By Ime Silas
More groups and individuals have continued to express their joy over the emergence of the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State; His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, as President of the Nigerian Senate, saying the development was an indication of better days for the country.
One of such groups, the Ibom Academics Forum (IAF), in a Goodwill message to the newly sworn in Senate President described the former Minister for Niger Delta Affairs as a Pillar of Educational Development.
Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District at the upper chamber of the National Assembly is also a former Senate Minority Leader. He was elected yesterday, June 13, 2023 by his colleagues as President of the 10th Senate.
Reacting, IAF, a platform for lecturers lecturing in institutions of higher learning in Akwa Ibom State, in a release dated June 14, 2023 and signed by its Convener and Professor of Biochemistry in the University of Uyo; Prof. David Edem said leaders and members of the forum were elated by the confidence reposed by Nigerian Senators in Sen. Godswill Akpabio.
Parts of the message read “The leadership and members of Ibom Academics Forum (IAF) do hereby congratulate the newly elected and sworn in Senate President; His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON.
We wish to note that as a platform for lecturers in tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State, IAF is non-partisan. We exist to identify areas through which our members can contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education in Akwa Ibom State in particular, and Nigeria in general.
It is one of our objectives to also analyse government policies as they affect the education sector and make contributions where necessary, in order to promote academic advancement”.
On why they celebrate Akpabio’s ascension to his exalted political position, the forum noted “We are elated to identify with the new Senate President; His Excellency, Sen. Akpabio in view of his love and special interest in education. We still recall how he introduced free and compulsory education during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015. This initiative encouraged school enrollment in the state.
“It is also on record that it was during Akpabio’s tenure as governor that Principals in the state had the opportunity of being promoted up to level 17. Schools in Akwa Ibom State were built and renovated as well as other incentives that promote academic advancement.
We are confident that the new Senate President will bring to bear his vast wealth of experience, knowledge as well as his leadership skills in running the affairs of the 10th Senate for the all-round success of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration of Nigeria”.