Akwa Ibom Varsity Produces 2 First Class Graduates

Akwa Ibom State University(AKSU), on Saturday, 2nd May, 2015 held her maiden convocation ceremony at the Main Campus of the University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin. The institution which produced 40 graduands from the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences had the following classes of Degrees: 2 First Class, 17 Second Class Upper, 19 Second Class Lower, 2 Third Class.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Eno J. Ibanga was filled with thanks to God and to the Governor, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, for the privilege given to him to serve humanity. In his address, he acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. S. W. Petters, FAS, who through commitment oversee the successful take-off, growth and sustainable development of the institution to the point of obtaining accreditation for the Faculty of natural and Applied Sciences.

According to him, he is proud to be the Vice-Chancellor graduating the first set of students of Akwa Ibom State University and said his mission and vision is to make Akwa Ibom State University a world class and top-ranked first class institution of excellence in all programmes through knowledge production, dissemination, teaching, research and service to mankind. He urged the pioneer graduands, who were found worthy in character and learning, to be good ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State University and exhibit exemplary virtue which will distinguish them from the larger society.

The Chancellor of the University and Emir of Kazaure, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu, CON, earlier in his address, thanked the out-gone Vice-Chancellor, Prof. S. W. Petters for his tremendous contributions in nurturing the university and stressed the importance of acquiring knowledge. He called on the staff of the university to intensify effort on delivering excellent and sustainable education on the students so as to produce self-employed graduates.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Akwa Ibom State University Governing Council, Obong (Engr) Asuquo S. Udofia, in his address, promised a holistic and conducive learning environment for the students and called on all stakeholders to lend support for this good to be achieved.

The ceremony climaxed when the graduands received their certificates and the State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Godswill Akpabio, CON, awarded the two (2) first class graduands scholarship to study anywhere in the world, and a million naira each. Also, a hundred thousand naira was given to each of the other 38 graduands.

The ceremony had in attendance the Governor and Visitor & wife, The Deputy Governor, The Governor-Elect and Deputy Governor-Elect, the SSG, members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, the political class, Prominent sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, Royal fathers, Religious Leaders and the general public.

The Convocation ceremonies commenced on Tuesday, 28th April, 2015, with the Vice-Chancellor’s Press Briefing and the Convocation Lecture on Thursday, 30th April, 2015 titled The Past as a Guide to our Future by Prof. (Emeritus) Reuben K. Udo, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan.