AKSU convocation: Eno scraps combined convocation, tasks graduands on entrepreneurship
● As school graduates 6,779 first degree and 746 postgraduate students
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed the Akwa Ibom State University to end combined convocations in the institution and return to holding the ceremonies annually in line with time-honoured academic traditions.
Speaking at the University’s 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Combined Convocation held on Saturday, 25th April, 2026, at the Main Campus in Ikot Akpaden, the governor congratulated the graduands on overcoming the rigours of academic life.
He charged them to be innovative, dare to be different, and embrace entrepreneurship as they transition into the professional world.
Governor Eno emphasised that entrepreneurship is the critical ingredient for unlocking potential and achieving sustainable growth notingthat the modern world rewards those with the vision to drive change.
”The world rewards those who dream, dare, and drive change through ideas. Do something daring; dream of something, however small, and put in the building blocks for its actualisation. You will be surprised where it leads you,” the governor admonised.
Reflecting on the convocation theme, “The Nigerian University System and National Defence in the 21st Century,” Eno called for continued support for government’s efforts to address national security challenges.
He lauded the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, for his diligent leadership, which has propelled AKSU to become the No. 1 state-owned university in the South-South and the 4th best overall in the region.
During the ceremony, the governor made several landmark announcements aimed at boosting the institution’s prestige and student outcomes:
Abolition of combined convocations: To ensure academic tradition is maintained, the Governor directed that convocations must now be held annually as and when due.
Employment for high flyers: He directed the Head of Service to explore pathways for granting employment to first class graduates, as well as select master’s and Ph.D. holders.
- Offered “Pro Bono” teaching: Thrilled by the establishment of the Department of Business Development and Entrepreneurial Studies, the governor offered to personally teach a course pro bono to share practical insights on SMEs with students.
Talent integration: Eno, who is the institution’s Visitor, expressed his desire to integrate local talent into the 85 projects currently spanning infrastructure, tourism, and healthcare across the State.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, disclosed that 6,779 first degree and 746 postgraduate students were conferred with degrees, and thanked the governor for his unwavering confidence in the university’s management.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma (represented by Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem), also commended the governor for the opportunity to serve, urging the graduands to use their education to better society.
Dignitaries in attendance
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including: Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; the Chancellor, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk; members of the State Executive Council and other top government functionaries.