APC National Chairman Donates ₦100 Million to AKSU, Advocates Stronger Leadership–Academia Partnership

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has donated a ₦100 million research grant to Akwa Ibom State University, calling for closer collaboration between political leadership and academia to advance national development.

The announcement was made on Thursday, February 26, 2026, during AKSU’s 6th, 7th, and 8th Combined Convocation Lecture, themed “Leveraging Emerging Technology to Enhance University Education and National Development,” held at the Main Campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

Representing the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Visitor to the University, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, extended the State Government’s appreciation to Professor Yilwatda for delivering a lecture marked by depth and intellectual relevance. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting higher education through strategic partnerships and policies under the Governor’s ARISE Agenda.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor OtoAbasi Akpan, lauded the State Government for its sustained investment in quality education and commended Professor Yilwatda’s generosity. He cited Portia’s words from The Merchant of Venice, highlighting that such acts of goodwill bless both the giver and the receiver.

Delivering the convocation lecture, Professor Yilwatda urged Nigerian youths to position themselves for global competitiveness, stressing the transformative potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and digital platforms. He emphasised that Nigeria’s long-term prosperity would rely more on human capital than natural resources, stating: “In the 21st century, oil will matter less than algorithms, and land less than innovation. The true wealth of nations lies in the quality of their people.”

Highlighting the need for world-class universities, he called for curricula, research, and teaching methodologies aligned with international standards, anchored on graduate employability, impactful research, global outlook, and quality teaching.

As a major highlight, Professor Yilwatda announced a personal ₦100 million donation to support cutting-edge research at AKSU, with a pledge to increase the grant subject to transparent and effective utilisation. He assured personal supervision to ensure accountability and excellence.

The event also featured a souvenir presentation to the lecturer by the Vice-Chancellor and a playlet performed by AKSU’s Department of Performing Arts. Dignitaries in attendance included members of the University’s Governing Council, principal officers, staff, students, alumni, and political stakeholders.

The donation and advocacy signal a renewed push for meaningful collaboration between political leadership and academic institutions to drive innovation, research, and national development in Nigeria.