CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
A key indicator to determine the true worth and value of modern organization is their ability to give back to the society part of what they earn through some mutually beneficial initiatives. These initiatives are encapsulated in the concept of corporate social responsibility. Considering that the objective of corporate organization is to increase profit, this study is centered on the increasing calls for corporate entities to be socially and environmentally responsible. Organization operates in an environment and to create conducive atmosphere for its business to thrive it has to do so with public interest in mind.
Akwa Ibom University a public enterprise of the Akwa Ibom State government had its concept of establishment in the year 2000, as the Akwa Ibom State University of Technology, later converted to a conventional university in September 2010 as the Akwa Ibom State University, during the then Chief (Dr) Godswill Obot Akpabio’s led administration. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) is a multi campus institution, with two campuses located in the central and southern part of the State. The main campus which is the focus of our study is located in the coastal part of the State, creditably Mkpat Enin local government area and the annex campus at Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam local government area, which was an old British Colonial agricultural experimental station1.
As recorded by Arbo P. in an article what the literature tells us higher educational institutions and their role (impact) in regional development seem to be centered on these basic themes, namely; notion of centrality of the university, its meaning, agenda and new mode of governance. Thus, higher institution has always had an impact on host community aside producing trained and educated manpower cum innovation for development2. In light of the above, Mkpat Enin local government has allowed innovations and perceived changes in occupational practices of her indigence from farming to teaching, white collar jobs and abound opportunity for small scale and subsidiary businesses with an attempted neglect of agriculture and other traditional jobs.
In view of the dynamic nature of our environment, this study tries to examine the Impact of Akwa Ibom State University on Mkpat Enin community to univalve the social implications between the institution and its host community.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
The type of relationship existing between Akwa Ibom State University and Mkpat Enin Local Government Area is acute. There is the need to fully understand the type of relationship between the university and the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, and all that the relationship had resulted in over time. The impacts of the relationships for “good” and or for “bad” of the community must be identified, defined and documented.
Also, the issue of cultism has posed a serious problem to the members of the university community and the community at large. Their manner of operation is both sinister and bizarre leaving behind them, a trail of wanton destruction. Most distressing of the problems is the spate of stealing and harassing members of the community in which the university is located. In spite of measure put in place by the various arm of government and school administrators, aimed at combating the ugly trend of cultism, the phenomenon on our campuses has refused to be eradicated.
As such this study was initiated to examine the contributions of Akwa Ibom State University to the development of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
AIM/OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The aim of the study is to examine the impact Akwa Ibom State University on the development of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, while the objectives of the research work includes;
To examine the contributions of Akwa Ibom State university on the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
To examine the socio-economic impact of Akwa Ibom State university on Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
3) To ascertain if Akwa Ibom State university has provide access to tertiary education to Mkpat Enin citizens through scholarship.
4) To analyze the challenges faced by Mkpat Enin community in hosting Akwa Ibom State university.
5) To analyze the tradition of origin, migration and settlement of Mkpat Enin people.
6) Made suggestions for enhancement and amelioration for sustainable, continual community development.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study will help to identify, specify and reiterate the impact a university community could have on its host community and or immediate environment. It will also help to ascertain the good and or bad influence of the university environment on its local communities. Areas of mutual coexistence between the university and its local/host community will be established and thus become part of body of knowledge for Community and reference material for scholars and researchers on the subject matter.
1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The scope of the study is from 2000-2017. This period shall enable us examine the impact of Akwa Ibom State University on Mkpat Enin local government.
Nevertheless, in carrying out a research like this, numerous constraints were encountered such as insufficient funds, scanty materials, and time frame for a research work of this nature posed a serious threat to this work. Also, a great number of informants who could have help immensely in the research work have passed on and others refused to hunour appointments on the grounds of busy schedule or lack of interest in the subject matter.
1.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In this work, primary and secondary sources were consulted. Primary sources was through interview, interactions and folks-talk while Secondary sources that were relevant to this work were also used which were found in the Akwa Ibom state university library, personal library as well as personal library of lecturers within the department.
Information gotten from both sources were carefully analyzed and evaluated before being used in the re-enactment of this aspect of history.
