AKSU Produces 135 First Class Graduands at 2026 Convocation

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has recorded a magnificent milestone as the management produced 135 first-class graduates at the 2026 convocation.

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) in its 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Convocation graduated 6,793 students in the Undergraduate programmes with 135 First Class Honours and 746 Postgraduate students. Miss Mary Raphael Umaha, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture emerged the overall Best Graduating Student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.90 from the 2022/2023 academic year. The event held Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the University Mini Sports Stadium, Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

Speaking during the occasion, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Visitor to Akwa Ibom State University, Pst. Umo Eno, Ph.D promised to empower outstanding graduates of the University to ensure that the Institution remains relevant in the State, Region and Country. In his words, “I hereby authorise the Head of Service to explore the possibilities of granting employment to First Class graduates from the University as well as a select group of former students with Masters and Ph.D from this University. The Head of Service will equally advise me on how we may recruit 200 additional teaching staff and 50 support staff for the 60 new programmes that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved for the University. Whatever we can do to make this University soar, we will do it,” he assured.

Furthermore, The Governor promised that internal roads, hostel accommodation and other physical amenities will be given attention. He thanked the University Management for speedily agreeing to partner with the State Government’s agricultural revolution, “This University runs one of the best programmes in agriculture and we are seeing the benefits of such collaboration. So I want the University to take over the management of Ibom Model Farm as well as our Green House along Airport Road, Uyo.” Pst. Eno also commended the Management for introducing the Department of Business Development and Entrepreneurship Studies “I am particularly thrilled by the addition of this Department that I am announcing my readiness to teach a course pro bono in that Department,” adding that entrepreneurship unlocks potentials, encourages growth and sustainability.

The Governor lauded the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and University Management for their commitment toward improving the system. He congratulated the students for their passion and dedication which had resulted in their graduation. Pst. Eno emphasised his administration’s zero tolerance for anti-social tendencies and gender based violence. He charged them to work hard, be creative and maintain integrity in order to conquer for themselves, their parents, State, Nation and world.

In his address, the Chancellor of the University, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and the President General, Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, JP expressed gratitude to God for the grace to witness and participate in the occasion, to award degrees, celebrate resilience, excellence, the promise of tomorrow and evidence of hope fulfilled in the graduating students. The Chancellor said that the University has continued to record remarkable growth in its programmes, infrastructure, and administrative efficiency, achievements made possible through the steadfast support of the Akwa Ibom State Government, particularly the Governor, Pst. Umo Eno, Ph.D, who has consistently allocated essential resources for the University’s effective operation and has personally engaged in the institution’s activities. He appreciated the Governor’s contributions and kindly requested his continued support in positioning the University for greater heights.

Speaking further, the Chancellor commended the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, CON, and members of the council on their successful inaugural meeting following their appointment and their collective inputs so far. He lauded the University Management team, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. OtoAbasi E. Akpan for their unwavering efforts in enhancing the University’s reputation and ensuring that the students graduate, well-equipped in both character and knowledge. He commended the Faculty members and staff whose dedication and tenacity of purpose have shaped the scholars celebrated during the occasion. He thanked parents, guardians, and sponsors for their sacrifices.

The Chancellor extended gratitude to the host communities for their peaceful and harmonious relationship with the University. He congratulated the graduating students for their accomplishments which mark the beginning of greater opportunities, urged them to be worthy ambassadors of the University, upholding its values in all their endeavours, having been equipped to explore new horizons, he therefore charged them to go forth and excel. The Chancellor said that the University requires collaborative partnership for development. He called on donor agencies, development partners, non-governmental organisations, and well-intentioned individuals, both at home and in the diaspora, to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the University. He conveyed the warm greetings from the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Ifim Ibom Ibibio (Supreme Council of Ibibio Traditional Rulers), the Nsit Ubium Traditional Rulers Council, his family and associates within and beyond the State.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, CON, represented by the former Secretary to the State Government and serving member of the Governing Council, Dr. Emmanuel Ekwuwem, in his address said that Convocation is one of the rare occasions when a University pauses to reflect on its journey, measure its progress, and publicly affirm the worth of the knowledge it has imparted. He added that the ceremony was to celebrate academic success, the disciplined effort, sacrifice, and resilience that make such success possible. He acknowledged the Visitor and Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, for his continuing goodwill towards the University and for the atmosphere of support that has enabled the Institution to grow with confidence. He praised the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the members of Senate and Council, staff, parents and all friends of the University, whose commitment has kept the Institution on an upward trajectory, adding that their contributions, whether visible or quiet, have helped sustain a University culture rooted in purpose and possibility.

Senator Udoma celebrated the Institution’s advancement “A great university does not stand still. It renews itself continually in response to the demands of time. I am pleased to affirm that Akwa Ibom state University has remained steadfast in that duty. We have sustained a deliberate course of academic expansion and renewal, with programmes being repositioned to respond more effectively to the realities of a fast-changing world and to the needs of our society.” He informed about physical and intellectual infrastructure of learning including plans for laboratory upgrades, particularly in the sciences and technology-driven disciplines, digitisation of the library system for worldwide research and innovation, investment in the making of well-rounded graduates and nurturing a culture of enterprise, creativity, and responsible citizenship among the students.

