The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the establishment of a new federal university in Akwa Ibom State.
The institution, Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, is located in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Akpabio also praised Governor Umo Eno for releasing the Obio Akpa campus of Akwa Ibom State University. The facility will support the immediate take-off of the new federal institution.
Akpabio Thanks Tinubu, Eno
Akpabio spoke during the funeral service of late Hon. Imo Akpan Ibokette. Ibokette was a former Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
According to a statement by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President welcomed the university’s progress. He also expressed optimism about the admission of its pioneer students.
“I look forward to the admission of the first batch of students into the university in the senatorial district.”
“Let me thank President Bola Tinubu for signing the bill which established the University. Let me also thank our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for also releasing a campus of the Akwa Ibom State University for the commencement of academic activities this year,” he said.
The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio Akpa, was established through an amendment to the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act. The bill received legislative attention in 2025, with the House of Representatives passing it at third reading.
New University Set for Academic Take-Off
Meanwhile, the National Universities Commission currently lists the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio-Akpa, among Nigeria’s federal universities.
The institution is expected to expand access to tertiary education in the state. It will also focus on agriculture, technology, research and related academic fields.
Furthermore, the release of the Obio Akpa campus is expected to ease the institution’s initial operational challenges.
Akpabio said he was particularly eager to see students begin academic activities at the university. The development is also expected to create fresh educational opportunities for young people in the senatorial district.
Akpabio Mourns Late Ibokette
However, Akpabio’s remarks also reflected on his relationship with the late Ibokette. He recalled that the former lawmaker contacted him after learning about the university’s establishment. Akpabio said Ibokette was the first person to call and appreciate him after the bill’s passage.
“His death is a personal loss to me. The Ibokette’s family and I share an intimate affinity that spans decades. Even the weight of political differences did not attenuate the relationship we shared,” he stated.
The Senate President described the deceased as a patriot and selfless leader. He also remembered him as a loving father and hardworking personality.
According to Akpabio, Ibokette overcame several challenges during his lifetime. He added that the late lawmaker witnessed some of the transformation he had worked for before his death.
The funeral service was held at Abak International Nursery/Primary School in Abak Local Government Area. The Apostolic Church Nigeria conducted the service.
The establishment of the university marks another addition to Akwa Ibom’s growing tertiary education landscape.
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