The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Polytechnic Alumni Association (AK-PALA) Caretaker Committee, Dr. Godwin Benson, has urged parents to take advantage of the numerous technical and entrepreneurial courses offered at the institution to help their children and wards chart independent futures.
Dr. Benson gave this advice while addressing a cross-section of the Uyo Chapter of the association during a reception held after the group’s annual thanksgiving service at Insight Bible Church, Paul Ekpeowo Street, Anua, Uyo, recently.
As the special guest of honour at the event, Dr. Benson highlighted the accreditation of additional technical and entrepreneurial courses, including Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, Survey and Geo-informatics, Environmental Science and Management Technology, Petroleum Marketing, Crime Management, and Banking and Finance. He noted that these programs position AkwaPoly to train students in fields that are critical to the emerging economy.
The veteran journalist commended the Rector of the institution, Dr. Moses Umobong, and his management team for their innovations, expertise, and responsible leadership, which have elevated AkwaPoly to the rank of the second-best polytechnic in the country.
He stated that the alumni association fully supports the rector’s efforts to sanitize and improve the institution, urging him to continue adding value to the polytechnic and its certifications.
Dr. Benson also applauded the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., for his commitment to the education sector, particularly for the recent release of funds for the accreditation of courses at AkwaPoly. He called on the governor, as the polytechnic’s visitor, to further support the institution, which plays a vital role in providing middle-level manpower for the state.
The AK-PALA chairman praised the president of the Uyo Chapter of the association for organizing the thanksgiving, describing it as one of the ways God blesses His people. He also expressed appreciation to the Board of Incorporated Trustees (BOIT), led by Mr. Nse Bassey, for establishing the Caretaker Committee. He described the committee as a necessary response to current circumstances and announced plans to inaugurate additional committees for constitution amendment, project implementation, and other initiatives.
Dr. Benson solicited the support and cooperation of members, urging the various chapters of the association to intensify membership drives. He wished all members a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Earlier at the church service, the president of the Uyo Chapter, Comrade Aniekan Ankoh, quoting John 6:11 and Psalms 92:5, expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness to the chapter throughout the year, emphasizing the importance of thanksgiving.
In his homily titled “Don’t Give Up,” Pastor Otobong Akpabio encouraged worshippers to persevere despite challenges, noting that those who succeed are not those who wait for opportunities but those who create them and derive value from their efforts.
The thanksgiving by the Uyo Chapter of AK-PALA coincided with that of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSON), which also held its service at the same church.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to three distinguished members of the chapter—Comrades Ifiok Ekanem, Ubokudom Etuk, and Saviour Iyakndue—as well as dining, merriment, and the sharing of camaraderie.