AKSU VC Rewards Excellence by Paying School Fees for Outstanding Students

In a remarkable show of support for student achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Prof. Nse U. Essien, has rewarded two exceptional students for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

Prof. Essien paid the 2024/2025 academic session school fees for Mr. Joel Namnso Thomas and Miss Mmenyene Daniel Uwah, recognizing their excellence in fashion design and shoemaking.

The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the Head of the Department of Performing Arts, Dr. Lucy Michael Iseyen, and other members of the Department, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Liaison Office in Shelter Afrique, Uyo.

Mr. Thomas, a fashion designer, gained international recognition by winning the International Fashion Entertainment (INFERNO) Runway competition from October 10-20, 2024, and securing a spot at the renowned Brooklyn Fashion Week in 2025. He also emerged as the first runner-up at the A.R.I.S.E Runway Show during Uyo Fashion Week 2024. Miss Uwah, an innovative shoe designer, also impressed with her creative designs.

Dr. Iseyen expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and University Management for their support, emphasizing the department's entrepreneurial initiatives, which include producing cleaning materials, fashion designs, and shoemaking. She also advocated for the registration of their products with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to expand their market reach and generate revenue for the University.

In his response, Prof. Essien praised the students for their remarkable achievements and described Mr. Thomas as an ambassador for AKSU. He encouraged him to use his platform at Brooklyn Fashion Week to promote the University and his personal brand. He also commended Miss Uwah’s resilience in the competitive fashion industry.

To further support the students, Prof. Essien announced that Mr. Thomas would be appointed as the University’s official fashion designer. Additionally, he pledged to provide equipment to support their businesses and directed the Department of Performing Arts to showcase its products at the next Akwa Ibom State Trade Fair.

Prof. Essien also recognized Dr. Lucy Iseyen and her team for their outstanding contributions to the department, praising them for their dedication in showcasing the students’ talent. He expressed hope that the department would be at the forefront of performances during the upcoming Christmas festival at Christmas Park.

In addition, Prof. Essien acknowledged the achievements of Dr. Bassey Nsa for her leadership and academic contributions, announcing that AKSU would graduate its first batch of postgraduate students during the next convocation ceremony. Plans are also underway to introduce a three-minute thesis competition to foster research excellence.

The event concluded with the presentation of the students' products to the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan, and the Registrar, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, FNIM. The Director of Human Resources, Mr. Raphael Ukeme, received the products on behalf of the Registrar.

Union leaders, including Dr. Namnso Frank (Chairman, ASUU), Mr. Emmanuel Okon (Chairman, SSANU), Mrs. Blessing Dennis (Secretary, SSANU), Mr. Ndipmong Ikpoto (Chairman, NAAT), and Mr. Mefiok Umanah (Chairman, NASU), were also present to celebrate the achievements of the students.

The event marked another milestone in AKSU's commitment to nurturing student talent and fostering excellence within the university community.