Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed concern over high unemployment rate in the State, noting that independent entrepreneurship holds the key to address the challenge.
He, therefore, charged graduates of the state-owned Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) during its combined 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th convocation ceremonies held at the main campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin local government area, to think out of the box, to create independent jobs in the private sector.
“Be innovative, dare to be different and embrace entrepreneurship,” he charged the graduands, while congratulating them for their academic successes after the rigours of University life.
Describing entrepreneurship as the single most critical ingredient that can unlock potentials and set one on the path of growth and sustainability, the Governor, vowed to combine his political leadership of the State with lecturing job at AKSU – to imbue in the students, the business orientation required for enterprise development.
The governor who recalled his message as guest speaker at a recent graduation ceremony of Mountain Top University in Ogun State noted that the world rewards those who are daring, and think differently.
“The world rewards those who dream, dare and drive change through ideas and vision. This is the same message I am giving you today: do something daring, dream of something, however small, put in the building blocks for its actualization and you will be mightily surprised where such may lead you.”
Making reference to the theme of this combined convocation, “The Nigerian University System and National Defence in the 21st Century,” he commended and called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his determined and focused efforts to rid the country of all forms of security challenges.
The governor commended the vice-chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, for his commitment, diligence, humility and collaboration that have immensely promoted the university to its present state.
“Let me again, salute you for the great academic achievements you have registered, leading to this university being ranked as the No. 1 state-owned university in the South-South and 4th overall best university, including federal-owned institutions, in the South-South. This is truly phenomenal, and I salute the leadership of this university for this great feat.
“Under your leadership as Vice Chancellor, seven new faculties have been established, along with the approval of 60 new academic programmes by the National Universities Commission, NUC. One of which is the Department of Business Development and Entrepreneural Studies.
“I am so thrilled with the addition of this department that I am announcing here today my readiness to teach a course pro – bono in this department, to impart my practical insights to help students understand the basics and principles of business development, especially small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).
“We want to develop talents and skills so our people may benefit and partner with us on the 85 audacious projects spanning infrastructure, tourism, healthcare services, housing, etc., currently going on across the State,” he added.
The governor also abolished all other combined convocations, said that convocations should be done as and when due.
He authorized the Head of Service to put together the necessary measures to explore the possibility of granting employment to first class graduates as well as a select group of former students with masters and Ph.D
Governor Eno appreciated the Chancellor Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, and the Pro-Chancellor, Distinguished Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, for accepting to serve the State and the institution in particular, and reaffirmed commitment to
ensuring that Akwa Ibom children are prepared to face the 21st century world, which according to him, prioritizes education, ICT, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
Earlier, the university’s vice chancellor, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan, appreciated Governor Eno for his support and confidence in the management of the University to deliver on the set ideals of the school.
He disclosed that, a total of 6,779 first degree students and 746 Postgraduate students got convoked at the event, and enjoined the graduands to responsibly represent the institution at the larger society.
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