Students’ Union Govt. Presidents restate support for Udom

A cross section of Students’ Union Government Presidents

BY KENNETH JUDE

The Forum of Student Union Presidents in Akwa Ibom State has thrown their weight behind the development strides and pro-students policies of the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.  The students, who made this known over the weekend, noted that the Governor has demonstrated charisma in leadership through his people-oriented policies and love for education which is visible in a number of opportunities available for the people today in the state.
The body stated that of particular mention is the Akwa Ibom Enterprise/Employment Scheme (AKEES) which, they maintained, seeks to awaken the spirit of enterprise in young people and also generate at least 10, 000 (Ten Thousand) employments in its first year. They added that AKEES is a deep thought-out and sincere initiative that is already creating hope and limitless opportunities for Akwa Ibom people.
The body also heaped praise on the Governor for his pragmatic education policies which, they observed, has upped the ante and positioned the state as the fastest growing educational enclave among the comity of states in the country. “We acknowledge His Excellency’s endowment of over 180 undergraduate scholarships across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state and sponsorship of over 100 others for post graduate trainings in India.’’
They also lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for sustaining the free and compulsory education policy coupled with the training/retraining of teachers, donation of laptops to secondary school students, provision of enabling environment for education investors which, they noted, has led to the establishment of a model ICT Centre at Uyo High School. For also maintaining a harmonious working relationship with Government and all education sector Unions including the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT); the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSSS); the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the body stated that the Governor’s leadership qualities is not in doubt.
The Forum also had special encomiums for the Governor for appointing one of their own, Comrade Otobong Aquilla Akpan to serve as his Special Assistant on Student Affairs. “By this great feat, the entire students’ movement across the globe are sure of Governor Udom’s goodwill and sensitivity to the yearnings and aspirations of young people. Consequent upon this, the Forum of Student Union Presidents in the state do hereby declare Governor Udom Emmanuel as “Nigeria’s Most Resourceful/Enterprising Governor’’ of the 2015 class.’’
The body further commended the Governor for his industrialisation drive which they noted has set in motion the realisation of over 15 industries in the state with a capacity to engage at least 10,000 (Ten Thousand) school leavers annually. “On this note, we urge other states in Nigeria to emulate Governor Udom Emmanuel’s economic diversification and job creation models in view of the changing dynamics in the global crude oil market.’’
The Forum poured eulogies on Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke on his emergence as the 6th Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, adding that his elevation to the exalted position is a testament to his undoubted leadership acumen that was manifest during his time as President of University of Uyo Students Government.  They expressed confidence that the Nsit Ubium born politician will live up to the huge expectations on his shoulders.
In line with the conventions and other statutory instruments of the Association, the Forum affirmed the dissolution of the 5th Akwa Ibom axis of Joint Campus Committee and subsequently announced nominations, constitution and inauguration of the 6th Joint Campus Committee. They are: Michael Ibanga (Chairman, AKWAPOLY); Iniabasi Thomas (Vice Chairman, AKSU); Faith Usanga (Secretary, UNIUYO); Caroline Donatus (Financial Secretary, AKWACAS); Ekikere David Umana (Treasurer, COE); Leo Unyime Paul (Dir. of Sports, MAURID POLY); Abasiama Stephen Archibong (Dir. of Information, UYO CITY POLY); Margaret Sylvester Otudor (Dir. of Health, SHT, Etinan); Ime Sunday (Asst. Secretary, NOUN); Hezekiah Jackson (Dir. of Welfare, OBONG UNI) and Ben Edet Oyomio (Dir. Peace/Conflict Resolution, AKSU).
The above was endorsed by the presidents of Student Union Government including, Comrade Raphael Essien, Akwa Ibon State University, Ikot Akpaden;Comrade Imoh Saturday Akpan, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua; Comrade Bassey Ndifreke Etim, Uyo City Polytechnic; Comrade Gregory Edward, Akwa Ibom State College of Arts/Science, Nung Ukim; Comrade Godwin Okon Friday, School of Health Technology, Etinan; Comrade Iniobong Lawson, National Open University of Nigeria, Uyo Study Centre;  Comrade Praise Godwin Oguzie, MAURID Polytechnic, Mbiaso; Comrade Edidiong Inwang Udo, College of Education, Afaha Nsit and Comrade Joseph Etuk, University of Uyo, Uyo.