Uyo is the capital of Akwa Ibom state and one of the most popular cities in the south-south of Nigeria. Akwa Ibom is a major oil-producing state in the country. Uyo became the capital of Akwa Ibom on September 23 1987, after its creation from Cross River State. Like all the 36 states in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom has its slogan which is the “Land of Promise“.
Akwa Ibom with a total of 7081 square kilometres is among the smallest states in Nigeria. The population of Akwa Ibom state is over 4 million people. There are 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom. They are: Abak, Eastern Obolo, Eket, Esit-Eket, Essien Udim, Etim-Ekpo, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo-Asutan, Ibiono-Ibom, Ika, Ikono, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, Ini, Itu, Mbo, Mkpat-Enin, Nsit-Atai, Nsit-Ibom, Nsit-Ubium, Obot-Akara, Okobo, Onna, Oron, Oruk Anam, Ukanafun, Udung-Uko, Uruan, Urue-Offong/Oruko and Uyo.
Uyo is undoubtedly the most popular of the local government area in Akwa Ibom. As mentioned earlier, it is the state’s capital and arguably the biggest of them all. Uyo is also host to the famous University of Uyo. This part of the country is famous for its oil producing exploits and considered one of the best tourist attractions in the south-south of Nigeria.
If you love adventure – to explore new places, your next destination should be Uyo if you haven’t. If you have, we have a list of things you probably might not have tried while in Uyo. The article is a mix of facts and guides that you will need to fully experience Uyo and Akwa Ibom in general.
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Brief History Of Akwa Ibom
Having a considerable amount of knowledge about your destination helps you to prepare and what to expect, therefore, it is important that you are aware of the state’s history. The good part of it is, no knowledge is wasted. That is why we have put together a brief history of Akwa Ibom in which Uyo is its capital.
According to stories passed on from generations to generations, the now Akwa Ibomites originally lived in Arochukwu, Abia state. They lived in the Ibom village in Arochukwu until their migration to the state’s current location. Â The three major ethnic group are Annang, Ibibio and Oron.
They are considered the first set of people to migrate to the present day Akwa Ibom. The state is named after the Kwa Iboe river. The word “Akwa” is an Efik word for “large”. Though there was no Akwa Ibom state until 1987, there have been fights for the creation far back as 1948.
The first clamour for an independent state was during the state creation in 1967. It was at this time that Nigeria was divided into twelve states. Akwa Ibom was part of the South Eastern state. The name, South Eastern State was changed to Cross River state nine years later. But the interest of the people was not a name change, they wanted a separate state.
The second attempt for a separate state also failed under the Second Republic, during the General Buhari Administration. It was the third attempt that became successful under the General Ibrahim Babangida. Finally, the people’s voice was heard.
University Of Uyo
The University of Uyo is one of the Federal universities in Nigeria. The university was formerly the University of Cross River, as part of the old Cross River that included Akwa Ibom. The University of Uyo, popularly called Uniuyo, wasn’t Federally owned until 1991. It was also around this time that the name was changed to the University of Uyo.
The university at the heart of Uyo, Akwa Ibom is no doubt one of the best universities in Nigeria. With nearly three decades of existence, the institution is still among the major players in the educational sector. Thousands of people apply to get admitted into the school and it is no doubt because of the quality of education.
Also, because of the presence of the University of Uyo, this part of the state is one of the major business hub of the state. In fact, it is home to quite a large number of people. People are coming to the capital from all over the states. It is regarded as one of the best places to live in the country. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see houses for sale in Uyo.
Below are some of the facts you likely are not aware of:
The School Dates Back To The 1930s
The University of Uyo was established in 1981, though as the University of Cross River. The school’s history, however, dates back to the generation before Nigeria’s independence. The school over the years have continued to undergo different changes until recent. Come along as we take you back memory lane.
In the 1930s, the school started out as a practising school. The decade after, it became a Teacher’s Training College. It managed to remain so until few years after Nigeria’s independence that it became an Advanced Teachers’ College. It’s status soon changed in 1975 as it rose to College of Education.
At different stages and times, it continued to undergo changes. After its status as a College of Education, it changed in 1983 when the University of Cross River was birthed. Even though Akwa Ibom state was created in 1987, the name remained. It was not until 1991 when the school was taken over by the federal government. It was then it became the University of Uyo (Uniuyo).
Uniuyo Has Four Campuses
Yes, you read that right. Uniuyo, like other universities in the country, has multiple campuses. It is a practice that is not only common to Nigeria alone. Most universities run a permanent site and a temporary site. On the other hand, Uniuyo has four different campuses – the permanent site inclusive.
The campuses include the Ime Umana campus, Annex campus, Town Campus and Main campus. The Ime Umana Campus is host to pre-degree students and other special programmes. The Town Campus run different faculties like the Art, Education, Pharmacy and Social Sciences. The General studies section, Law, Business Administration, Agriculture and Environmental science are handled in the Annex campus. The Main campus which is the permanent site takes care of the administrative arms and the Natural and Applied Sciences and Engineering faculties.
