The President of the Senate, Dr. Godswill Akpabio on Thursday fulfilled the pledge he made to two scholars from Akwa Ibom State, Uwakmfon Unwana Jacob and Dr Joseph Peter Akpan.
Mr Jacob of Nile University of Nigeria was awarded a grant by the Akwa Ibom State Government to cover his educational development. He is a 44 time gold medal winner in Mathematics Olympiad. He was credited to have answered 17 questions in four minutes.
Dr Akpan was the best graduating student in Medicine and Surgery in the 2023/2024 academic session in the University of Uyo with 10 distinctions out of 11 courses that he offered. He broke a 25-year record in the College of Medical Sciences and won 25 different awards.
During the Variety Night to mark the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, the Governor had presented awards and grants to these scholars. In support of the government’s gesture Senator Akpabio had pledged to give them additional 10 thousand dollars each for their living expenses.
Making the presentation in the home of Senator Akpabio in Uyo on Thursday night on behalf of the Senate President, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno congratulated the awardees and thanked Senator Akpabio for the love he has shown to the State and the gesture of financial support for the scholars.
“This is to show to our young people that the State Government and our leaders will always support the brightest and the best among our youths. Let it not be said that they were hindered because of financial constraints,” he said.
On his part, Senator Akpabio congratulated the scholars and said the educational grant and financial support was a pointer to the youths of Akwa Ibom State that where they excelled the Government and the leaders would push them higher and assist them to attain greater heights.
The father of Uwakmfon, Mr Jacob who spoke on behalf of the parents of the scholars said the family was grateful to the State Government and Senator Akpabio for the award to his son who was recognized without having any political connections but based on merit. He promised that the awardees would remain focused on their academics and will continue to make the State proud.
EmemMaria Ntedodom Offiong nipr.
Deputy Director (Head: Information, Press and Public Relations)
26th September, 2026.
