AKSU Centre for Automotive Training, Transport and Logistics Holds Second Graduation Ceremony

The Centre for Automotive Training, Transport and Logistics (CATTL) of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has held its second graduation ceremony for 38 trainees who successfully completed their respective professional training programmes.

The ceremony took place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Conference Centre of the University.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan, congratulated graduands for determination and commitment to acquiring professional skills. He commended the Director of the Centre, Engr. Dr. Godwin I. Ekong, for contributions to skills acquisition and human capacity development.

Prof. Akpan encouraged graduands to put knowledge and skills acquired to productive use, while maintaining professionalism, discipline and commitment to continuous learning.

The Director of CATTL, Engr. Dr. Godwin I. Ekong, in his address, welcomed guests, graduands and members of university community. He disclosed Centre has full accreditation from Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), regulatory body for engineering practice in Nigeria.

Engr. Ekong explained Centre was established in 2022/2023 Academic Session and had earlier graduated 43 trainees in June 2025. He appealed to Akwa Ibom State Government to support Centre through construction of befitting edifice to accommodate its activities, noting CATTL is first of its kind to be registered in Nigeria.

The Registrar of COREN, Engr. O. A. Uche, represented by Engr. Ekerette Ukere, thanked Vice-Chancellor for establishing Centre. He described CATTL as first Licensed Skills Training Centre in Nigeria under National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).

Delivering graduation lecture titled "The Importance of Automotive Technology, Transport and Logistics to the Growth of Nigeria's Economy," keynote speaker, Sir Okon Okon, Executive Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, encouraged graduands to be industrious, innovative and committed to continuous growth.

According to him, growth occurs when entrepreneurs, engineers, mechanics and technicians adopt new technologies, streamline processes and develop faster and smarter ways of doing things, thereby replacing outdated or inefficient methods.

Sir Okon, however, reminded graduands of civic responsibility to pay taxes, stressing tax revenue is essential for growth and development of society.

Also speaking, President of AKISAN, USA, Engr. Dr. Mbong Ekiko, who served as Special Guest of Honour, commended University for initiative and applauded Engr. Dr. Ekong for work done in developing Centre.

Engr. Ekiko disclosed AKISAN, USA, was delighted to support Centre through provision of scholarships to students who distinguished themselves through outstanding academic performance.

Highlight of ceremony was presentation of certificates to graduating trainees. Akpan Moses Nathaniel emerged as overall best graduating trainee.

Event also featured presentation of Awards of Excellence to individuals and organisations that have supported Centre in various ways, contributing to its achievements within relatively short period of existence.

Ceremony was attended by Heads of Departments, lecturers, staff and students, members of university community, as well as officials and members of various professional bodies.