The Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Chris Ekong, has expressed concern over what he described as the worsening financial challenges confronting Nigeria’s public universities, warning that inadequate government funding continues to undermine their ability to function effectively.
Speaking during the University of Uyo Alumni Association’s first anniversary lecture and the commissioning of the renovated 550-seat ELF Lecture Theatre at the institution’s main campus on Nwaniba Road, Ekong said universities are operating under severe financial pressure despite their growing responsibilities.
The event was held under the theme, “From Great Minds to Great Impact.”
Capital Allocations Described as Insufficient
Professor Ekong revealed that federal universities have received less than 10 percent of their required capital funding over the past four years, a situation he said has left many institutions struggling to maintain infrastructure and improve academic standards.
He also criticized the practice of the Federal Government collecting 25 percent of universities’ internally generated revenue (IGR), explaining that institutions risk deductions from their personnel allocations if they fail to remit the required amount.
According to him, the policy places additional strain on universities that are already battling limited financial resources.
“Universities have very little money to operate, yet every year officials come to collect a quarter of our internally generated revenue. If we fail to remit it, deductions are made from funds meant for staff salaries,” he said, describing the situation as deeply disappointing.
Appeal for Greater Alumni Participation
The Vice Chancellor urged graduates of the institution to become more actively involved in supporting the university’s development, stressing that alumni contributions have become increasingly important as government funding continues to fall short.
He praised the Alumni Association for renovating the lecture theatre and described the project as evidence of the positive role former students can play in strengthening the institution.
Ekong also announced plans to include representatives of the association on his advisory committee, saying the move would promote transparency and allow alumni to participate more closely in discussions about university finances, intellectual property, and long-term development strategies.
Alumni President Highlights Early Achievements
Earlier, the President of the University of Uyo Alumni Association, Mr. Ekerete Adiaiduo, outlined several projects completed within the association’s first year.
Among the most significant, he said, was the intervention that helped resolve the prolonged delay in transcript processing, an issue that had affected graduates seeking employment and educational opportunities, particularly overseas.
To address operational challenges within the Examinations and Records Unit, the association donated a power generator after persistent electricity shortages disrupted daily activities.
Adiaiduo noted that the intervention restored efficiency to the department and eased the concerns of graduates waiting for their academic documents.
Global Alumni Network Being Strengthened
The Alumni Association is also expanding its engagement beyond Nigeria by reaching out to graduates living abroad.
According to Adiaiduo, efforts are underway to build stronger relationships with alumni across the diaspora in order to attract expertise, professional networks, investment opportunities, and other forms of support that could benefit the university.
He said the initiative aims to ensure that former students, regardless of where they reside, remain connected to the institution’s growth and development.
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor Defines Alumni Responsibilities
Delivering the keynote address, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Philip Afaha, emphasized the critical role alumni associations play in sustaining higher education institutions, particularly during periods of economic hardship.
Speaking on the topic, “From Great Minds to Great Impacts: The Role of Alumni Associations in Institutional Growth and National Transformation,” Afaha argued that universities can no longer depend exclusively on government funding in Nigeria’s current economic climate.
He encouraged alumni bodies to focus on supporting their institutions through scholarships, research funding, infrastructure projects, grants and endowment programmes.
Warning Against Personal Interests
Professor Afaha also cautioned alumni associations against becoming platforms for personal gain.
He warned that in some institutions, former students pressure university management for employment opportunities, admission slots and contract awards, practices he said undermine the true purpose of alumni organizations.
Instead, he urged graduates to channel their influence and resources toward strengthening academic excellence, institutional development and national progress, insisting that universities thrive when their alumni remain committed to giving back rather than seeking individual benefits.
The anniversary event concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between university administrators, alumni and stakeholders as the University of Uyo seeks alternative sources of funding to complement government support and improve the quality of education.
