Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged student leaders across the State to remain committed to peace, academic excellence, and responsible leadership, while assuring them of his administration’s continued support and partnership.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during an interactive session with student representatives at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno praised the youths for maintaining peaceful campuses and actively collaborating with the government to sustain stability across the state.
He urged them to balance their leadership duties with high academic performance, promising that outstanding students would continue to receive official recognition and encouragement.
To deepen youth development, the Governor announced plans to support a major students’ conference bringing together students, government officials, and corporate Nigeria.
The initiative aims to address post-graduation transitions, employment opportunities, and skill development, while creating a transparent platform for students to engage government on its policies and achievements.
Addressing civic participation, Governor Eno encouraged the students to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the democratic process without succumbing to political violence.
He further called on the youth community to project a positive image of Akwa Ibom and support the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and himself in 2027.
In recognition of effective youth engagement, Governor Eno commended his Personal Assistant on Students Affairs, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel, for fostering a productive relationship with the student body, subsequently announcing his elevation to Special Assistant on Students Affairs.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, alongside the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, highlighted the administration’s impactful investments in the sector.
They pointed to state-wide youth development centers designed to foster self-reliance, as well as significant financial relief packages aimed at easing the academic burden on families.
Adding to the tributes, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel and NAAKISS Worldwide President, Comrade Torobong Obot, commended the Governor for restoring hope across tertiary institutions.
They praised the smooth conduct of student union elections, the establishment of model schools, and the consistent disbursement of student financial aids.
Representatives from NANS, NAAKISS Worldwide, the 31 Local Government Student Presidents, and SUG Presidents across state institutions collectively lauded the Governor’s signature educational projects.
Key achievements highlighted included the remodelling of primary schools, state clearance of WAEC and NECO fees, the conversion of the State College of Education into a University of Education, and a recent ₦160 million intervention fund for medical students.
The student delegation particularly applauded the administration for upgrading the state bursary allowance from ₦10,000 to ₦50,000—with higher allocations reserved for professional courses—describing the gesture as a historic incentive for academic excellence.
The high-level interactive session was attended by Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, state executive council members, and key government functionaries.
