Some humans are typical embodiments of the best that humanity has to offer. Either they achieve this through relentless, focused and insightful hard work; or, through recognition of their calling, the needs of their environment that must be met and high targets they set for themselves. In the really rarest ones, it would be a combination of all of the above physiognomies. And, this is where our subject in this piece squarely belongs.
She is one of the very few women that could be said to have successfully and meritoriously climbed to the pinnacle of career in education in Nigeria. Incidentally, her area of specialisation also stands her out among women of her calibre, who are even rare to come by. A rare gem she is to the education system and of course, to Nigeria as a country.
A professor of Educational Technology, it is quite plausible to say that she saw tomorrow when she chose her course of specialisation.
Prof. Comfort Memfin Ekpo started her university career in March 1981 when she participated in part-time lecturing at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She was appointed lecturer III in January 1983 at the then College of Education, Uyo which metamorphosed into the erstwhile University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and later, University of Uyo in 1991. Prof. (Mrs.) Comfort Ekpo was promoted to Associate Professor in 1998 and Professor (the first female professor in the University of Uyo) on October 1, 2001.
She has taught many courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, has been an External Examiner to various universities and has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate projects. Prof. (Mrs.) Ekpo is a member of eight professional bodies. She has produced eight instructional media packages and programmes for learning and has more than sixty publications including books, chapters of books, journal articles and monographs to her credit.
Prof. (Mrs.) Comfort Ekpo served as member of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University (1993 to 1996) and a member of Common Wealth Scholarship Interview Panel, among others. She has served the education industry in various capacities- team leader for the National Universities Commission in regulating accreditation and panel member for drawing up of Basic Minimum Academic Standard (BMAS). She has also served the University of Uyo in various administrative capacities including Head, Department of Educational Technology and Library Sciences (1993-1999), and Director, Institute of Education (2000-2006). She also served as either chairperson or member of various university committees. She was the Communication Officer for Step-B Project. Prof. (Mrs.) Ekpo was elected by the Senate of UNIUYO to serve as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) from 2006 to 2008. By her appointment in December 2010, Prof. (Mrs.) Comfort Memfin Ekpo is the first female Vice-Chancellor and the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo.
Interestingly, the testimonies of Prof. Ekpo’s sterling leadership are uncountable. Ekpo’s kindness is uncommon, she does not discriminate. Of course, her achievements at the University speak for her. Prior to the 19th and 20th convocation ceremonies of the institution, the VC commissioned a state-of-the-art cafeteria, Entrepreneurial Development centre, Table Water Factory and Library.
Also, she has set up a Postgraduate school, constructed an erosion control project at the Town Campus as well as a modern Economics Block. In April 2014, it was the turn of family members of deceased staff of the institution to smile. The irony is that when they were invited to meet the VC, none of them envisaged that their take home package would be quite handsome. They thought it was just going to be like previous meetings where false assurances were made. On the spot, welfare packages were doled out to cushion the effect of the death of their dear ones. Handsome cheques were distributed, and the beneficiaries burst into joy. It was tremendous. And that is what the difference is all about.
Also, the Student Support Scheme (Hope Project) initiated by the VC deserves mention. It is a financial scheme to assist indigent but academically outstanding students. She, knowing that there are so many academically endowed students, who have financial difficulties, floated the programme.
Today, many students are benefitting from it, another glowing testament to the fact that something special is brewing at UNIUYO. Her benevolence does not start and stop with the students. It spreads to the Staff. This erudite woman has ensured that the Hazard and Responsibility Allowances were paid to workers as soon as they were released by the Federal Government. It is on record that the same entitlement caused massive impasse in some universities across the country. But not UNIUYO, whose management does not believe in toying with the welfare of her workers.
Certainly, the quintessential Ekpo has many accomplishments to her credit, but the education system will appreciate her more if she can use her good office and expertise to improve the use of technology for education in the country.
That Nigeria currently needs a total overhaul of her education system is not in doubt and the role technological tools will play in this turn around cannot be over emphasised. This is where Comfort Ekpo and her colleagues in the academics have a lot to do. In a country where higher institutions of learning that offer technology courses do not have the prerequisite equipment and laboratories to give the students practical experiences needed to fully grasp the knowledge, the likes of Prof. Ekpo must use their expertise, influence and experience in bringing practical technology to bear, not only on her institution but also on the Nigeria education system.
This must be taken to the committee of Vice Chancellors, which she belongs for serious consideration.