound cultural and ethical framework.”
HISTORY
The concept of Akwa Ibom State University started in October, 2000, when the State Government inaugurated a Committee for its establishment. The Committee which consisted of academics, technical experts and professionals submitted an interim report to the then State Governor in April 2001 and a final report in September, 2001.
Following the acceptance of the report of the University Establishment Committee, the State Government set up an Implementation Committee in December 2001 to carry out the necessary basic functions including the drafting of the enabling law towards the takeoff of the university. The Bill establishing the Akwa Ibom State University of Technology (AKUTECH) was passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the then Executive Governor of the State, Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah on 16th of April, 2003.
Given the socio-economic realities in the state, and in order to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the totality of Akwa Ibom people, major changes in the concept and scope of the university had become necessary. Although the philosophy of a technically-biased university was retained, His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom felt that the policy thrust of Government should be the establishment of a conventional, multi-campus institution known as Akwa Ibom State University, hence, the change of the name of the university from Akwa Ibom State University of Technology (AKUTECH) to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU). The bill formally establishing Akwa Ibom State University was signed into law by His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, and the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom in September 2010.
Professor Sunday W. Peters was appointed the substantive Vice-Chancellor with effect from 1st January 2010. Full academic activities in Akwa Ibom State University started on 1st November 2010 with the admission of the first batch of 300 students in the Main (Mkpat Enin) and Obio Akpa Campuses for the 2010/2011 academic session. This first batch of students were admitted into the Faculties of Engineering, Natural and Applied Sciences, Oceanography and Naval Architecture and Agriculture. Faculty of Social and Management Sciences was introduced in the 2011/2012 academic session.
LOCATION
At conception, the university was to be located within Akwa Ibom State’s Technology Triangle at the University Town. However, the administration of the Akwa Ibom State Government have changed the enabling law of the university into a multi-campus institution with the main campus at Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin L.G.A and a second campus fondly known as Abak Campus situated at Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam L.G.A.
COURSES AVAILABLE
AKSU offers undergraduate and post graduate programs. The undergraduate program comprises of 8 faculties which consists of 38 departments that are listed below to enable ease for selection.
Faculty of Engineering
· Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering
· Department of Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
· Department of Civil Engineering
· Department of Marine/Naval Architecture Engineering
· Department of Agricultural Engineering
· Department of Electrical/Electronic engineering
Faculty of Physical science
· Department of Physics science,
· Department of Chemistry science
· Department of Mathematics and Statistics
· Department of Geology
· Department of Computer science.
Faculty of Biological sciences
· Department of Biological Science,
· Department of Zoology,
· Department of Botany,
· Department of Microbiology,
· Department of Marine biology,
· Department of Genetics and Biotechnology
Faculty of Education
· Department of Mathematics Education
· Department of Chemistry Education
· Department of Biology Education
· Department of Integrated Science Education
· Department of Physics Education
Faculty of Agriculture
· Department of Agricultural Economic and Extension
· Department of Soil Science
· Department of Crop Science
· Department of Animal Science.
Faculty of Social Sciences
· Department of Public Administration
· Department of Mass communication
· Department of Economics
· Department of Political Sciences.
Faculty of Arts
· Department of English and Literary Studies
· Department of Religious and Cultural Studies
· Department of Performing Art (Theater Art)
· Department of History and international studies
· Department of Philosophy.
Faculty of Management Science
· Department of Accounting
· Department of Marketing
· Department of Business Administration
SCHOOL FEES
The school fees payable by the students of AKSU is as given below;
NON SCIENCES SCIENCES
INDIGENES N53, 000 N55, 000
NON INDIGENES N73, 000 N75, 000
ACCOMMODATION
At the time of writing this article we don’t have the actual fee Akwa Ibom State University students pay for accommodation fee. However, there are lodges that goes for an affordable prices within and around the school environment, such as Platinum Lodge, Government Lodge, Genzydigital Lodge and other beautiful places.
STUDENT LIFE
The students are regularly in extra-curricula activities spanning all schools in the state for a fun filled learning, sharpen skills, broaden the mind, discover talents, develop sportsmanship, encourage team building and cooperation. These activities are science quiz, current affairs quiz, science exhibitions, debates, athletics and football competitions, and cultural performances.
REFERENCE
1. Akwa Ibom Varsity Set for Academic Activities http://www.aksu.edu.ng
2. http://www.aksu.edu.ng
3. “Archived copy”. Archived from the original on 2010-05-18. Retrieved 2010-06-28.
4. Akpabio Promises to Re-open AKUTECH http://www.thisdayonline.com//nview.php?id=142392
5. http://www.alluniversitynews.com/2015/03/hand-over-of-office-of-vice-chancellor.html
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