Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to bring students, government and the private sector together for a conference focused on jobs, skills and opportunities beyond the classroom.
Eno disclosed this on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, while meeting student leaders from across the state at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, where he urged them to combine academic excellence with responsible leadership and peaceful participation in public affairs.
The governor said the proposed conference would give students the opportunity to discuss their concerns directly with government and corporate organisations, particularly on employment, skills development and the challenges young people face when they graduate.
He said it would also allow government to explain its programmes, achievements and challenges, while providing students with an avenue to demand accountability and contribute ideas to the development of the state.
Eno described students as important stakeholders in the state’s development and urged those holding leadership positions in their institutions to regard the experience as preparation for future responsibilities in society.
He also challenged them to take their studies seriously, assuring that students who distinguish themselves academically would continue to receive recognition and support from his administration.
The governor commended the students for maintaining peace on their campuses and urged them not to allow politicians to use them for violence or other activities capable of disrupting the peace of the state.
He further encouraged the students to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate responsibly in the democratic process, stressing that young people should have a voice in decisions affecting their future.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for student leaders to highlight what they described as the impact of the administration’s interventions in education.
They cited the increase in the state bursary from N10,000 to N50,000, with higher provisions for professional students, payment of WAEC and NECO fees, remodelling of schools and the conversion of the state College of Education into a University of Education.
The students also pointed to the recent release of N160 million in support of medical students as another indication of the administration’s investment in education and human capital development.
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, said the student leaders were at Government House to appreciate the governor for the financial assistance and other measures aimed at reducing the burden of education on students and their families.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, said the youth development centres established across the state were intended to equip young people with skills that could help them become self-reliant after graduation.
The governor also approved the elevation of his Personal Assistant on Students Affairs, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel, to Special Assistant on Students Affairs, in recognition of his engagement with the student community.
President of NAAKISS Worldwide, Comrade Torobong Obot, thanked the governor for his support to students, while leaders of NAAKISS, NANS, the 31 local government student bodies and student unions commended the administration’s education policies.
The meeting later took a political turn when the student leaders announced their endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Eno for the 2027 elections.
The students said they would mobilise their colleagues across the 31 local government areas ahead of the elections, adding that many students had already obtained their PVCs.
Eno urged the students to use their influence positively and promote the image of Akwa Ibom, saying the responsibility for building the state belonged to its citizens.
Among those present were Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
