The Management of Akwa Ibom State University has refuted allegations made by Dr. Eyo Etim of the Department of English in a video circulating on social media, describing them as “false, misleading, insensitive, and figments of his imagination.”

In a press statement signed by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Otoabasi E. Akpan, the university addressed several claims raised by Dr. Etim, including denial of promotion, backlog of 14 months’ salaries, victimization, and tribalism within the institution.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor clarified that:

Dr. Etim was not promoted due to infractions he allegedly committed, including mutilation of examination results in his capacity as Examination Officer—an act classified as gross misconduct under the university’s Conditions of Service.

A committee was constituted to investigate the allegations and infractions; however, Dr. Etim reportedly resigned before the investigation was concluded.

Contrary to his claims, the scholar is not owed any salaries or allowances, with the institution calling such claims “a typical case of flowering narratives.”

The university emphasized that Dr. Etim is innocent until proven guilty, but promotion cannot proceed while serious moral and administrative questions are pending.

The press release stressed that the university operates on principles of multiculturalism and fairness, with no room for discrimination based on tribe, gender, race, or religion. Committees such as the Administrative Panel of Inquiry (API) and the Staff Disciplinary Committee (SDC), among others, were cited as structural safeguards ensuring fairness.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that several committees had previously reviewed issues involving Dr. Etim, countering his claims of deliberate stagnation and victimization.

The statement reaffirmed the university’s commitment to the timely promotion of deserving personnel. As of October 1, 2025, all eligible staff due for promotion had received their promotion letters following successful appraisals at departmental, faculty, and central levels.

Professor Akpan concluded that Dr. Etim’s claims were baseless and that the university remains dedicated to professionalism, ethics, industrial harmony, and adherence to best practices.