Two outstanding Akwa Ibom scholars whose academic achievements have earned them state recognition have received a combined $20,000 financial support from the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The beneficiaries, Uwakmfon Unwana Jacob of Nile University of Nigeria and Dr Joseph Peter Akpan, a University of Uyo medical graduate, received $10,000 each following a pledge made by Akpabio during the 39th anniversary celebrations of Akwa Ibom State.
The financial support came as an additional gesture to the awards and educational grants earlier announced for the scholars by the Akwa Ibom State Government during the anniversary Variety Night.
Jacob, a 44-time gold medal winner in Mathematics Olympiad, has been recognised for exceptional performance in mathematics, including answering 17 questions within four minutes. The state government had previously awarded him a grant to support his educational development.
Akpan, on the other hand, emerged the best graduating student in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Uyo in the 2023/2024 academic session, recording 10 distinctions out of 11 courses. His performance also reportedly ended a 25-year record in the College of Medical Sciences, while he went on to receive 25 different awards.
The presentation was made on Thursday night at Senator Akpabio’s residence in Uyo by Governor Umo Eno, who commended the Senate President for complementing the state government’s investment in the scholars.
Eno said the gesture was intended to reinforce the message that exceptional young people in the state would receive support from government and political leaders to pursue their ambitions irrespective of financial limitations.
“This is to show to our young people that the State Government and our leaders will always support the brightest and the best among our youths. Let it not be said that they were hindered because of financial constraints,” the governor said.
Akpabio, in his remarks, congratulated the two scholars and described the financial assistance as encouragement for young people in Akwa Ibom to strive for excellence, assuring that outstanding performance would attract support to enable beneficiaries attain greater heights.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Jacob’s father expressed appreciation to the state government and Akpabio for recognising his son’s achievements on merit.
He stressed that the recognition was significant because it was based on academic accomplishment rather than political connections, assuring that the beneficiaries would remain committed to their studies and continue to make Akwa Ibom proud.
