Akpabio pays N287m fees for 50 Students

Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, while inaugurating an eight-member Governing Council of the university on Sept 23, 2010 as part of the events marking the 23th anniversary of the state, explained that the students are studying for Masters and PhD academic qualifications. 

''Our investments in this institution are enormous. We have invested in manpower training and infrastructural development, and we want this institution to be the culmination of our forefathers yearning for education which led to them being the first people in Nigeria to build and run a community school'', Chief Akpabio stated.

He tasked the governing council to lay a solid foundation for the university's take-off as a model  institution and making her a pride to Akwa Ibom people, ''Yours is a onerous responsibility and I pray the good Lord to bless your stewardship. To some that is a tall order, but I believe that gathered here today  are distinguished Nigerians who by experience, skill and integrity have everything it takes to make today's inauguration the high point of the 23 rd Anniversary of the creation of our state''.

The Governor lamented the decay state of Nigerian educational system infected by cultism, examination malpractices, corruption and other vices, noting that this has made some products of the institutions of higher learning not be worthy ambassadors of their institutions.

Chief Akpabio acknowledged that Akwa Ibom people have a reputation for diligence, honour and integrity, saying ''This reputation did not come about by chance but was bequeathed to us by our forefathers and fathers who cherished a kobo earned more than ill-gotten thousands of naira. Men who had a healthy work ethic and unrivalled honesty''.

Extolling the traits of honesty, diligence and competence, he charged the members to inculcate them into the core philosophy and values of the Akwa Ibom State University, stating ''The school must be known not only for academic excellence, but also for moral rectitude and it must have zero tolerance for the vices and ills which afflict our university system and the society''.   

While congratulating them on their merited appointments, the Governor urged the members to ensure the university becomes a benchmark and reference point in academic excellence.

Responding, the Chairman of the governing council, Dr. Okon Eminue thanked the governor for appointing them to serve and lauded him for his vision and for revisiting the original mandate of the university which is technology and science biased.

Dr. Eminue who is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Political and Public Administration, University of Uyo , pledged their readiness to abide by the internationally-recognised best practices, fulfill economic and political imperatives of the university and work assiduously to reduce litigations and social vices to justify the confidence the government reposes in them.

Other members of the council are: Chief Asuquo S. Udofia, Monsignor Peter Inyangettor, Elder Udo Sampson Akpan, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Prof. Efiong J. Etuk, Mrs. Glory E. Effiong and Prof. Emem Ufot Nwa.