Acting Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Otoabasi Akpan riding a bicycle
By ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo –
Acting Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, has promised to deploy sports as a tool to improve the well-being of students and also address cultism and other social vices.
Prof. Akpan made the pledge during the final of the 2025 edition of the Vice-Chancellor’s cup, held at the main campus of the University on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
He said his administration has instituted several sport clubs, whose membership and participation is free for students of the University.
He narrated that sports, being a multiple billion dollar Industry, could serve as an alternative means of livelihood for students upon graduation, and also add significant value to their degree.
He listed the sport clubs recently established for students of the University as Basket Ball; Volleyball; Badminton; Tennis; Snooker; Cycling; Chess; Scrabble; Football; Cricket; Golf.
“We have a society where sports have been completely neglected. I have studied the terrain and will work with the Students’ Union leadership to use Sports and a tool to address social vices, and also discourage students from joining cult groups.
“We will work with our development partners to develop a 3-hole course golf for our students and staff, who may want to venture into the sport. It is our desire to see our students also earn a living from sporting activities. This is a large market with billions of dollars. “
According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure students socialize in credible ways and also be discouraged from cultism and other social vices. He advised the students to embrace any of the sport clubs and be actively involved in their activities.
He said plans are also underway to build an indoor sports hall for the students, while a 3-hole golf course will also be developed in the main campus of the University, for those interested in the sport.
Akpan who announced himself as the patron of the cycling club, donated four bicycles and also joined the students on an experimental race within the campus.
