Alumni, Firm Plan Skills Centre For Varsity Students

The Alumni Association of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) have facilitated a partnership deal with a firm, Amaecom Global Limited, in a move towards youth empowerment and enterprise development in the institution.

Already, the company has flagged off the construction of an Entrepreneurial Development Centre (EDC) at the Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin local government area main campus, in what it described as “a bold demonstration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.”

The project facilitated by the alumni and sponsored by the institution, LEADERSHIP learnt, aimed to “foster innovation, promote job creation, and equip students, both graduates and post-graduates, with practical skills, and is expected to serve as a hub for business development and capacity building within the university community.”

Speaking at the event, the chairman/chief executive officer (CEO), Dr. Amaechi Marcel Ofomata, described the project as “more than just a physical infrastructure, but a commitment to giving back to the university community and promoting youth development in the state and beyond.”

He hoped the EDC would become “a point for collaboration, creativity, and learning, where students can explore their ideas, create value, and make meaningful impact in the society.”

Responding, the vice chancellor (VC), Professor Nse Essien, commended the initiative and applauded the firm for its full commitment to the project and the institution’s alumni association for facilitating it.

“The project is timely and highly commendable,” he noted, and emphasised that it aligns with the university’s strategic vision of equipping students with life-changing skills beyond the classroom.

“This skills centre is a game-changer; it represents our shared aspiration to empower students not just with knowledge, but with the tools to become innovators, creators, and employers of labour.

“At AKSU, we are intentional about preparing our students for the real world. This project will be instrumental in making our graduates self-reliant and competitive in the global marketplace. We deeply appreciate the support of Anaecom and the dedication of our alumni association,” the VC stressed.

The institution’s alumni president, Uwakmfon Michael, expressed appreciation to the company’s chairman, for the commitment to build a legacy project in the university.

He praised the students and fellow alumni for their commitment and assured the university’s community that the association would remain dedicated to contributing meaningfully to the institution’s growth, particularly by supporting projects that empower students and prepare them for the future.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that the vocational centre would further impact on the lives of students, and also contribute to the socio-economic growth of the state.