President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio Akpa, in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Senator Akpabio also expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for releasing the Obio Akpa Campus of Akwa Ibom State University, a move that will facilitate the immediate commencement of academic activities at the new federal institution.
The Senate President made the remarks while speaking at the funeral service of the late former Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. (Elder) Imo Akpan Ibokette, held at Abak International Nursery/Primary School in Abak Local Government Area.
Expressing optimism about the future of the institution, Godswill Akpabio said he looks forward to the admission of the pioneer students and the transformational impact the university will have on education, research, and human capital development in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
“I look forward to the admission of the first batch of students into the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in this Senatorial District,” he said.
The Senate President thanked President Tinubu for signing into law the legislation establishing the university and praised Governor Umo Eno for supporting its immediate take-off.
“Let me thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Bill establishing the university. Let me also thank our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for releasing the Obio Akpa Campus of the Akwa Ibom State University to enable the commencement of academic activities this year,” Akpabio stated.
According to the Senate President, the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology marks another significant milestone in expanding access to quality tertiary education while strengthening capacity in agriculture, technology, innovation, and research.
Reflecting on the occasion that brought dignitaries together, Senator Akpabio paid glowing tribute to the late Hon. (Elder) Imo Akpan Ibokette, describing him as a patriot, a selfless leader, and a respected statesman whose contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State will be remembered for generations.
He recalled that the late Ibokette was among the first people to congratulate him following the passage of the bill establishing the university.
“Late Ibokette, whom we are laying to rest today, was among the first to call and thank me after hearing of the passage of the bill establishing the university. His death is a personal loss to me. Our relationship spanned decades, and even political differences never diminished the mutual respect and friendship we shared,” he said.
The Senate President noted that the late lawmaker dedicated his life to public service and lived to witness some of the developmental milestones he had long advocated.
“He did his best and witnessed some of the uncommon transformation he fought and worked for before his departure,” Akpabio added.
The establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio Akpa, is expected to significantly expand educational opportunities in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, while promoting research, innovation, agricultural development, and technological advancement in line with Nigeria’s broader development aspirations.
The funeral service was conducted by The Apostolic Church Nigeria, with family members, political associates, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other sympathisers in attendance to pay their final respects to the late former lawmaker.
