The Akwa Ibom State University marked a significant milestone on Friday, 25 April 2026, as 7,525 students received their qualifications at the institution's combined 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Convocation held at the main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, with eight distinguished Nigerians also honoured with honorary doctorate degrees.

A total of 6,779 first degree students and 746 postgraduate students were convocated at the ceremony, which was attended by Governor Umo Eno, Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, and other senior government officials.

Among the eight recipients of honorary doctorate degrees were Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Ms Emem Usoro, who received a Doctor of Business Administration; Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Doctor of Arts; Engr Uwem Stephen Okoko, Doctor of Engineering; Alhaji Dr Muhammadu Indimi, Doctor of Business Administration; Mrs Mina Tamuno Williams Agbons, Doctor of Law; Engr Oliver Ebong, Doctor of Engineering; Mr Inyang Udo Tobby, Doctor of Humane Letters; and Mr Elvis Effiong Osung, Doctor of Engineering.

Usoro, in her address, revealed that the CBN would provide financial support to the university's academic and research initiatives. She also highlighted the success of the recently concluded 24 month banking sector recapitalisation exercise, which raised N4.65 trillion in cash across 33 banks, describing it as a significant confidence booster for Nigeria's financial system.

"At the CBN, we are working hard to build a resilient economy that will support your dreams and integrate you into a global economy full of immense opportunities," Usoro stated.

Governor Eno, who charged graduands to embrace entrepreneurship and bold thinking, announced his readiness to personally teach a pro bono course in the university's newly established Department of Business Development and Entrepreneurial Studies, one of 60 new academic programmes approved by the National Universities Commission under Vice Chancellor Prof Oto Abasi Akpan's leadership.

The governor also authorised the Head of Service to explore employment opportunities for first class graduates and select postgraduate degree holders, and announced the abolition of combined convocations, directing that future graduations be held as and when due.

Pro Chancellor, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, represented by Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, urged graduands to deploy their academic training for personal and societal advancement.