Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has been honoured with an ‘Eminent Alumnus Award’ by the University of Uyo Alumni Association.
Receiving the award on Tuesday, at the 2024 Uniuyo Alumni Reunion, held at Ibom Icon Hotel, Uyo, Governor Eno acknowledged the University’s role as a major supplier of trained manpower for the state and promised that his government will continue to do its best for the institution and the alumni association.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno, an alumnus of Uniuyo, noted that alumni play a crucial role in the development of their alma mater, noting that abandoning one’s alma mater after graduation is akin to pushing down the ladder after using it to ascend heights.
The Governor encouraged the alumni to commit to giving back to the University, no matter how little, to help address some of its pressing challenges.
“Beyond personal donations, some of us are in positions where we can facilitate projects in the University. We can even volunteer our skills and expertise in certain areas of need by the University as well as mentor the students.
“Considering the strategic role of the University of Uyo as a major supplier of trained manpower for the State, the Akwa Ibom State Government is intervening in the construction of internal roads and other infrastructures in the institution. We will keep doing our best for the school both as its host and alumni”, he said.
Governor Eno who dedicated his award to God and the late First Lady of the State, commended the President of the alumni association, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, and members of his executive committee for organising a successful reunion.
In his remarks, the President of Uniuyo Alumni Association, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, said under his leadership, the Association has facilitated the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for the University and also deepened relationship with key institutions like the National Assembly, Federal Ministry of Education, NUC, TETFUND, amongst others.
Luke, who appreciated Governor Eno for his support to the Association, advocated the release of take-off grant and increased federal support for the University of Uyo.
The event which was chaired by the Chairman of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, Mr Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, featured presentation of awards to the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, represented by his wife, Dr. Inemesit Uwah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, amongst others.
