Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has directed the immediate end of combined convocation ceremonies at the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU).Join our WhatsApp group
He instructed that future convocation events should be held promptly and not combined, but conducted as and when due.
The governor issued the directive on the weekend during the university’s 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th combined convocation ceremony held in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
“This will be the last combined convocation in this university. Vice Chancellor, ensure that arrangements are made for convocations to be conducted regularly as they are due,” he said.
Governor Umo Eno, who holds a PhD, also expressed interest in contributing academically to the institution. He appealed to the Vice Chancellor to allow him to teach a course pro bono in the newly established Department of Business Development and Entrepreneurial Studies.
He noted that despite his tight schedule as governor, he would create time to share practical knowledge with students, particularly in areas relating to business development and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
He further encouraged graduates to be innovative, impactful, and entrepreneurial, stressing that entrepreneurship remains key to unlocking potential and achieving sustainable growth.
“I am excited about this new department, and I am willing to teach a course voluntarily to share practical insights that will help students understand business development and SME principles,” Umo Eno said.
The governor also directed the Head of Service to explore mechanisms for offering employment opportunities to first-class graduates, as well as select holders of master’s and doctoral degrees.
Speaking on the convocation theme, “The Nigerian University System and National Defence in the 21st Century,” Eno urged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to address security challenges across the country.
He commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, for his leadership, describing his dedication and collaboration as instrumental to the university’s progress.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the governor for his continued support and confidence in the institution’s management.
He disclosed that a total of 6,779 first-degree students and 746 postgraduate students graduated during the combined convocation ceremony, urging them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the university in society.