The Pro-Chancellor commended the members of Council and Senate for their stewardship and dedication to the continued stability and growth of the Institution. He lauded the lecturers and staff whose work has gone beyond instruction to shape minds and futures. He congratulated the parents and guardians on their harvest season as their labour, patience and belief had borne fruit. He praised the partners and benefactors for their valued support. Senator Udoma advised the graduands, “The world before you is demanding, competitive, and often uncertain. Yet you go forward equipped with the discipline of learning and the strength of experience. Let integrity guide your choices, let excellence define your work, and let service give meaning to your success. In every field you enter, remember that your conduct will speak not only for you, but also for the University whose name you bear.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan expressed gratitude to God for His grace and faithfulness. He appreciated the Visitor to the University and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pst. Umo Eno, Ph.D for his unwavering support, wise counsel, abiding interest in the growth and development of the Institution which have provided the enabling environment for the celebrated achievements. He appreciated the Commissioner for Education, members of the State Executive Council, the Pro-Chancellor and members of council, Senate, staff, students, alumni, parents, host communities and all stakeholders who continue to stand by the University. Prof. Akpan informed about expansion of academic programmes during his administration, from 66 to 84, increase of Faculties from 14 to 17, introduction of 41 new programmes, full accreditation of 43 programmes, access to higher education through the JUPEB programme, Part-Time Degree Programmes and the Top-Up Conversion Programme. He added that programmes such as Law, Pharmacy, Nursing Sciences, Community Health Sciences, Engineering will be presented to their Professional Councils in due course and that the College of Medicine will be established in the next academic session.

The Vice-Chancellor intimated about collaborations with Frontier Energy Limited, Oriental Energy Resources, Peace Eye Austria, Business Sweden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences (South China Sea Institute of Oceanology), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), OCP Africa, Solidaridad. Prof. Akpan assured about the University’s commitment to the welfare of both staff and students, evident in the regular and fair conduct of staff promotion exercises; expansion of training, research, conference attendance and professional development; improvement in staff housing and creation of a more rewarding work environment. He added that for students, a conducive atmosphere has been provided for learning and personal development through cultural, literary, social and sporting clubs, as well as promoting discipline, mutual respect and responsible conduct. He however requested for support from the government, corporate organisations, development partners, alumni and friends of the University in the areas of additional hostel accommodation, improved staff housing, expanded laboratories, research funding, transportation facilities, developed road network and investment in digital infrastructure.

The Vice-Chancellor welcomed guests and explained that the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Convocation cover students who completed their studies in the 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions. He congratulated all the graduands for successfully completing their studies and commended those who graduated with First Class Honours for their hard work and dedication. He encouraged them to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, excellence and service, “The world needs men and women who are not only knowledgeable, but also responsible and compassionate. As ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State University, I urge you to continue to make this Institution proud wherever you may find yourselves. I charge you to go into the world with confidence and determination. Build, lead, innovate and serve,” he added.

Responding, one of the Honourary Doctorate Degree Awardees, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (Operations), Mrs. Emem Nanna Usoro, praised the current and past State Governors and University Management for the giant strides the Institution constantly records. She dedicated the award to God for bringing her this far; to her late parents and to every young girl who aspires to achieve more. She appreciated the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for her appointment. She thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Cardoso for their staunch support. She appreciated the Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor, the Senate and the entire University community for the award. She congratulated her fellow awardees. To the graduands, she charged “Credentials alone will not suffice in this new world. It is not only your discipline that you graduate with that will define your future, but your dedication, eagerness to learn, courage to break down barriers, resilience, tenacity, commitment to lifelong learning, and determination to rise beyond limiting boundaries. Do not underestimate the power of humility and consistency. You must learn the art of humility to achieve greater purpose and success.”

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh announced various prizes to some of the graduating students as a mark of honour for their excellence and stellar performances. These include: the Vice-Chancellor’s award for the Overall Best Graduating Student; the Chancellor’s prize for the Best Student Leader; the Pro-Chancellor’s award for the Best Sports Student Leader; other awards by different sponsors for students in different categories across the sessions. He lauded the students and encouraged others to surpass those records.

In a Valedictory Speech, the Overall Best Graduating Student, Miss Mary Umaha noted that the occasion marked the end of the students’ first degrees and a celebration of determination, resilience, sacrifice, support and triumph over challenges that tested their resolve, adding that the achievement was a testament to their perseverance, faith and commitment. She gave glory to God for the strength, wisdom and hope; applauded parents and guardians as silent heroes; thanked lecturers and mentors for stretching them and shaping their character; appreciated the University for providing the platform for growth. She promised on behalf of the students that they will be proud ambassadors of excellence and integrity. She charged fellow graduands to be change agents and solution providers to the society.

Highlight of the event included the conferment of Honourary Doctorate Degrees to: His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero-Doctor of Arts (D.A); Mrs. Emem Nanna Usoro-Doctor of Business Administration (DBA); Engr. Uwem Stephen Okoko-Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng); Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Indimi-Doctor of Business Administration (DBA); Barr. Mina Tamuno Williams-Agbons-Doctor of law (LL.D); Engr. Oliver Ebong-Doctor of Engineering (D. Eng); Pastor Inyang Udo Tobby-Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D); Engr. Elvis Effiong Osung-Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng); the Investiture of Emeritus Professorship to Prof. Eno James Ibanga, fnip, the second Vice-Chancellor of the University; the investiture of Distinguished Professorship Awards to: former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Esio Oboho; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Idongesit Isaac; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Umoren Umoren; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ita Ewa-Oboho and Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan, but the current Vice-Chancellor suspended his award until after leaving office.

Present at the ceremony were past and serving Government functionaries, Captains of Industries, renowned Academics, members of Traditional Rulers Council, Stakeholders, Security Personnel, Parents and Guardians, Staff, Students, members of the public.

© Directorate of Information
Public Relations and Protocol (DIPRP)
Office of the Vice-Chancellor
Akwa Ibom State University

Thank you.

Recommended Articles: