The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has praised President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno for their roles in establishing a federal university intended to expand access to higher education and strengthen agricultural research in the state.
Lawmakers adopted a motion commending the three leaders for supporting the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio-Akpa.
The institution will use the Obio-Akpa campus of Akwa Ibom State University to begin operations, according to the motion’s sponsor, Sampson Idiong.
Idiong, the assembly’s deputy chief whip and representative for Oruk Anam State Constituency, described the university as an investment in agricultural development, research and technological innovation.
“The establishment of this university is not only a landmark achievement for Oruk Anam but also a significant investment in the educational, agricultural and technological future of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria,” he said.
The motion credited Tinubu with approving the institution and Akpabio with providing legislative leadership and helping to facilitate its establishment.
Idiong said the approval addressed a longstanding local aspiration for a federal university that would broaden educational opportunities and support agriculture.
He also praised Eno for making the existing state university campus available, providing a base for the new institution to begin operations.
Idiong congratulated Professor Joseph Essien on his appointment as the university’s first vice-chancellor.
