The Akwa Ibom State University’s 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Combined Convocation, held on Friday, April 25, 2026, at the main campus of the university, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, attracted an array of dignitaries.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, accompanied by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, led members of the State Executive Council, Stakeholders in the State and other eminent personalities to the convocation.
The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, who is the Chancellor of AKSU, was accompanied by paramount rulers, Clan Heads and Village heads in the State.
Among the honourees at the event were His Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, CFR, CNOL, JP; Deputy Governor of Central Bank Ms Emem Usoro; Prof. James Ibanga, Commissioner for Works, Akwa Ibom State; Engr. Uwem Stephen Robert Okoko, FNSE, CEO of Hensek Integrated Services Limited; Engr. Oliver Okon Ebong, FNSE, Chairman of VKS Nigeria Construction Limited, among others.
In his speech, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, charged graduates of the state-owned University to be innovative, dare to be different and embrace entrepreneurship, while congratulating them for their academic successes after the rigours of University life.
Related: Why AKSU Is Emerging As A Leading Global Research-Centric University
Governor Eno, who is the Visitor to AKSU, noted that entrepreneurship is the single most critical ingredient that can unlock potential and set one on the path of growth and sustainability.
The Governor, who recalled his message to graduates as guest speaker at the recent graduation ceremony of Mountain Top University in Ogun State, noted that the world rewards those who are daring and think differently.
“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 actualisation, and you will be mightily surprised where such may lead you.”
Referring to the theme of AKSU’s combined convocation, “The Nigerian University System and National Defence in the 21st Century”, he commended and called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his determined and focused efforts to rid the country of all forms of security challenges.
The Governor commended the vice-chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, for his commitment, diligence, humility and collaboration that have immensely promoted the university to its present state.
“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 the 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.
Under your leadership as Vice Chancellor, seven new faculties have been established, along with the approval of 60 new academic programmes by the National Universities Commission, NUC, one of which is the Department of 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,” he added.
The Governor also abolished all other combined convocations, saying that convocations should be done as and when due.
He directed the Head of Service to put together the necessary measures to explore the possibility of granting employment to first-class graduates, as well as a select group of former students with master’s and PhDs.
Governor Eno appreciated the Chancellor, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, CFR, and the Pro-Chancellor, Distinguished Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, for accepting to serve the State and the institution in particular and reaffirmed commitment to ensuring that Akwa Ibom children are prepared to face the 21st-century world, which, according to him, prioritises education, ICT, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
Earlier, Oku Ibom Ibibio, in his speech before declaring the convocation open, said the University has continued to record remarkable growth in its programmes, infrastructure, and administrative efficiency, stating that the achievements are made possible through the steadfast support of the Akwa Ibom State Government, particularly by Gov. Eno, who has consistently allocated essential resources for the University’s effective operation and has personally engaged in the institution’s activities.
“We deeply appreciate his contributions and kindly request his continued support in positioning the University for greater heights,” he added.
The Chancellor congratulated His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, CFR, CNOL, JP, Sarkin Kano, for being conferred with the Doctor of Arts (D.A.) Honoris Causa and also commended the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Distinguished Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, CON, and the members of the Governing Council.
Also speaking, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, appreciated Governor Eno for his support and confidence in the management of the University to deliver on the set ideals of the school.
He disclosed that a total of 6,779 first-degree students and 746 postgraduate students got convoked at the event and enjoined the graduands to responsibly represent the institution in the larger society.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, commended Governor Eno for giving his team the privilege to bring their wealth of experience to bear for the positive advancement of the school.
Represented by Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, the Pro-Chancellor admonished graduands to be ready to put their many years of learning to good use to better their lot and that of the society.
