Jubitel Online Reporters

THE ORANGE EXPERIENCE 1.0: “WE ARE READY TO PARTNER WITH YOU” — INEC REC TELLS ORANGE NEWSPAPER

In a move aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and electoral institutions ahead of Nigeria’s next democratic cycle, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, Professor Anugbum Onuoha, has assured Orange Newspaper of the Commission’s readiness to partner with the organization.

The assurance came when the management and central planning committee (CPC) for the Orange Newspaper 1:0 paid a courtesy visit to the REC at the INEC State Headquarters in Uyo as part of preparations for the maiden edition of The Orange Newspaper Experience 1.0.

Speaking during the visit, the Publisher of Orange Newspaper, Harrison Ndifreke, described the engagement as timely and strategic, especially as the nation gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the media remains a critical stakeholder in the democratic process through voter education, public enlightenment, accountability, and the promotion of credible elections.

Mr. Harrison emphasized that the relationship between the press and electoral institutions is indispensable in sustaining democracy and encouraging citizens’ participation in governance. He further commended Prof. Onuoha for his visionary leadership and contributions to the nation’s electoral system and academic development, noting that the respected scholar has over 74 academic publications to his credit.

During the visit, the Orange Newspaper Publisher formally presented an invitation to the REC to serve as a Panel Discussant at the maiden edition of The Orange Newspaper Experience 1.0, themed: “The Print Media, Security and Citizens’ Engagement in the 2027 Polls.”

The REC is expected to speak on the topic: “Citizens’ Engagement and Electoral Participation in the 2027 General Elections.”

The event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, June 11, 2026, by 12:00 Noon Prompt at the Patience Umo Eno Auditorium, NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo.

Also speaking during the courtesy visit, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the Orange Newspaper Experience 1.0, David Edet, appreciated the REC for the warm reception accorded the delegation. He introduced members of the planning committee and highlighted the objectives of the forthcoming event.

During an interactive session, Sam David thanked the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for accepting the team’s request for the visit and commended the Commission for maintaining transparency and fairness in its activities. He further stated that Orange Newspaper would deploy all available strategies to engage citizens on voter registration and participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Responding, Prof. Onuoha applauded Orange Newspaper for its professionalism, consistency, and commitment to responsible journalism, stressing that the media remains a vital partner in voter education and democratic development.

“I am ready to partner with the Orange Newspaper,” the REC stated while reiterating his commitment to stronger collaboration with the organization.

He urged the media outfit to intensify voter awareness campaigns across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, emphasizing that increased voter participation remains essential to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

The electoral commissioner also advised journalists and media organizations to prioritize factual, balanced, and credible reportage, warning against the dangers of fake, misleading, and unverified information in society.

Members of the delegation included Christy Mendie, Sam David, Helen Nestor, Emekobong Elvis, Abasiyakke Inyang, Joel Mkpong, and Ruth Akai.

The visit further underscored the growing importance of collaboration between the media and democratic institutions in promoting credible elections, voter awareness, civic participation and national development.

AKSU GETS NUC GREEN LIGHT TO LAUNCH FACULTY OF LAW

By Joel Mkpong, Uyo

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for the establishment of the Faculty of Law at Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), paving the way for the commencement of the LL.B Law programme at the institution.

The approval follows a successful resource verification visit by the NUC’s panel of experts, who assessed the university’s capacity in terms of human and material resources required for the new faculty.

According to an official letter from the NUC dated November 10, 2025, and obtained by newsmen, the regulatory body confirmed that the Executive Secretary had “considered and approved the establishment of the full-time mode of the LL.B Law Programme to be run in the Main Campus of the University with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.”

The letter further directed the university to “provide human and material resources for the development and growth of the approved programmes in line with the provisions of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the Nigerian University System.”

The establishment of the Faculty of Law marks another remarkable achievement for the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, who, within three months in office, has driven major academic expansion at AKSU. Under his leadership, the university has created the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, comprising six departments, and the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, which houses five departments.

Professor Akpan has also overseen the accreditation and resource verification of 30 postgraduate and several undergraduate programmes, in addition to the creation of over 30 Institutes and Centres aimed at strengthening research and attracting external funding.

Reacting to the development, the Director of Mutual Partnership and University Development, Dr. Promise Etim, commended Professor Akpan for his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda, which prioritizes education and youth empowerment.

Dr. Etim also lauded the Governor for his continuous support to AKSU and for providing an enabling environment for academic growth.

With this new approval, AKSU now boasts eleven faculties. The newly approved Faculty of Law will comprise three departments, Private and Property Law, Jurisprudence and International Law, and Commercial and Industrial Law.