AKISAN, education foundation, empower Akwa Ibom students with scholarships, skills
By Enefiok Imoh
The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. (AKISAN), in partnership with Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU); La Mag’s Collections; Start Innovation Hub; and Lilly Craft and Designs, has empowered Akwa Ibom students and young people through scholarships, skills acquisition and other forms of educational support.
The initiative was part of the AKISAN Scholarship Award, Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Celebration 2026, held on Saturday, 26th September, at Ceedapeg Hotels, Uyo.
The programme, designed to empower lives, build skills and create opportunities, provided beneficiaries with support in areas including scholarships, information technology, fashion design, cosmetology, automotive maintenance, repair and logistics.
It was aimed at equipping young people with relevant knowledge and practical skills to improve their educational opportunities, become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the development of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, the National President of AKISAN USA, Dr. Mbong Ekiko, commended the beneficiaries for their hard work and commitment to their studies and skills acquisition programmes.
Ekiko described AKISAN as an organisation that brings together Akwa Ibom people living in the United States, stressing that the association remained committed to supporting education, empowerment and development in the state.
He disclosed that AKISAN would celebrate its 40th anniversary in Uyo next year.
The AKISAN president also acknowledged the contribution of the Edet Ekpo Bassey Uwe Educational Foundation, which sponsored 10 students through educational and skills acquisition support.
He said initiatives such as the empowerment programme would contribute to building a stronger future for young people by providing them with access to education, skills and opportunities.
The founder of the Edet Ekpo Bassey Uwe Educational Foundation, Lady Nkoyo Edet Ekpo, said she established the foundation in memory of her late father, who believed strongly in the importance of education despite not having the opportunity to receive formal education himself.
She recalled that her father demonstrated his commitment to education by surrendering his farmland for the construction of a school in his community, Uboro Isong Inyang, Udung Uko Local Government Area.
Lady Nkoyo said her passion for humanitarian service motivated her to establish the foundation as a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, dedicated to supporting education and assisting the less privileged.
She urged students to take their education seriously, embrace God in all they do and make proper use of the opportunities available to them.
According to her, some beneficiaries supported by the foundation had gone on to become doctors, lawyers, journalists and professionals in other fields.
She explained that the financial assistance provided by the foundation represented a personal sacrifice, stressing that the funds were not from the United States Government but money she had worked for and dedicated to supporting Akwa Ibom students.
Lady Nkoyo said the foundation supports beneficiaries from their first year at university through graduation, while also providing ₦50,000 annually to assist with their project work.
She urged the beneficiaries not to take the opportunity for granted, describing the assistance as a labour of love from people who wanted to see Akwa Ibom students succeed.
She thanked the immediate past Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwen, for his encouragement, and appreciated the National President of AKISAN USA, Dr. Mbong Ekiko, for giving her the opportunity to speak at the event.
Lady Nkoyo also appreciated members of the Board of Trustees of the foundation and presented ₦100,000 each to the beneficiaries.
The Chief Executive Officer of Lilly Craft and Designs, Miss Ekemini Udo, described the programme as an investment in the future of the beneficiaries.
Udo said the skills acquired by the participants could become valuable tools for self-reliance and economic empowerment, urging them to combine formal education with practical skills.
She noted that education and skills acquisition were important tools for personal development, adding that people who acquire practical skills were better positioned to transform their ideas into productive ventures.
She encouraged the beneficiaries not to focus only on their present circumstances but to consider how the knowledge and skills they had acquired could help them build a brighter future.
Udo added that successful entrepreneurs often started small before growing their businesses, urging the participants to remain committed and determined.
Also speaking at the event, the immediate past Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwen, joined other dignitaries in encouraging the beneficiaries to make meaningful use of the opportunities provided through the programme.
The event featured skills acquisition completion awards, recognition of participants and scholarship presentations, bringing together stakeholders committed to education, skills development and youth empowerment.
