…Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” Mandate Takes Center Stage at UEE Akamkpa Event
Akamkpa – In a move to advance education and youth empowerment, the Cross River State Government, through the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, hosted a landmark event on Friday at the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE) in Akamkpa. The event provided free JAMB registration, tutorials, and full scholarships to aspiring university students from Akamkpa Local Government Area NEGROIDHAVEN can report authoritatively.
The initiative, which aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” mandate, aims to equip young people with the tools needed to excel academically and become entrepreneurs. The program offers free JAMB registration, intensive tutorials, and full scholarships to the top 10 candidates, covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of N20,000 throughout their university studies.
Key Highlights of the Event:
-Free JAMB Registration and Tutorials: The program provides free JAMB registration and daily tutorials from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
-Full Scholarships: The top 10 candidates will receive fully funded scholarships, including tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of N20,000.
-Entrepreneurship Focus: The program aligns with the state’s new University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE) in Akamkpa, which emphasizes practical skills and entrepreneurship alongside academic excellence.
Enyam urged students to seize the opportunity, emphasizing that the program is designed to ensure their success. He stated, “By the end of this program, 10 persons will emerge with fully funded scholarships to study in Cross River State. Accommodation and school fees will be provided, so all you need to focus on is your education.” He also highlighted the importance of the program in line with Governor Otu’s “People First” mandate, which aims to equip the youth with the tools needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
“You are our future. Cross River State is looking up to you. In line with the People’s First mandate, we want you to take advantage of this opportunity and make Akamkpa proud, make Cross River State proud. Some of you could move from here and go global,” Enyam added.
On his part, Engr. Pius Edet Ankpo, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, shared his personal journey of overcoming educational challenges to inspire the students. He recounted, “I went through tough times to get an education, but it was worth it. Today, I stand here as a commissioner because I made the right decisions.”
He emphasized the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, stating, “The right decision in your mind will give you a continuous meal even when you are old. Your profession will determine how relevant your signature will be in the future. If you take the right profession and study it well, you will reach a higher level of professionalism where your skills will be in demand.”
Ankpo also encouraged students to aim high, saying, “You too can be a governor. You too can be a president. You too can be a commissioner like I am standing here. But you need to take the right steps now. Don’t let your background limit you.”
Prof. Patrick N. Asuquo, the Acting Vice Chancellor of UEE Akamkpa, underscored the university’s unique approach to education, which combines academic rigor with practical entrepreneurship training. He explained, “At UEE, we are not just producing graduates; we are producing job creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. When you leave here, you will be a businessman, a job creator, an inventor, and an innovator. You will have something to give to society.”
He further elaborated on the university’s curriculum, which includes 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, financial management, and business communication. “We describe our graduates as ‘degree-plus.’ You will leave here not just with a degree but with practical skills that will enable you to set up businesses and employ others,” he said.
Prof. Asuquo also commended the initiative, stating, “What the Honorable Commissioner has done today is in line with what we are doing at UEE. He is providing scholarships, paying for your JAMB, and ensuring you have a bright future. This is commendable and worthy of emulation.”
