University announces nine faculties, 34 academic departments, including Faculty of Computing
AFAHA NSIT, AKWA IBOM STATE — The Akwa Ibom State University of Education (AUE), Afaha Nsit, has announced plans to provide free Computer-Based Test (CBT) preparation and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills training for Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students in public schools across Akwa Ibom State.
The programme, which will be implemented through the university’s Mobile Digital Training Clinic (MDTC) initiative, is expected to commence within days, beginning with secondary schools in Afaha Nsit and neighbouring communities.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Philip Afaha, disclosed this during an interactive meeting with the university’s teaching staff, explaining that the initiative would utilise the institution’s existing ICT infrastructure to improve students’ readiness for computer-based examinations.
He said the programme would also provide practical training for Computer Science teachers and CBT operators to strengthen digital learning and examination preparedness across the state.
According to Afaha, the university possesses modern ICT facilities that should be deployed to address educational challenges and expand learning opportunities for students in public schools.
He noted that the initiative would particularly benefit candidates preparing for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), National Examinations Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.
“A few days from today, we will launch our Mobile Digital Training Clinics. This initiative seeks to leverage this university’s massive ICT infrastructure and capacity to train SS3 students, Computer Science teachers and CBT operators on hands-on solutions to computer-based examinations in our state,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that he had directed the university’s ICT team to develop an operational framework for the programme ahead of its commencement.
He described the initiative as part of the institution’s community service mandate, stressing that the university was committed to deploying its resources to improve educational outcomes and address practical challenges confronting students.
Afaha also disclosed that the university’s Research Group and Teaching Practice Group had been directed to submit briefs outlining effective strategies for improving their operations and maximising their impact.
He added that the institution would continue to identify areas requiring improvement as it consolidates its operations under the new university status.
AUE Unveils Nine Faculties, 34 Departments
In another development, the Vice-Chancellor announced that the university would commence academic operations with 34 departments organised into nine faculties, including a newly established Faculty of Computing.
He explained that eight of the faculties would focus on education-related disciplines, reflecting the institution’s heritage and experience in teacher education, while the Faculty of Computing would serve as its only non-Education faculty.
The Faculty of Computing will comprise three academic departments, a development expected to broaden the institution’s academic offerings in response to growing demand for computing and digital technology skills.
Afaha said the new academic structure was agreed upon at a meeting involving members of the Transition Implementation Committee and the university’s deans.
“A few days ago, members of the Transition Implementation Committee, alongside the Deans, had a meeting in my office and resolved to float 34 academic departments compressed into nine faculties.
“The new arrangement has eight Education faculties derived from the schools and programmes inherited from the defunct College of Education system, and a new Faculty of Computing was added as the only non-Education faculty, with a complement of three departments,” he stated.
He explained that the arrangement would enable the university to build on its longstanding strength in teacher education while expanding its capacity to respond to emerging educational and technological needs.
NUC Approval Process Underway
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the university had commenced the necessary procedures for obtaining approvals from the National Universities Commission (NUC), alongside other required verifications and accreditation processes.
He described the processes as important steps towards establishing the institution’s academic programmes and ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Afaha expressed appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Visitor to the university, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for upgrading the institution to a specialised university of education and appointing him as its pioneer Vice-Chancellor.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the governor’s ARISE Agenda, particularly in education, human capital development and the creation of opportunities for young people.
“I wish to reiterate my gratitude to our Visitor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for upgrading our status to a specialised university and for appointing me as your pioneer Vice-Chancellor,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor recalled the governor’s remarks during the World Teachers’ Day anniversary celebration at the Uyo Township Stadium, noting that the institution’s initial responsibilities included stocktaking and initiating the necessary procedures for regulatory approvals and accreditation.
He expressed satisfaction that the processes had commenced, describing the development as part of the university’s transition towards full operations.
Afaha Commends Former Acting Provost
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the immediate past Acting Provost, Dr. Jeremiah Peter Iweh, and his management team for their cooperation and support during the transition from the former College of Education structure to the university system.
He said their contributions had helped facilitate a smooth transition and provided a foundation for the institution’s continued development.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to engage members of the teaching staff on the university’s academic direction, development priorities and strategies for delivering on its mandate as a specialised university of education.
In their response, members of staff expressed satisfaction with Afaha’s inclusive and people-oriented leadership style and pledged their cooperation and support towards achieving the institution’s vision.
The university’s Mobile Digital Training Clinic initiative is expected to strengthen access to digital learning among public secondary school students while reinforcing the institution’s commitment to community service and educational development across Akwa Ibom State.
By Ndifreke Bassey
