Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged graduating students of the Akwa Ibom State University to cultivate unshakeable character as it is the indispensable catalyst for unlocking true potential and achieving enduring success.
The Governor, who spoke as Special Guest at the 12th Valedictory/Award Service organised by the institution’s Chapel of Praise for the 2024/2025 graduands at the University main campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, emphasized that while academic knowledge is vital, it is the development of strong moral fibre, integrity, and a robust sense of purpose that will empower them to navigate life’s challenges and make a lasting impact in their chosen fields.
“The whole world is defined by service and creativity. Character and commitment will bring you new opportunities for your personal growth. You can know all you know, which I encourage you to, but if you have bad character, everything you know means nothing,” he said.
He urged the students to adopt an aspirational mindset, continually seeking innovative ways to leverage their education and add value, noting that success stories abound of individuals who have excelled by applying their academic knowledge in impactful ways.
The Governor, who is the Visitor to the institution, commended the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, for his untiring efforts at improving the status of the University, which have resulted in the recent accreditation of the Law Faculty of the institution by the National Universities Commission.
“The University is doing well, and I must congratulate the Acting Vice Chancellor for showing so much excellence in such a short time of acting.
“Today, we have a Faculty of Law that he has worked very hard to get accreditation for. Thank you so much for the works you have done. The reward for a good job is more job, and we will get there. Thank you so much,” he stated.
Prof. Akpan, speaking on behalf of the University, hailed Governor Eno’s visit as a defining moment of immense pride for the institution, extolling the Governor’s decision to share in the graduating students’ milestone as a singular honour that underscores his commitment to nurturing academic excellence.
He encouraged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the University, having been trained, prepared, and equipped to excel in their different fields of endeavour.
The Vice Chancellor thanked Governor Eno for the enormous supports the University has enjoyed in his tenure as Visitor, and expressed his commitment to contributing to the development and progress of the institution.
In a brief valedictory message on behalf of the graduands, Emmanuel Justin Jimmy appreciated the Governor for honouring them on their special day, stressing that it was a rare privilege to have him grace their valedictory service.
On her part, the Chaplain of the Chapel, Rev. Otobong Umoren, said since the establishment of the University and the Chapel of Praise, it has been a yearly ritual to gather and celebrate God’s faithfulness in the lives of their graduands, and appreciated the Governor for making the 2025 edition special and memorable.
