Tommy Etim Okon bags Doctor of Philosophy Degree as University of Abuja holds 25th-26th convocation ceremony
The immediate past president of Akwa Ibom Community Abuja, Comrade Tommy Etim Okon was among the 78 graduands awarded Doctorate Degrees in Philosophy by the prestigious University of Abuja popularly known as University for National Unity on Friday 25th February 2022.
The 2019/2020 Convocation ceremony which took place at the Convocation Square located at the Main Campus of the University of Abuja was earlier slated for September 2021 but postponed due to the global pandemic of COVID-19.
The event was graced by members, friends, colleagues of the graduand and the crème de la crème of the Society who gathered in one harmony to celebrate the man of honour.
In his remarks at the reception, the celebrant thanked God for making it possible for him to succeed in his academic pursuit while expressing gratitude to members of Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja for their support and encouragement…
Dr Tommy who commended his wife and family members for standing by him which according to him has been the propelling force behind his achievements so far.
Dr Tommy, lauded the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission Chief (Engr) Benedict Ukpong, for bequeathing sound leadership traits on him and also standing by him in good and turbulence time as his predecessor at the Akwa Ibom Community.
In his words, “Having a predecessor who believe in you is one thing; having a successor who consolidate on your achievements and continue from where you stop is entirely another.”
Tommy also thanked his successor, Barr. Aniefiok Ibah who is the current President of Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja whom he extolled his sterling qualities and loyalty during and after his tenure.
Eulogizing the incumbent President for keeping the flame burning with his proactive and peoples oriented leadership, Tommy urged him to remain focused so as not to be distracted from the good work he has started.
Speaking on behalf of Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, the President, Barr. Aniefiok Ibah congratulated Dr Tommy for the award of his Doctorate Degree which he ascribed to hard work and a positive resolve to do great things as well as absolute trust and faith in God who makes all things possible to those who diligently seeks Him.
Barr Iba who expressed delights at the massive turn out of members of the Community, and acknowledged the presence of the Commissioner, National Population Commission, Liaison Officer on Grassroot Mobilization to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Executives Council of the Community, Trustees, Patrons and Patroness, Presidential Aids, women and Youth wing who were well represented.
The Ceremony which was a week-long event commenced with Press briefing on Monday 21st February 2022 by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah and was followed on Tuesday 23rd by the Investiture and Conferment of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on the Chancellor of the University, HRH, Alhaji (Dr) Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, CFR, Emir of Bauchi. Also billed for the day was the Convocation Ceremony for the award of First Degree to Graduates of Colleges of Health Science and Faculty of Law, Social Science, Engineering and Veterinary Medicine.
Convocation Ceremony for award of First Degree to Graduates of Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Management Science took center stage on Wednesday while that of graduates of Faculty of Arts, Education, Institute of Education and Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education (CDL&CE) followed on Thursday 24th February 2022
Friday 25th February 2022 marked the Grand Finale of the Convocation Ceremony. The major highlights of this day were the Convocation Lecture delivered by Her Excellency, Mary Beth Leonard, United State Ambassador to Nigeria, a Keynote address by the Chancellor and a chronicle of achievement as well as future expectations by the Vice Chancellor. The day came to a climax with the presentation of award of Postgraduate Degrees, Diplomas and Doctorate Degrees in Philosophy to the graduands.
A total of 8269 graduates were listed for the graduation ceremonies out of which 78 were PhD degrees, 465 Master Degrees, and 214 with Post Graduate Diplomas.
7512 graduands were awarded 1st Class Degrees while 12, 000 were awarded degrees in various disciplines.
