By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has graduated 6,749 undergraduate and 740 postgraduate students across four academic sessions, as the institution unveiled an ambitious N5 billion endowment drive to establish a College of Medicine and Surgery.

The figures were announced during the university’s combined 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th convocation ceremony held at Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, where management presented a data-rich account of institutional growth, academic expansion and future priorities.

Vice-Chancellor, Otoabasi Etim Akpan, disclosed that the graduands span four academic sessions including: 2021/2022: 1,728 students; 2022/2023: 1,902 students (+10.1% increase from previous year); 2023/2024: 1,957 students (highest output, +2.9% growth); 2024/2025: 1,171 students (−40% decline, attributed to cohort variation)

An additional 50 students graduated under the Top-Up/Conversion programme.

At the postgraduate level, the university produced 746 graduates, including Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s and PhDs, reflecting a growing emphasis on advanced studies and research capacity.

Akpan revealed that AKSU has significantly scaled its academic footprint within the review period: Faculties increased: 14-17 (21% growth); Programmes expanded: 66-84 (27% increase); New programmes introduced: 41; Fully accredited programmes: 43

He noted that the expansion targets high-demand sectors such as technology, health sciences, agriculture, environmental studies, entrepreneurship and communication, aligning with labour market realities and national development needs.

The Vice-Chancellor said key professional programmes including Law, Pharmacy, Nursing Sciences and Engineering, are scheduled for regulatory assessments, with the Council of Legal Education expected to visit in May 2026.

A major highlight of the convocation is the proposed N5 billion endowment fund aimed at establishing a College of Medicine.

According to Akpan, the university plans to: Secure funding from government, alumni, private sector and diaspora stakeholders; Invite the National Universities Commission for resource verification by August 2026; Commence medical programmes by October/November 2026

AKSU is also strengthening research and innovation through collaborations with institutions such as the National Space Research and Development Agency and Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The university is advancing interdisciplinary research clusters in areas including climate change, public health, governance, digital humanities and security studies, aimed at producing policy-relevant knowledge.

Chancellor, Solomon Daniel Etuk, described the convocation as celebration of resilience and future promise, urging graduates to uphold integrity and excellence.

Similarly, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Udoma Udo Udoma, emphasised the university’s commitment to: Laboratory upgrades and digital library systems; Expansion of postgraduate programmes (20+ new additions); Entrepreneurship, digital literacy and leadership development; Community engagement and policy-driven research

He noted that AKSU’s evolving research centres now address real-world challenges such as migration, climate change, public health innovation and governance.

The ceremony featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on notable figures including Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Indimi.

Emeritus Professorship was awarded to Eno James Ibanga, while five senior academics received Distinguished Professorship honours.

AKSU also announced its first Professorial Chair in Urban and Environmental Studies, to be occupied by Adamu Ahmed, with inauguration scheduled for May 2026.

Despite the gains, the Vice-Chancellor identified persistent gaps, including: Inadequate hostel accommodation; Limited research funding; Insufficient laboratory infrastructure; Transportation and digital infrastructure deficits

He called for increased stakeholder support to sustain growth momentum.

With nearly 7,500 total graduates (undergraduate and postgraduate combined), expanded academic offerings, and a bold push into medical education, AKSU is positioning itself as a rapidly evolving institution within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

As Akpan put it, the university’s trajectory remains focused on “excellence in teaching, research and innovation,” even as it navigates funding and infrastructure challenges.