Notable Graduates of Uniuyo
It is not uncommon to see undergraduates of different universities brag about their graduates. It is no difference with Uniuyo. In fact, it is one of those social media wars you probably might just wake up and see. The buzz about which school is the best and the graduate/alumni doing well actually brings about healthy competition.
The likes of Unibadan, Unilag, OAU and other Nigerian universities are always at loggerheads with themselves. It remains one of the battles or wars (on social media) that have never been one. It’s most times for the banters and who has the bragging rights for the moment.
One face which is undoubtedly among the popular Nigerian meme is that of Imeh Bishop Umoh. It is easy not to attach a face to the name because it is not what he is known by. Imeh Bishop Umoh, the comedian, popular known as OKON, is a graduate of the University of Uyo. He earned a degree in Philosophy in Uniuyo.
In 2016, he has since then moved from just an entertainer to a politician in Uyo. This was when he accepted Governor Udom Emmanuel’s appointment as aspecial assistant on Ethical and Social Reorientation. Another notable alumni is Ini Edo who graduated from the faculty of Arts – Theatre Arts.
Things To Do/Places To Go in Uyo
Uyo is definitely top of the goto cities in Nigeria. It is at the heart of one of Nigeria’s oil-rich states. The chances of running out of things to do or places to go in Uyo is very slim. This part of the state is arguably one of the most beautiful and cleanest cities in Nigeria.
Uyo has a good road network that makes it rank as one of the best in the country. It is also the go-to place because of its oil-richness; both home to locals and expatriates. In order to enjoy your time here, below are some of the top places to go or things to do in Uyo.
Unity Park
Akwa Ibom is indeed the land of promise and Uyo is at the centre of it all. There is never a dull moment in any part of the state’s capital. The Unity Park is one of the popular attraction in Uyo. It is a public park which is also known as Cenotaph.
The park also doubles as a ground for the fallen heroes of the country. This is why the annual event of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is always held in this part of the state. Unity park is also famous for its recreational and social events. A visit to this part of Uyo should not be missed, especially on a Saturday.
Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Resort
The Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Resort is arguably the most popular hotel in Uyo and Akwa Ibom. It is often referred to as the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort. The Golf Resort is considered the largest in Nigeria. The resort which spans over 135 hectares of land is one of the reasons people come here.
The Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort has quite a number of features that stands it out among other hotels in Uyo. The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool, gym, golf shop, a restaurant and bar among others. The Ibom hotel is also host to the Marina club which its activities include some of the following Lawn tennis, table tennis, squash, board games, snooker etc.
It is undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Uyo and the entire state of Akwa Ibom. The hotel built to the luxurious taste of people who want to enjoy comfort in the heart of the city.
Visit The Amalgamation House
A visit to the Amalgamation House should be one of the top things to do if you are in or around Uyo. This is arguably the closest you can get with history. The Amalgamation house is a one storey building which served as Lord Frederick Lugard‘s residence during the colonial era. This historical relic is located at Ikot Abasi, a one hour drive from Uyo.
According to history, in 1914, this was where Lord Lugard declared the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates. The one storey building is one of many of the states’ tourist attractions.
National Museum of Colonial History, Uyo
This is definitely for every art, culture and history enthusiast. The National Museum of Colonial History, Uyo has an array of arts and works centred on the creation of Akwa Ibom as well as Nigerian history. This include relics, antiquites, carvings and artefacts. The museum is located at Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.
It is a good destination point in order to learn more about Nigerian history, and most importantly, the history of Akwa Ibom state. Here, you definitely would learn one or two new things about Akwa Ibom.
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, formerly the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, is a 30,000 seater at the heart of Uyo. The stadium is modelled after FC Bayern Allianz Arena in Germany. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is regarded as one of the best and most beautiful in Nigeria.
The Godswill Akpabio stadium has played host to some of the national team’s matches. The stadium, built in 2014, also has some world class facilities like, 400m standard tracks, floodlights, a helipad etc. This stadium is also nicked the champions nest by sport lovers.
Ibom Connection
The Ibom Connection is a beautiful monument at the heart of Uyo which symbolizes the unity of the Akwa Ibom people. This particular place in Uyo has a wide range of artworks. The garden – flowers are also aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
This is definitely why you should visit if you are in Uyo. It is one of the landmarks in the state with great artworks to see. If you are looking to take amazing pictures with arts in the background, it is your go-to place. Here, you can learn about the culture and history of Akwa Ibom and equally have fun.
If you are traveling to the south south part of Nigeria, with the guides and facts about Uyo, you should have an idea of things to expect and what do. You can also share your thoughts with fellow PropertyPro.ng readers.
