I tackled certificate racketeers despite death threats – Ex-VC

A renowned economist and former vice-chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, has recounted efforts made to stop certificate racketeering in the institution, despite death threats.

He spoke at the valedictory seminar and presentation of a book, titled, “Essays in Public Finance: A Tribute to Professor Akpan Ekpo,” organised by the Department of Economics, University of Uyo.

Ekpo said on assumption of duty as UNIUYO VC, he was determined to check certificate racketeering and restore the university’s integrity.
He said someone called and advised him not to do it, in order not to lose his life.

He said, “Cultism was a big deal, but the issue of certificate racketeering was the major problem. I don’t think I have ever said it before.

“When I started the attempt to check the problem, someone in the state called me, ‘Prof, leave it alone before they kill you. This has been going on for more than 13 years.’ I then said, ‘Thank you, sir, nobody lives forever. I will do my best.’

“When we trashed the issue, he called me and said ‘Do you have any juju’? I said no. I only carried the Bible and he was surprised. That was what we did to retain the quality and integrity of the university. It was not easy, but we thank God that we are here.”

He appreciated everyone in the institution for the efforts to raise the standard and specifically appreciated the sitting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, for sustaining the customs.

In his remarks, Prof Ndaeyo, who appreciated God for His enormous blessings upon the celebrant, described him as “an icon and a legend” whose contributions towards shaping the economic and financial policies of Nigeria had been worthwhile.

“Prof Akpan Ekpo is an icon, a colossus and a legend because some of the policies we had in Nigeria, in economics and public finance were from him. On his own, he has provided blocks to enable this country to come up the way it is today,” Ndaeyo said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Head of the Department of Economics, Dr Paul Orebiyi, described Prof Ekpo as “a titan and juggernaut,” noting that Ekpo is worth being celebrated because of his contributions to public finance and the subject of Economics generally.