By Bassey Nkponam
MKPAT ENIN
Governor Umo Eno has charged graduands of Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU, to do something daring and embrace entrepreneurship, as the world rewards those who dream, dare and drive change through ideas and vision.
Eno gave the charge, over the weekend, during the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th combined convocation ceremony of the institution, which took place at its main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, and congratulated them on the successful completion of their academic pursuits after the rigours of university life.
“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”.
The governor saw entrepreneurship as the single most critical ingredient that can unlock potentials and set one on the path of growth and sustainability, saying he was thrilled with the inclusion of Business Development and Entrepreneurial Studies in the institution’s curriculum.
“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 said.
Eno commended the vice-chancellor, Professor Oto-Abasi Akpan, for the great academic achievements he has registered, leading to the immense promotion of the institution as the No. 1 state-owned university in the South-South and 4th overall best university, including federal-owned institutions in the South-South.
Describing this attainment as ‘truly phenomenal’, the governor saluted the leadership of the university for this great feat, recalling that under Akpan’s leadership as vice chancellor, seven new faculties have been established, alongside 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.
He used the occasion to abolish combined convocations in the university, saying convocations should be done as and when due.
Eno authorised 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 masters and Ph.D.
He appreciated the chancellor of the university, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, and the pro-chancellor, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, for accepting to serve the State and the institution in particular, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Akwa Ibom children were prepared to face the 21st century world which prioritises education, ICT, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
The governor, who made reference to the theme of the combined convocation, “the Nigerian University System and National Defence in the 21st Century”, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his determined and focused efforts in ridding Nigeria of all security challenges, while also calling for support for Tinubu to enable him succeed in the onerous task.
Vice chancellor of the university, Akpan, appreciated Governor Eno for his support and confidence in the management of the university to deliver on the set ideals of the institution, explaining that 6,779 first degree students and 746 Postgraduate students convoked, enjoining the graduands to responsibly represent AKSU at the larger society.
Pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who was represented by a former secretary to the State government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, thanked the governor for giving his team the privilege to bring their wealth of experience to bear for positive advancement of the institution, and told the graduands to be ready to put their many years of learning to good use to better their lot and that of the society.
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