AKSU 8th Inaugural Lecture Explores "Ameilib Paradoxes" for Social Development

An erudite scholar of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Professor Iniobong D. Umotong, has spotlighted Ameilib Paradoxes as philosophical pathways to social development.

This was made known during the University’s 8th Inaugural Lecture delivered by Prof. Umotong on the theme, “Ameilib Paradoxes: The Anarchist Deconstruct,” on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the University Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

In his welcome address, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, expressed appreciation to guests, members of Senate, staff, students, and the entire University Community for honouring the occasion. He described the Inaugural Lecturer as a distinguished scholar who has demonstrated profound mastery in his field and consistently applied philosophical reasoning in his academic engagements.

Prof. Akpan noted that an inaugural lecture remains a significant academic tradition in the university system, marking a critical milestone in a scholar’s career progression and providing a platform to publicly justify the attainment of the professorial rank. Enlightening participants on the theme, he explained that the lecture explores the ecosystem of the stomach and its broader philosophical and scientific implications.

Delivering the lecture, Prof. Umotong, a Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, and the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of AKSU, explained that Ameilib is a compound word derived from Ame, meaning “that which concerns or pertains to,” and ilib, which literally refers to the stomach or belly. He described Ameilib as an African logical construct that guides social activities within various environments, noting that it is an Anang expression widely understood among linguistic groups in Akwa Ibom State.

The Professor clarified that Ameilib Paradoxes: The Anarchist Deconstruct presents a philosophical pathway for addressing political, religious, and ethical challenges, particularly those with multidimensional implications. According to him, such issues include the tension between humane human nature and terror-prone behaviours, as well as paradoxical logics embedded in societal problems that may either hinder or promote development.

He emphasised that development is fundamentally about people, not merely statistics. It is paradoxical, he noted, for individuals or societies to bear names or identities with positive connotations while their functional realities reflect the opposite.

Prof. Umotong further observed that debates surrounding the geopolitical and cultural compartmentalisation of a supposedly universal enterprise like Philosophy have long persisted. Comparable to other enduring perplexities in philosophical discourse, he remarked that such debates are yet to attain universally accepted resolutions.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of portrait photographs to the Inaugural Lecturer and his family in recognition of his distinction as AKSU’s first Professor to publish academic journals in Philosophy.

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, represented by the Director and Secretary to the School of Postgraduate Studies, Mrs. Immaculata Effiong, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the event. She appreciated the Acting Vice-Chancellor and University Management for sustaining the Inaugural Lecture Series and commended Prof. Iniobong Umotong for delivering a profound and impactful lecture.

The event attracted Principal Officers, Professors, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, members of the University Community, family members of the Inaugural Lecturer, invited guests, and well-wishers.