A Journey Through University of Uyo Main Campus

INTRODUCTION

Whenever I walk past the gates of the University of Uyo, main campus (permanent site), Nwaniba, something always pulls me to pause just observe the bustle of students moving in groups, the friendly noise of campus life, the trees dancing gently with the breeze, and the feeling that you’re part of something much bigger than yourself. This place is more than just a school to me, it is a place filled with memories, lessons, friendships, and personal growth.

Located in Akwa Ibom State, this institution stands proudly as one of Nigeria’s most respected federal universities. UniUyo (as we fondly call it) has its own unique rhythm that you can’t fully explain until you’ve experienced it yourself.

In this post, I’ll be taking you on a personal tour of the University of Uyo as I’ve known and what I've experienced from the beautiful landscapes to the services available, the atmosphere around, and everything in between. I’ve also added the exact location on OpenStreetMap so others can discover and explore this amazing place too.

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Brief History of the University of Uyo

The University of Uyo (UniUyo), as it is known today, began its journey in 1975 as a satellite campus of the University of Calabar, offering mainly arts and science programs to a growing population of students in what was then Cross River State. It was previously known as University of Cross River.

In the year 1983, the campus became a state university named University of Cross River State. But the most transformative moment came in October 1991, when the Federal Government of Nigeria took over the institution and upgraded it to a federal university, officially renaming it the University of Uyo.
Since then, the university has grown significantly, both in academic strength and physical development.

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As a student of this institution, I can say that UniUyo is not just known for its history, but also the present-day experience that truly captures your heart. From the peaceful green spaces around the permanent site to the energy and movement it offers.In this post, I want to give you a full view of what it's like being in UniUyo.

Whether you're curious about the atmosphere, interested in the academic programs, or just want to know what kind of facilities and services you’ll find here, I’ll be sharing it all — including the ups and downs of my experience.One thing that stands out about the University of Uyo permanent site is how nature blends into the learning environment.

There are tall in every corner you turn to, most of those trees are growing next to academic buildings as well, giving the school a peaceful and airy atmosphere. Whether it’s sunny or in the rainy season, there’s always a cool shade to walk under.

Coming from the school gate, you would enter transport at the rate of; 100 Nigerian Naira (NGN)(0.442 steem), and get anywhere inside the school.

Academic Life & Programs

Faculty of Science

Once you step into the permanent site of the University of Uyo, one of the first major faculties you’ll notice is the Faculty of Science. It’s hard to miss — a large block always buzzing with students in lab coats and lecturers dashing between lecture halls and research labs. From Biochemistry to Physics, it sets the pace for academic seriousness on campus.

Faculty of Computing

The Faculty of Computing, one of the newest additions to the main campus, is located not too far from the Faculty of Science. Although it’s still developing, the faculty has already started making its mark with programs in computer science, software engineering, and data-related fields. What stands out is the fresh structure of the building, with lecture halls that are spacious and ventilation-friendly. Even from the outside, you can tell that tech is gradually gaining ground here. With more facilities expected to come, the Faculty of Computing is definitely a place to watch.

Faculty of agriculture

And then you’ll come across the Faculty of Agriculture, where learning goes beyond the classroom. Students are usually seen preparing for farm practicals, and the faculty itself sits quietly with its green surroundings — a reminder of the university’s strong link to sustainability and food production.

Faculty of Engineering

Just beside it is the Faculty of Engineering. Known for its workshops and structural designs, it’s a place of complex formulas, practical sessions, and sometimes, the familiar hum of machines. Engineering students are always busy, and you can almost feel the technical energy in that space.

Faculty of Law

Heading further in, you’ll spot the dignified building of the Faculty of Law. It's not just the structure that commands respect — the students too. Always neatly dressed, their air of confidence and the occasional “My Lord” banter shows how deeply immersed they are in their legal journey.

Faculty of Arts

Not far from there is the Faculty of Arts, which brings in the cultural spice. With departments like English, Theatre Arts, and Philosophy, the environment feels more expressive and relaxed — a good contrast to the rigidity of law and engineering.

Faculty of Environmental Studies

Finally, the Faculty of Environmental Studies (popularly called Environmental Sciences) stands tall with its design studios and creative works. Architecture students here are often seen carrying large drawing boards or hanging models. It’s a faculty where imagination meets reality, and that shows even in their buildings.

Each of these faculties adds its own flavour to the campus atmosphere — from sciences to humanities, and from law to agriculture — making the University of Uyo’s main campus academically rich and beautifully diverse.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Personally my journey here, have been full of ups and downs, first off, I am a 300-level student of the department of mechanical engineering. Before I even got admission into the school, I had already planned out how everything would be, from the friends I would make, to even calculating my GPA and CGPA. When I first came to the school I thought it would be as I had planned out, but the school had its own plans.

THE EARLY STRUGGLES

Though, when I was in my first year, things were going as planned, obviously, because it was kind of a repeat of what we did in secondary school, my CGPA was going as planned, and I thought that it would continue like that. Not until I entered 200-level, Even the way we were being taught changed, imagine teaching 4-5 pages in class and expecting us to read the whole textbook, yeah, I know it is the university, and things are different from the way It was done in secondary schools but, this one was just evil from the part of the lecturers. After even trying to cover the whole textbook, writing the exams and at the end when results are out, you would be devastated. Normally, a semester is supposed to be for 4-5 months at the least, but due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, our semesters are now for one and half months, two months at the most. With the reason that they want to balance the calendar, not caring about the impact it has on students physically and even mentally. Most students fall sick due to the stress we pass through on a daily basis. Apart from that, my course is supposed to be more practical than theory, but we hardly get the theory, not to talk of the practical aspect, and as a result of this, when we go for Industrial Training (IT) we usually find it hard to cope and meet up.

