CHRAN Raises Alarm Over Non-Recognition of A’Ibom University of Education by JAMB

 

Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklin Isong (Middle) with members of the Correspondents' chapel of NUJ-Akwa Ibom State council after Editorial meeting on Monday 

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has expressed concern over the alleged non-recognition of the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit, by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The group made its position known during a press briefing held Tuesday at its office in Uyo, where its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, assessed the state of tertiary education in Akwa Ibom under the administration of Governor Umo Eno.

Isong stated that the exclusion of the institution from JAMB’s admission process raises serious concerns about its legal and administrative status, stressing that urgent steps must be taken to address lingering structural gaps.

According to CHRAN, the upgraded University of Education currently lacks key statutory structures required for a university system, including a substantive Vice-Chancellor, principal officers, and a Governing Council. The group further alleged that the institution has no publicly available Masterplan or Academic Brief, while the law establishing the university remains unclear.

The rights organization also pointed to discrepancies in the 2026 Appropriation Law of Akwa Ibom State, noting that the budget reportedly referenced the College of Education rather than the University of Education. It argued that the ambiguity has created uncertainty over the institution’s true status and may be affecting salary payments for staff.

Faulting the current administrative arrangement, Isong criticized the use of “Acting Provost and Chief Administrator” titles, describing them as inconsistent with standard university governance structures.

“Universities are run by Vice-Chancellors, not acting provosts. If these anomalies are not urgently corrected, it could further undermine recognition by JAMB, the National Universities Commission (NUC), TETFund and other federal regulatory agencies,” he warned.

CHRAN also cautioned union leaders within the institution, particularly the leadership of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), against actions it described as capable of eroding the institution’s credibility.

The group alleged that instead of constructively engaging government and management on issues surrounding the institution’s transition, some union leaders have embarked on what it termed “malicious and destructive media campaigns” against past leadership.

While acknowledging the efforts of Governor Umo Eno toward upgrading the institution, CHRAN warned that unresolved internal disputes and administrative lapses could jeopardize the Governor’s vision for the university.

The Center called on all stakeholders, including union leaders and government officials, to work collaboratively to restore clarity, peace, and proper governance structures in the institution to ensure its full recognition by relevant regulatory bodies and secure its future as a functional university.