The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has charged graduands of the state-owned Akwa Ibom State University to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship as pathways to growth and sustainability.
Speaking at the University’s 9th–12th Combined Convocation held at the Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, the Governor congratulated the graduates on their academic success and resilience.
He emphasised enterprise as a catalyst for unlocking potential, urging bold thinking and action.
“The world rewards those who dream, dare and drive change through ideas and vision. This is the same message I am giving you today: do something daring, dream of something, however small, put in the building blocks for its actualization and you will be mightily surprised where such may lead you,” Governor Eno said.
Referencing the convocation theme, “The Nigerian University System and National Defence in the 21st Century,” Governor Eno called for support for Bola Tinubu in tackling national security challenges.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor, Oto-Abasi Akpan, for advancing the institution’s academic profile.
“Let me again, salute you for the great academic achievements you have registered, leading to this university being ranked as the No. 1 state-owned university in the South-South and 4th overall best university, including federal-owned institutions, in the South-South. This is truly phenomenal, and I salute the leadership of this university for this great feat,” he said.
Institutional Expansion
Governor Eno highlighted institutional expansion, including seven new faculties and 60 programmes approved by the National Universities Commission, notably Business Development and Entrepreneurial Studies.
“I am so thrilled with the addition of this department that I am announcing here today my readiness to teach a course pro bono in this department, to impart my practical insights to help students understand the basics and principles of business development, especially small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).
“We want to develop talents and skills so our people may benefit and partner with us on the 85 audacious projects spanning infrastructure, tourism, healthcare services, housing, etc., currently going on across the State,” the Governor stated.
He abolished combined convocations going forward and directed the Head of Service to explore employment opportunities for first-class graduates and select postgraduate alumni.
Governor Eno also acknowledged contributions of the Chancellor, Ntenyin Etuk, and Pro-Chancellor, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, reaffirming commitment to education, ICT, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Otoabasi Akpan disclosed that 6,779 undergraduate and 746 postgraduate students were convoked, urging them to uphold the institution’s values.
Representing the Pro-Chancellor Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem encouraged graduates to apply their knowledge for societal advancement.
The ceremony featured conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished personalities, including Uwem Okoko, Emem Usoro, and Oliver Ebong, among others.
Dignitaries present included Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, and members of the State Executive Council.