PASTOR UMO ENO ATTENDS THE MAIDEN CONVOCATION OF TOPFAITH UNIVERSITY
---Restates commitment to prioritizing education
By Imoh ESSIEN (Uyo)
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, was Principal Guest of Honour at the maiden convocation of Topfaith University, Mkpatak.
Delivering his goodwill message at the event which held on Friday in Dr Godwin Nwabunka Hall, Topfaith University, the Governor commended the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the University, Dr Emmanuel Abraham for his vision and tenacity, acknowledging the tremendous progress and impact made by the institution within such a short time since it was granted licence by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2021.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Pastor Umo Eno reiterated his administration's commitment to prioritizing education in the state, highlighting some measures in that regard to include sustaining the free and compulsory education, provision of critical infrastructures in schools, establishment of model schools, payment of grants/ bursaries to students in line with the ARISE Agenda, etc.
"We will continue to prioritise education, which you all know is a major part of the ARISE Agenda.
"Education remains free at the primary and secondary levels, and we have invested significant resources in building model primary schools equipped with all the necessary facilities, fully aware that the foundation children receive at that level will determine their future, intellectual growth, and advancement.
He also announced the establishment of model secondary schools in the three senatorial districts, expressing optimism that the high standards in these schools will make their graduands globally competitive in the pursuit of admissions into tertiary institutions of learning.
"We are also commencing the construction of model secondary schools in the three senatorial districts of the state, complete with modern facilities and a rigorous academic curriculum aimed at preparing students for admission into top universities like Topfaith and other Ivy League institutions around the world.
"We are providing bursaries and other grants to students in tertiary institutions so that no one will be left behind in the quest for academic advancement." He stated.
The Governor encouraged the graduands to be exemplary ambassadors of the institution, noting that if they imbibe the virtues of hard work and excellence, the world will celebrate them..
"To the first set of graduates, you carry the immense responsibility of being ambassadors of this great institution. The world you are entering celebrates excellence. The best will always be expected of you, and it is your obligation to consistently offer excellence and, in the process, add value to society."
The ceremony, which was attended by members of the academia, parents, and well-wishers, featured goodwill messages and a convocation lecture by Prof. Joy Eyisi Eyisi.
Highpoints of the event included awards for the best graduating students and a presentation of the memoir of Miss Ime Akanimo Edet, also known as Legacy 0001, for being the first registered student of Topfaith University.
