By Christian George
The Abaak of Abak and Village Head of Abak Town, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ifiok Umanah Mkpopkporo VII, is set to deliver a royal guest lecture at the forthcoming combined matriculation and convocation ceremony of Peace Polytechnic, Abak, Akwa Ibom State.
The traditional ruler, a former banker, will speak on the theme, “Transforming Education into Productivity: Human Capital Development for National Development,” which underscores the growing importance of practical education, skills acquisition and human capital development in building a productive and sustainable society.
His participation is expected to bring valuable perspectives to discussions on the relationship between education, leadership and community development, particularly at a time when institutions of higher learning are increasingly being challenged to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and innovative capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The choice of the theme reflects Peace Polytechnic’s commitment to promoting practical and skills-oriented education that prepares students not merely to acquire academic qualifications but also to become productive citizens, innovative entrepreneurs and contributors to economic growth.
It also highlights the need to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the demands of the labour market by equipping graduates with relevant competencies to create opportunities, generate employment and participate actively in national development. The combined ceremony is expected to bring together members of the academic community, traditional rulers, government officials, parents, industry stakeholders and other distinguished guests.
While the matriculation ceremony will formally welcome newly admitted students into the institution’s academic community, the convocation will provide an opportunity to celebrate graduating students for their academic achievements and the successful completion of their programmes.
The presence of the Abaak of Abak as royal guest lecturer is expected to add traditional, intellectual and leadership dimensions to the occasion, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, traditional institutions and other stakeholders in advancing human capital development.
Beyond the celebration of academic milestones, the event is expected to renew conversations about the responsibility of education in shaping responsible citizens, developing entrepreneurial capacity and building a society driven by knowledge, innovation and productivity.