Overview and History of Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State

 
Nestled in the scenic town of Nde in the Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, the Havilla University, Nde-Ikom (often abbreviated as HUNI) represents a fresh chapter in the region’s higher-education landscape. As the first university—public or private—to be established in the central and northern senatorial districts of Cross River State, it embodies both educational ambition and community aspiration. Founded with a vision to provide student-centred teaching and learning, research innovation, and community engagement, Havilla University positions itself as a transformative institution. It sits on a sprawling 228-hectare campus at Km 15, Ikom-Ogoja Road, in Nde, Ikom. 

For students, educators, and communities alike, Havilla University offers an opportunity not just to earn a degree but to be part of a growing educational ecosystem that emphasises ethical standards, technology, personal growth and entrepreneurial mindset. From its humble beginnings to its recent formal launch, the university is charting a path aimed at uplifting learners from the region and beyond. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key facets of Havilla University: its official website and online presence, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation, academic structure and facilities, campus life, and any notable alumni.

##Official Website
The university’s official web portal—havillauniversity.edu.ngserves as the primary gateway for prospective and current students, staff and stakeholders. It provides up-to-date information on admissions, faculties and programmes, principal officers, news and events, and academic resources. Through the site, visitors can explore the university’s mission, vision, philosophy, programme listings, and application procedures. It is a key platform for establishing transparency, providing updates and building the institutional brand of Havilla University.

##Motto
While the university does not prominently advertise a single short slogan in all its public materials, it emphasises its core values of learning, integrity, excellence, ethical standards, discipline, technology and academic freedom. These guiding principles effectively serve as the moral and educational “motto” of the institution, signalling to students and stakeholders that Havilla University aims to produce graduates of character as well as competence.

##Founder
The founder of Havilla University is Jones Ayuk Ojong Tangban (also cited as “Hon. Evang. Jones Ayuk Ojong Tangban”). He is also the Chancellor of the university. 
His wife, Mrs Blessing Ayuk Ojong Tangban, serves as Chairperson of the SteadyFlow Group of Schools and is closely involved in the establishment of the university. 

As an education entrepreneur and former lawmaker (representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency), Tangban established Havilla University with the goal of contributing to the development of the education sector in the region. 

##History
Havilla University’s journey began in earnest when the National Universities Commission (NUC) granted licence on 8 April 2021. 

The institution was unveiled to the public on 6 November 2021 at its campus in Nde, Ikom. Situated strategically on Km 15 Ikom-Ogoja Road, the campus occupies 228 hectares in a serene environment — 215 km from the state capital Calabar, 84 km from Ogoja, and as close as 28 km from the Republic of Cameroon border. 

In its founding message, the Chancellor indicated that the idea of the university dates back to 2005 — conceived as a divine vision to provide quality education, dismantle deprivation and ignorance, and create a self-reliant community of scholars. 

Academic operations commenced with the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor, and programmes approved by the NUC, including health sciences such as Nursing, Public Health and Medical Laboratory Science.

Since its launch, Havilla University has moved to build infrastructure such as the Senate Building (named after former Senate Leader Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba) and the Faculty of Law complex (Sen. Kanu Agabi building) in line with its ambitious plans.

The institution describes itself as a dynamic system of teaching, learning and research, aided by cutting-edge equipment and state-of-the-art facilities to prepare graduates competitive in both character and content. 

##Chancellor 
Jones Ayuk Ojong Tangban As previously stated, he is the Founder and Chancellor of Havilla University. He is also an Evangelist, educationist and former member of the House of Representatives representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency of Cross River State. 

His biography reflects a commitment to educational and community development. For instance, in media interviews he noted that the university is a way of contributing his quota towards the development of the education sector in Nigeria. 

He and his wife have established educational institutions (SteadyFlow Group of Schools) and now this university, signalling a long-term investment in human capital development. The Chancellor emphasises entrepreneurship, self-reliance and values-driven education. 

##Accreditation and Recognition
Havilla University is officially listed as a private university in Nigeria. It was included in the NUC list of newly approved private universities in 2021. 

Specifically, the NUC June 2024 list records Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State, as established in 2021. 

This accreditation means that the university’s programmes and operations are recognised by Nigeria’s regulatory body for universities, enabling it to admit students, award degrees and operate legally as a tertiary institution.

While I did not locate a publicly listed motto unique to accreditation certificates, the licensing date and listing by NUC are strong indicators of institutional recognition and legitimacy.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Havilla University has organised its academic offerings and facilities in a multidimensional way. Key facets include:

Faculties/Schools – The university currently has four faculties: 

Faculty of Computing and Sciences

Faculty of Management and Social Sciences

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Health Sciences. 


##Campus Life and Facilities
While detailed student-life information is still unfolding (given the newness of the institution), Havilla University offers the following campus life and facility highlights:

Spacious campus grounds (228 hectares) provide room for residential halls, sports and recreation, study-spaces, and greenery, thus creating a serene learning environment. 

Newly inaugurated facilities include the International Centre for Vocational, Entrepreneurial Skill Studies and Research—providing opportunities beyond the classroom for practical skills, innovation and self-employment. 

Student support services: The institution emphasises career development, resume and interview preparation, and job-placement assistance—an important feature of campus life to support student transition to the workforce. 

Orientation and matriculation ceremonies: For example, the May 24 2025 matriculation event marked a major milestone for new students and illustrated the vibrant campus atmosphere with students, staff and ceremony. 

Strong emphasis on discipline and character: The Vice-Chancellor has warned students against cultism, exam malpractice and other deviant behaviour, underscoring the campus ethos of integrity and excellence. 

Governance and community relationships: The university is embedded in its host community (Nde, Ikom LGA), and engages in partnerships (for example liaison with the Cross River State Commissioner for Health) that may translate into service-learning, community engagement opportunities for students. 

Overall, then, campus life at Havilla University appears focused on combining academic rigour, character-formation, practical skill-development and community engagement within a modern infrastructure.