UNICAL Confers Alumni Award On ICCON Acting Registrar

University of Calabar (UNICAL) has conferred its Most Distinguished Alumni Award on a chemist, Akwaowo Reuben Idongesit, the acting registrar/chief executive officer of the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON).

The award is in recognition of his professional excellence, leadership and contributions to the chemistry profession.

A statement signed by his media team, explained that the award was presented to him last Thursday during the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry’s Memorial Day celebration at the Senate Chambers of UNICAL. The honour recognises alumni whose professional achievements, leadership and commitment to excellence have brought distinction to their alma mater.

The event was held under the leadership of the vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, with Prof. Grace Ekpenyong Iniama, head of the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, playing a key role in the department’s academic and professional engagements.

Akwaowo’s recognition reflects a career spanning scientific administration, professional regulation and institutional development. Since joining the Federal Civil Service in 2005 as a pioneer staff member of ICCON, he has served the Institute in various capacities, including Head of Administration, Director of Scientific Services and Coordinator of the Institute’s Zonal Offices.

He also served as pioneer team lead and ICCON representative in the National Chemical Personnel Audit exercise, contributing to efforts to strengthen the Institute’s regulatory responsibilities and professional oversight.

Appointed Acting Registrar/CEO by the Federal Government with effect from 1 June 2026, Chemist Akwaowo currently leads ICCON in advancing its statutory mandate to regulate the teaching, learning and best practices of Chemistry in Nigeria.

His recognition comes at a time when effective professional regulation, institutional development and the responsible practice of Chemistry remain critical to national development, public health and environmental protection. The award underscores the importance of professional competence, dedicated public service and purposeful leadership in strengthening regulatory institutions and advancing the application of scientific knowledge to national challenges.

For ICCON, the honour is a source of pride to the Institute and the wider chemistry community, highlighting the value of sustained service and professional excellence in advancing the practice of Chemistry in Nigeria.

The Institute congratulates Chemist Akwaowo Reuben Idongesit on this well-deserved recognition and wishes him continued success in his leadership of ICCON and service to the Chemistry profession.