ADAPTING TO THE SYSTEM

Even with all these challenges, we started to adjust and adapt, I made new friends along the way who were also supportive as well. We tried coping with the behaviour of lecturers, started to pass our tests and exams well, helping each other when the need arises, whether in exams halls or outside. We started building back our GPA, improving in school activities, signing our course forms, thinking everything was under control.

LIFE IN THE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Being in this department is not for the weak, the workload we undergo is very intense, as you would either find us in the engineering workshops or the faculty of science labs trying to figure out practicals or even study for a test we barely had time to prepare for

THE SUDDEN SHIFT TO CBT: A TEST WE WEREN’T READY FOR

Out of nowhere, the university introduced Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for our semester exams. While most advanced institutions already use CBT, the way it was suddenly brought to us felt inconsiderate. We were notified late, and even after the announcement, there was still uncertainty about whether the CBT system would be fully implemented or not. It left many of us confused and anxious, unsure of how to even begin preparing. What made it worse was the general lack of seriousness from some lecturers—they barely taught during the semester and refused to provide Areas of Concentration (AoCs), even when time was clearly against us.

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WHEN EFFORT MEETS UNFAIRNESS

Despite everything, we still tried to study hard, but what we met in the exam hall was something else entirely. For instance, an electrical engineering course worth 3 credit units—a course involving circuit analysis and deep calculations—was set as a 40-minute CBT with 40 questions, out of which 19 were purely calculations we had never been taught. It was shocking and unfair. Normally, when this same course was handwritten, we had up to three hours to solve the questions due to its weight. But now, we were being rushed through complex problem-solving in just 40 minutes. To make matters worse, the exams, which were scheduled for 10 am, often started 4 hours late. We would stand in line, tired, frustrated, and sometimes even looking for places to sit while waiting.

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NO SLEEP, NO REST—JUST STRUGGLE AND STRESS

To cap it all, there was no real break between lectures and exams. The last lecture for most courses ended just a day before exams started. There was no time to study deeply, and the timetable was so packed that we only had one day intervals between each paper. That meant sleepless nights, extreme exhaustion, and entering the exam halls already mentally drained. Yet, the questions were as hard as ever. Still, as unfair and wicked as this system may seem, these are some of the hurdles we must overcome on our journey to greatness. One day, I’ll sit back, smile, and tell my story—of how I survived it all.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Behind the faculty of science, you get to see

THE CENTRAL LIBRARY

The Central Library greets you first – a modern, multi-storey building where students huddle over textbooks day and night, reading not just to pass exams, but also to be informed and as well be something important in the society.

MICROFINANCE BANK

Then we have, the campus Microfinance Bank which offers services like quick loans and savings plans for both staff and students. And close to it are several ATM points, so there will be no need to worry about cash when you need it most.

BOOKSHOP AND STATIONERY

And for all academic supplies, there’s a well-stocked bookshop and stationery outlet where you can pick up everything from lecture notes, past questions, course materials and project boards.

FUEL STATION

There's also the petroleum station where fuel is being sold, so even if you run out of fuel no need to worry as you can get in there and get fuel at affordable rates.

ART GALLERY

Just behind the Faculty of Arts, there’s a serene space that houses the University Art Gallery. Though students from other don't really know this place. This gallery holds beautiful paintings, sculptures, and artworks done by both students and alumni. On my last visit, I saw several sculptures and was marvelled at how talented people are. The gallery may not be open every day, but when it is, it's a peaceful escape that connects you to culture, creativity, and imagination.

PRINTING PRESS

It is another important area in the school. It is located between the faculty of agriculture and engineering, while students may not visit often, it plays a very important role. From printing examination papers to producing official school documents, certificates, and banners for major events like convocation, the printing press handles a lot of essential tasks.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK

This is where all the administrative, official activities of the school is carried out. This is also where the office of the Vice Chancellor is located.

There's also the mini field where sporting activities, programs are carried out

Events and Programs

The University of Uyo is not just about academics, events and programs are also carried out to keep the vibes on campus strong and active. From matriculation, convocation and even Students’ Week, which is hosted by different faculties, where talent shows, cultural displays, and sporting activities are organised shows the rich heritage of this institution.

Summary and Final Thoughts

The University of Uyo stands tall as one of the most serene and student-friendly institutions in Nigeria.

From the few years in this institution I have come to a better understanding of what a conducive academic environment should feel like. In all, University of Uyo continues to leave a lasting impression.

I would love to invite @promisezella @etoro @mr-peng to join

Details	Data
Location	Nwaniba, Uyo
Fee from gate	N100 (0.44 STEEM)
Sites	Facebook Link Google Info
Date of documentary	16th July, 2025
OpenStreetMap	https://www.openstreetmap.org/?#map=14/5.00241/7.97831&layers=C
SteemAtlas link	[//]:# (!steematlas 5.0241011 lat 7.9744297 long Y building (PTDF) d3scr)
Google Map	https://maps.app.goo.gl/GLQjWG8MShU1pi337