Governor Umo Eno has announced plans to step into the classroom as a lecturer at Akwa Ibom State University, offering to teach students pro bono in a move aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment in the state.
The governor made this known during the university’s combined 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th convocation ceremonies held at its main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. He said his decision to lecture is driven by a desire to directly impart practical business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to students.
Expressing concern over the rising unemployment rate, Governor Eno stressed that entrepreneurship remains the most viable pathway to economic independence. He urged graduating students to think beyond conventional job opportunities and embrace innovation.
“Be innovative, dare to be different, and embrace entrepreneurship,” he charged the graduands, congratulating them on their academic achievements after years of rigorous study.
Describing entrepreneurship as a critical driver of growth and sustainability, the governor encouraged students to pursue bold ideas. Drawing from a similar message he delivered at a recent graduation ceremony at Mountain Top University, he emphasized that success often comes to those willing to take risks and think differently.
“The world rewards those who dream, dare, and drive change through ideas and vision,” he said. “Start small if you must, but stay committed to building something meaningful.”
Referencing the convocation theme, “The Nigerian University System and National Defence in the 21st Century,” Governor Eno also called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing the country’s security challenges.
He commended the Vice Chancellor, Oto-Abasi Akpan, for his leadership, noting that the university has achieved significant milestones under his administration. These include being ranked the top state owned university in the South South region and fourth overall among all universities in the region.
The governor highlighted the establishment of seven new faculties and over 60 academic programmes approved by the National Universities Commission, including the Department of Business Development and Entrepreneurial Studies where he intends to teach.
“I am ready to teach a course in this department to share practical insights into business development, especially for small and medium scale enterprises,” he said.
Governor Eno added that developing entrepreneurial talent is key to enabling citizens to actively participate in the state’s ongoing development projects, which span infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, and housing.
In a policy shift, he also announced the abolition of combined convocations, directing that future ceremonies be conducted as scheduled. Additionally, he authorized the Head of Service to explore employment opportunities for first-class graduates and selected postgraduate degree holders.
The governor appreciated the Chancellor, Solomon Etuk, and Pro-Chancellor, Udoma Udo Udoma, for their contributions to the institution, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equipping Akwa Ibom youths with skills relevant to the modern world.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Prof. Akpan disclosed that a total of 6,779 undergraduate and 746 postgraduate students were conferred degrees at the ceremony, urging them to uphold the values of the institution.
Representing the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem encouraged graduands to apply their knowledge meaningfully in society, emphasizing the importance of contributing to national development.
