The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has donated a ₦100 million research grant to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), advocating stronger collaboration between political leadership and academia to drive national development.The announcement was made during the University’s 6th, 7th and 8th Combined Convocation Lecture with the theme:”Leveraging Emerging Technology to Enhance University Education and National Development”, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
Representing the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Visitor to the University, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the Honourable Commissioner for Education,Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, conveyed the warm regards of the State Government to the University community and distinguished guests. He expressed sincere appreciation to the Convocation Lecturer for honouring the institution with his presence and for delivering a lecture marked by depth, insight, and intellectual relevance.
The Commissioner warmly welcomed the Lecturer to Akwa Ibom State and commended his significant contributions to educational advancement and scholarship. He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening higher education through sustained support, strategic partnerships, and policies aimed at promoting academic excellence and human capital development through the Governor’s ARISE AGENDA
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of AKSU,Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Umo Eno PhD, for what he described as strategic and resourceful support to the University. He noted that the institution’s steady growth reflects the State Government’s sustained investment and commitment to quality education.
Prof. Akpan also appreciated the Convocation Lecturer for honouring the University’s invitation, referencing Portia’s famous speech from The Merchant of Venice (Act 4, Scene 1):
“The quality of mercy is not strained;it drops as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath: it is twice blessed;It blesses him that gives and him that takes.It is mightiest in the mightiest;”He explained that the quotation aptly captured the lecturer’s gesture of generosity, noting that such acts of goodwill bless both the giver and the receiver and are most powerful when demonstrated by individuals in positions of influence.
Delivering the lecture, Prof. Yilwatda challenged Nigerian youths to reposition themselves for competitiveness in the global labour market. He stressed that opportunities beyond Nigeria are increasingly accessible in today’s digital age and urged graduands to think, compete, and work globally.
Highlighting the transformative force of the Fourth Industrial Revolution driven by artificial intelligence, data analytics, robotics, biotechnology, and digital platforms, he emphasised that talent, creativity, and competence now outweigh physical location.
He called on universities to align curricula, research priorities, and teaching methodologies with global standards, stressing that a world-class institution must rest on four pillars including; graduate employability, impactful research, international outlook, and quality teaching and learning.While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich natural resources, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, he maintained that the country’s long-term prosperity would depend more on human capital than hydrocarbons.
“In the 21st century, oil will matter less than algorithms, and land less than innovation. The true wealth of nations lies in the quality of their people,” he stated.
In a major highlight of the event, Prof. Yilwatda announced a personal donation of ₦100 million to support cutting-edge research at AKSU aimed at delivering measurable societal and economic impact. He further pledged to increase the grant if the initial funds are transparently and effectively utilised, assuring that he would personally supervise the projects to ensure accountability and excellence.
Other highlights of the event included the presentation of a souvenir to the lecturer by the Vice-Chancellor and a playlet performed by the Department of Performing Arts, AKSU.
Dignitaries in attendance included members of the University’s Governing Council, principal officers, staff, students, alumni, political stakeholders, and other distinguished guests.
