AKSU VC Urges Alumni To Prioritize Mentorship

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, has tasked members of the University Alumni to cultivate the habit of mentoring students of the institution and using their network to link development to the Institution. 

Professor Akpan delivered this message during the 2025 General Meeting of the Port Harcourt branch of the Alumni Association, held on Sunday, November 30,2025 in the Garden City.

He emphasised that collaboration with relevant stakeholders would create significant opportunities for the advancement of the Alumni Association. Professor Akpan reiterated his administration’s commitment to elevating the university’s status. He also indicated that plans are in progress to engage first-class graduates of the institution in academic roles.

On the expansion of the programmes in the University, Professor Akpan noted that within three months of his administration, he has facilitated the establishment of four new Faculties, which takes the number of Faculties in the lnstitution to twelve. He noted that the gesture was designed in line with the aspirations of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno in the education thematic area.

Earlier, the President of the Alumni, Engr. Uwakmfon Michael said members of the Alumni are committed to lifting each other and sharing information that could help uplift other members. He also hinted that an entrepreneurship development centre, built in collaboration with Amaecom Global group, will be ready for inauguration and use by students in 2026. 

Unveiling the plans for 2026, the President of the Branch, Engr. Epelle Hart, hinted that they are currently structuring an ICT Hub that will serve as a centre for undergraduates to leverage industrial training. He said the centre will facilitate the training of 300 and 400-level students of AKSU in various engineering software and programming languages relevant in the industry.

A keynote address presented by MD/CEO of Nemterra Developers,Inemesit Bassey, who graduated from the department of Marine Biology in 2021, highlighted strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats of the association in a clear context. 

No fewer than 300 former students of the university attended the event, which also featured the award of scholarships to two students who emerged tops of the essay competition organised by the branch, while fifteen students of the Performing Arts Department, who thrilled attendees with traditional dance performances were also awarded scholarship.