Uniuyo Alumni Reunion and Governor Umo Eno’s Deserved Recognition

By Hilary Owowo

It comes as a modest boast that Pastor Umo Eno, is the first Governor of Akwa Ibom State to hold an academically earned Doctoral degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, not a Honorary degree. This degree goes to only those who sweated out in study, character and learning. It is, therefore, a no mean achievement.

Interestingly, Dr. Umo Eno has kept faith with the University of Uyo right from his undergraduate days to the present, obtaining his Bachelor of Science, B.Sc, Masters, and the PhD all from the same academic stable. It would imply that if Bachelors degree took him four years, Masters two years, and Doctorate about four years, Dr. Eno must have spent at least 10 long years at this citadel, acquiring knowledge, leveraging his capacity. Uniuyo may never have been so proud and blessed with a distinguished scholar and alumnus as the governor of the State.

So, apart from being a governor, when the alumnus of the institution converged on Tuesday December 10, 2024, Dr Eno couldn’t have escaped being the cynosure of all eyes, the Man of the Moment, playing the catalyst in inspiring undergraduates and older students of the school to aim high, think big, and keep the flag of the Alma Mater flying high.

It would be recalled that the governor defended his Ph.D dissertation in October this year! That day was a bash as he extended his characteristic hospitality to all professors of Uniuyo and doctorate holders who graduated same day with him at the venue. Some may still be counting their blessings just for reason of obtaining their degrees on the same podium with a governor who knows how best to appreciate and encourage.

It is in this context that we see the “Eminent Alumnus Award” given to the Governor by

the University of Uyo Alumni Association as a therapy of motivation. The event took place during the 2024 UNIUYO Alumni Reunion at the Ibom Icon Hotel, Uyo.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno made some memorable, thought-provoking statements and advocacy while receiving the award. He acknowledged the university’s role as a major supplier of trained manpower for the state and promised that his government will continue to do its best in sustaining the drive as well as pushing and reinforcing the frontiers of the alumni association.

Let me copiously quote some portions of Dr. Eno’s remarks: “This reunion shouldn’t stop with the exchange of banters, delivering of speeches, recounting of fond memories, clinging of glasses and revival of old friendships. We should consciously go beyond these exciting moments to commit to giving back to the school which equipped us for the great lives we are enjoying today. It is a misnomer for alumni to make progress as individuals while their alma mater is decaying.

“All over the world, alumni play crucial roles in the development of their alma mater. Abandoning your alma mater after graduation is akin to pushing down the ladder after using it to ascend heights you ordinarily wouldn’t have reached. There is a moral obligation to hold the ladder for others to also climb with.”

Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, is the President of the Uniuyo Alumni Association. Last week’s event which was chaired by the chairman of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, Obong Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, also featured presentation of awards to the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, represented by his wife, Dr. Inemesit Uwah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, amongst others.

For emphasis, the alumni award to Governor Eno was but a crowning, an icing on the cake.

It would be recalled that the Association of Primary School Head teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) has also honored the governor with an Award of Excellence – equally related to academic impact on the governor’s part. Presenting the award to the governor, recently, during the national workshop of the organization in Uyo, the national president, Comrade Lagha-Owei Fyneman Zik, and State chairman, Comrade Etim Akpan, said the award was in recognition of the governor’s contributions to the welfare of head teachers, teachers, students and pupils in the state. Without a doubt, Governor Eno is a shining light and benefactor to Akwa Ibom pupils, students and teachers courtesy of his personalized attention to their sectoral needs. The award was received on behalf of the governor by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet.

Like I said in one of my previous essays, with Governor Eno, it’s been a harvest of awards. In less than 16 months, he has left tall landmarks that instructively point to a greater and better tomorrow for Akwa Ibom State. I doubt if the harvests of awards will stop soon, so far as he has proven to be indefatigable in populist policies and actions. Congratulations to you, our dear Governor for being a worthy ambassador at all fronts! Again, Congratulations Sir. Create more trailblazing records!

Hilary Owowo writes from Uboro-Isong-Inyang, in Udunguko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State