AKSU Admits 354 Postgraduate Students for 2023/2024 Session

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has admitted 354 students into the University’s 83 programmes of the School of Postgraduate Studies for the 2023/2024 academic year, comprising of Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) – 85; Masters – 211; Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D) -58, which is higher than the total number of 244 recorded in the 2022/2023 academic session.

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This was made known by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Nse U. Essien during the matriculation ceremony for the fifth batch of the Postgraduate students which took place Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at the New Auditorium, Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government.

Speaking during the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Nse Essien congratulated the matriculating students for securing admission to pursue advanced studies in the Institution, which shows their commitment to excellence and belief in the quality of education provided in the University. He stated that "This occasion is a significant milestone in the academic journey of our new postgraduate students.

Matriculation is a tradition that formally admits you into the academic community of Akwa Ibom State University. It symbolises your transition from aspirants to bona fide members of this University, with all the rights and responsibilities that this membership entails. I encourage you to honour the tenets of the Matriculation Oath you are about to take and be guided by the rules and regulations contained in your students handbook.”

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Prof. Nse Essien explained further that the University is committed to creating and maintaining a conducive, supportive and well-equipped environment which is crucial for the success and personal growth of all students. He highlighted some of the initiatives as: ongoing construction of students’ hostel; state-of-the-art facilities, technologically updated laboratories and equipment to support advanced research and practical learning; infrastructural development in new lecture halls, faculty buildings and administrative offices for optimal teaching, learning and research; robust e-learning platforms and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure for remote, flexible and convenient academic activities.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, other initiatives undertaken by the University are: Student support services like academic advising, counseling, health services to meet their physical, emotional and academic needs; and research development which include enactment of Patenting Policy, collaboration with Doctoral Academy of Nigeria, with a capacity building webinar for Doctoral Supervisors and Students scheduled to hold June 4-5, 2024 on the theme ‘Funding and Quality of Doctoral Studies in Nigeria’ and research seminar planned for June 12-13, 2024 on the theme ‘Research Commercialisation, Proposal Writing and Grant Management.’

The Vice-Chancellor also urged the students to make good use of the rich academic and cultural environment of the University, research facilities and resources, participate actively in their coursework, seminar presentations, workshops, problem-solving research and seek opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in order to contribute to the body of knowledge and significantly impact their local communities, nation and the world.

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He noted that their stay in the Institution is for intellectual exploration, personal growth and building lasting relationships as the knowledge and skills they acquire will be the foundation upon which they will build their future careers, while the connections they make with their peers, faculty members and industry professionals could provide valuable support, advice, opportunities throughout their academic journey and professional careers. 

Prof. Nse Essien encouraged the students to embrace the opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference, uphold the values and traditions of the Institution and strive for excellence in all their endeavours. He advised them to imbibe the attitude of perseverance; dedication and integrity as these qualities will enable them to overcome challenges, succeed academically and serve them well in their future endeavours. He prayed for their successful graduation in due course.

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Highpoint of the event was the oath–taking which was administered by the Registrar of the University, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, FNIM. Present during the event were: Principal Officers; members of the Senate and Congregation; students; parents and guardians; media personnel, friends and well–wishers within and outside the University Community.