University of Uyo Seeks Stronger South Korean Partnership in AI, Digitalisation, Skills Development

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Christopher N. Ekong, has called for deeper collaboration between the University and South Korea in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, smart agriculture and skills development.

Prof. Ekong made the call on Friday, August 28, 2026, in his welcome address at a special lecture delivered by the Ambassador of South Korea to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Jeong Yo-an, at the 1,000-Seater TETFund Auditorium, Nwaniba Road, Uyo.

The lecture, which focused on Artificial Intelligence, Smart Agriculture and the Development of Blue Economic Resources, brought together government functionaries, members of the University community, private-sector representatives, industrialists and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships and diplomatic engagement.

Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for prioritising the development of the State and supporting the University of Uyo in the fulfilment of its mandate.

He also expressed appreciation to the South Korean Ambassador and the Government of South Korea for their growing interest in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State, describing the engagement as an opportunity to deepen institutional and technological cooperation.

Prof. Ekong particularly appealed for stronger collaboration with South Korea in skills development, including the establishment and upgrading of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres and other infrastructure within the University.

According to him, such interventions would strengthen the University’s capacity to prepare students and researchers for the rapidly changing technological landscape and the demands of the global economy.

The Vice-Chancellor welcomed Ambassador Jeong Yo-an to the University, describing his visit and the special lecture as significant steps towards creating enduring partnerships between the University of Uyo, South Korean institutions and other stakeholders.

Delivering the special lecture, the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Jeong Yo-an, stressed the importance of strong institutions and human capital in driving sustainable national development.

He shared insights into South Korea’s transformation from a relatively poor country following the Korean War into one of the world’s leading industrial and technology-driven economies.

The Ambassador attributed the country’s development to a combination of diligence, self-help and cooperation, encapsulated in the South Korean development movement known as “Saemaul Undong.”

He emphasised that people remained the greatest resource of any nation and urged Nigerians to draw lessons from South Korea’s development experience.

“The real resources are people, strong institutions and patience. The story of the next 50 years is yours to write, and South Korea will help you to write,” he said.

Addressing the event, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, expressed the State Government’s readiness to partner with South Korea in technology, manufacturing, agriculture and the Blue Economy.

The Governor said Akwa Ibom’s human capital, natural resources and strategic location positioned the State as an attractive destination for Korean investment and technology transfer.

He noted that the existing Nigeria-South Korea trade volume, estimated at over $2.1 billion, could be expanded through greater participation by Akwa Ibom State.

Pastor Eno identified Artificial Intelligence, smart agriculture and the Blue Economy as areas of significant potential, highlighting the State Government’s investments in youth development, agriculture, maritime infrastructure and other sectors.

He commended Prof. Ekong and the University Management for creating the platform for the South Korean envoy to share knowledge and perspectives on issues of global relevance.

The Governor also disclosed that he was a proud alumnus of the University of Uyo and assured the institution of the State Government’s continued support in fulfilling its mandate of producing quality human capital for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Uyo, Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, described the lecture as enriching and rewarding.

He said the University Management would explore opportunities for domesticating academic programmes and initiatives in Artificial Intelligence.

A goodwill message was delivered by the former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Nsima Ekere, who called for stronger international connections between South Korea, the University of Uyo and Akwa Ibom State.

Obong Ekere commended Prof. Ekong’s leadership, describing him as an “uncommon transformative Vice-Chancellor,” and urged the University to explore strategic linkages with South Korean institutions through the Korean Embassy.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Ambassador Jeong Yo-an by the University of Uyo.

The lecture was attended by members of the Governing Council, Management staff, traditional rulers, clergy and other dignitaries.