Fresh anxiety has swept through the University of Uyo following claims by concerned students that a plot is being hatched to abduct a leading contender for the Vice Chancellorship, Prof. Chris Ekong. Multiple student sources who spoke with our correspondent on Saturday alleged that individuals loyal to the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, are “getting desperate” to block Ekong from taking part in the selection process.
According to one of the students familiar with the alleged scheme, the plan is to “kidnap Prof. Ekong so he doesn’t show up for the interview and screening,” which they believed would occur on Tuesday, November 24, 2025.
“We heard it somewhere that Prof. Chris Ekong may be kidnapped on or before the interview date so he would not participate. That’s why we are giving out this information—to save him,” the source said.
However, an independent check by this newspaper indicates that the University of Uyo Governing Council has not scheduled any interview or screening for the vice chancellorship aspirants as of press time. No official date has been communicated, casting doubt on the timeline referenced by the student informants.
In a separate development, the UniUyo Rebirth Team—a coalition of respected academics within the institution—issued a statement calling for prayers and vigilance as the University prepares for a leadership transition. The group accused the outgoing administration of presiding over what it described as “a steady decline,” noting poor sanitation, deteriorating infrastructure, and a drop in academic standards.
“The University of Uyo has degenerated into a glorified community secondary school under the current leadership,” the group alleged, urging stakeholders to rally behind Prof. Chris Ekong, whom they say represents a credible path to restoring institutional dignity.
The allegations of a kidnap plot have heightened calls for security agencies to closely monitor the unfolding succession process. Stakeholders insist that the University cannot afford a crisis at a time when confidence in its governance is already waning.
