There are Presidents and there are Presidents. Some of them are born for leadership and others, trained for the same purpose and calling. But while the mission to be accomplished is basically the same everywhere, the means and workings of accomplishment differ based on personality, knowledge and charisma. As such, leaders who drive some sort of positive energy would always command attention, followership and compliance at all times. One of such leaders is Etimbuk Idiong, Governor Umo Eno’s President.
As hilarious and farcy as this truth may sound, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has a President outside his political enclave whom he wouldn’t Love to disobey or disparage; a President he must at all times listen to and a leader he must follow. If not for anything, the fact that this President in the Governor’s words made the world know that he went to School. Again, she is Comrade Etimbuk Idiong, President of the Post Graduate Students Union (POGRASU), University of Uyo where the Governor is at the moment doing his doctoral degree.
Many would recall that Pst. Umo Eno was slammed with a certificate scandal during the 2023 governorship campaigns which turned global attention at him and got tongues questioning his educational qualification. But what the “world” probably never knew was that the Governor, beyond the elementary certificate in question has a First and Second Degree and is currently on his Third, as confirmed by Her Excellency, His President.
It was therefore an awe-inspiring news for those who attended the May 28, 2024 Media Parley with the Governor and a moment of victorious triumph for Pastor Umo Eno whose name and pedigree was for the first time publicly heralded after the prolonged certificate scandal. Thank you “for letting the whole world know that I went to School”, the Governor had joyfully remarked when His President had the floor.
At the Parley, Comrade Idiong had brought to the fore, the plights of Post Graduate Students of the University of Uyo whom she said have not felt the direct impact of their colleague, the Governor.
She further requested the Governor’s magnanimous provision of research grants for the students, a resource center to facilitate the conduct of researches and an 18-seater bus for mobility of members.
In his response as a patriotic member of POGRASU, her Constituency, Governor Eno who was visibly elated at her calm composure, comportment and selfless request, commended her dexterity, intelligence and knowledge, adding that she has put to rest the false controversies surrounding his academic prowess.
He also asked for a private audience with His President and assured that her request would be granted.
A wild excitement greeted this gesture and while many have described that May 28 encounter as divinely orchestrated, others have attributed it to the pay-off of years and months of thorough planning, strategy and preparation. Whichever is correct, the truth remains that the Etimbuk Idiong-led POGRASU has set the course for a remodeled Union which will snowball into a worthwhile testaments in no time.
Inaugurated in February, 2024, the current POGRASU leadership made strong resolutions to work tirelessly towards fostering positive change and progress both within the Postgraduate School and University as a whole. The steerer of the ship, had particularly pledged her readiness to uphold the values of integrity, inclusivity, and accountability, with all amount of regard and respect for everyone.
True to her resolve and as an attestation of her commitment to the welfare of members of her Constituency, Post Graduate Students in the University of Uyo now have a top shop to unwind and relax after a long day, where food and snacks are sold at very friendly and affordable price.
The Idiong-led administration is also planning the upgrade of basic resources and support services to ensure that Post Graduate students enjoy unhindered access to essentials for their researches. One of such is the process of reopening Resource Rooms for hostelers which will enrich academic experience and foster a sense of community within the union. This was Her Excellency’s passionate plea which His Excellency assented to.
With such overwhelming acceptance by the Governor, one can say that happy times have come on the University of Uyo Post Graduate School, courtesy of Governor Umo Eno and his President.
Students can only expect that their sail through the Post Graduate School will be buttered in luxurious comfort.
©Priscilla Akpanettot
