The Akwa Ibom State Government has approved the appointment of Dr. Akanimo Jonah as Acting Rector of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
At a brief handover ceremony on Thursday, outgoing Rector Dr. Moses Umobong announced that, he had been directed by the institution’s Visitor, Governor Umo Eno, to transfer leadership to the Deputy Rector, Dr Jonah.
“I have been authorised to hand over to the Deputy Rector, Dr Akanimo Jonah. My wish and desire is that we all join hands with him to continue steering the institution pending the appointment of a substantive Rector,” Umobong said.
He wished his successor well, expressing confidence in his capacity to “hold on well and deliver on the objectives of the institution.”
In his response, Dr Jonah described the moment as significant in his career, thanking God for the opportunity to serve.
He pledged loyalty to Governor Umo Eno, noting that the administration’s ARISE Agenda was already transforming the state’s education sector.
He urged staff and students to sustain their support for the Governor as reforms aimed at strengthening the polytechnic and expanding opportunities for young people continue to unfold.
Dr Jonah also commended his predecessor for seven years of dedicated service marked by discipline, innovation and steady growth.
He attributed the polytechnic’s rise to the collective effort of its workforce and the support of Governor Eno’s administration, as one of the country’s leading Polytechnics.
The Acting Rector called for unity among academic and non-academic staff saying, the institution is on course that requires cooperation, patience and renewed commitment to excellence.
His priorities, he added, would include improving facilities, strengthening discipline, expanding practical training and ensuring that, the polytechnic remains competitive and responsive to the state’s needs.
Dr Jonah hails from Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area and holds a Doctorate in Analytical Chemistry from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.
