30/05/2026
IBOM METROPOLITAN POLYTECHNIC CONVOKES 103 GRADUANDS, MATRICULATES 1,112 STUDENTS
By Sunday Frank
Ibom Metropolitan Polytechnic, Uyo, Nigeria has graduated 103 students and matriculated 1,112 newly admitted students across its twelve academic departments during its 3rd Convocation and 5th Matriculation Ceremonies held at the institution's Town caampus , 3 College Road, Atan Offot, Uyo.
Among the graduands, Olisa Stephenie Nkem of the School of Management Sciences emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student with a CGPA of 3.71. Other outstanding graduands honoured during the ceremony included Ikono Godspower Isaac of the School of Engineering, who graduated with an Upper Credit and a CGPA of 3.33, and Bassey Emmanuel Ukpong of the School of Science and Technology, who earned a Distinction with a CGPA of 3.55.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) , Dr. Victor E. U. Williams, described Ibom Metropolitan Polytechnic as a centre of excellence committed to academic quality, professional skills development, and the production of competent manpower for national development.
According to him, the institution remains focused on building a reservoir of highly skilled middle and high-level manpower capable of driving industrialization and economic growth in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
"This institution is committed to ensuring that square pegs are placed in square holes and round pegs in round holes. We are intentionally aligning knowledge and skills with the economic realities and opportunities of our state and nation in line with the guidelines of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)," he stated.
Dr. Williams noted that the Polytechnic is strategically positioned to produce qualified manpower for critical sectors such as oil and gas, engineering and construction, compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion and maintenance, tourism and hospitality, agriculture, maritime services, healthcare, and other emerging industries.
He further disclosed that, in support of the Akwa Ibom State Government's ARISE Agenda, the institution is partnering with relevant stakeholders to develop skilled manpower for the tourism and hospitality industry, a sector receiving significant investment from the administration of Governor Umo Eno.
"Through the Dr. Victor Utong Love for Humanity Foundation, we have awarded scholarships to 200 students studying Tourism and Leisure as well as Hospitality Management Technology," he added.
The founder congratulated the graduating students on the successful completion of their studies and urged them to be worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever they find themselves. He also welcomed the newly matriculated students and encouraged them to take full advantage of the Polytechnic's libraries, laboratories, workshops, entrepreneurship programmes, innovation clubs, and vocational training opportunities.
Earlier, the Rector of the institution, Dr. Christopher Akas, congratulated the matriculating students on securing admission into the Polytechnic, describing their admission as evidence of their determination and confidence in the institution.
He charged them to remain focused, disciplined, innovative, and committed to excellence throughout their academic journey.
"Your admission into this institution is a testament to your determination and the confidence reposed in us by your parents and guardians. As you begin this journey, I encourage you to remain focused, disciplined, innovative, and committed to excellence. The future belongs to those who are prepared, skilled, and morally upright," he said.
Dr. Akas also reassured the graduating students that their certificates represent not only academic achievement but also responsibility, integrity, knowledge, and character.
Delivering the Convocation Lecture on the theme, "Application of TVET in Polytechnics: A Panacea for Economic Development in Nigeria," Dr. Eno John of the Department of General Studies emphasized the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in tackling unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and accelerating industrial development.
He described polytechnics as vital institutions for producing the skilled workforce required for national growth and called for increased investment, improved infrastructure, and stronger policy support for technical education as a pathway to sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
The event attracted several distinguished personalities, including His Eminence (Dr.) Emmanuel Udofia, Chairman of the Governing Council of Ibom Metropolitan Polytechnic;
Professor Itemobong Ekaidem of the University of Uyo;
Professor Leo Daniel, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi;
Dr. (Mrs.) Iniobong Duke, Registrar of Heritage Polytechnic;
Eteidung Idongesit Alfred, Village Head of Atan Offot;
Dr. Aniediabasi Udofia, former Registrar of the University of Uyo and Registrar of Dakada Skills Acquisition Centre;
Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Services, Akwa Ibom State Command;
Provost of AKS College Education, Afaha Nsit;
Rector of Trinity Polytechnic, Uyo;
Registrar of El-Thomp Polytechnic, Abak; and representatives of the Conference of Registrars of Polytechnics (COREG), among other guests.