Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has charged graduates of the state-owned university to embrace innovation, think differently and venture into entrepreneurship as they step into the next phase of life.
The Governor gave the charge at the weekend, April 25, 2026 during the institution’s 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Combined Convocation Ceremony held at its main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
Congratulating the graduands on their academic successes, Eno described entrepreneurship as a critical tool for unlocking potentials and achieving sustainable growth, urging them to chart bold and purposeful paths.
“The world rewards those who dream, dare and drive change through ideas and vision. Do something daring, no matter how small, and build on it. You will be amazed at where such ideas can take you.”
Drawing from his recent experience as guest speaker at a graduation ceremony in Ogun State, the Governor reiterated that success in today’s world depends on creativity, courage and the ability to think outside the box.
Speaking on the convocation theme, “The Nigerian University System and National Defence in the 21st Century,” he called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling security challenges across the country.
Governor Eno commended the Vice Chancellor, Oto-Abasi Akpan, for his leadership, noting that the institution has recorded remarkable progress under his stewardship.
He highlighted achievements including the establishment of seven new faculties and the approval of 60 academic programmes by the National Universities Commission, describing the university’s ranking as the best state-owned institution in the South-South and fourth overall in the region as “phenomenal.”
In a major announcement, the Governor expressed readiness to teach a course pro bono in the Department of Business Development and Entrepreneurial Studies to share practical business insights with students, particularly in small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
He also disclosed that the state government is exploring employment opportunities for first-class graduates, as well as select postgraduate degree holders, directing the Head of Service to work out modalities.
Additionally, Governor Eno abolished the practice of combined convocations, insisting that future ceremonies should be conducted as scheduled.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to human capital development, he emphasized the need to equip Akwa Ibom youths with skills in education, ICT, entrepreneurship and creativity to thrive in the 21st century.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, appreciated the Governor for his sustained support, revealing that a total of 6,779 undergraduate and 746 postgraduate students graduated during the ceremony.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Udoma Udo-Udoma, commended the Governor for providing the enabling environment for the institution’s growth, urging graduates to deploy their knowledge for societal development.
The convocation featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished Nigerians, including Engr. Uwem Stephen Okoko, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emem Usoro, and Chairman of VKS Nigeria Construction Ltd, Obong Engr. Oliver Ebong, among others.
