The Department of Performing Arts, Akwa Ibom State University has entered the history books with the graduation of seven (7) Pioneer Doctoral candidates between Thursday 15th and Friday 16th of August, 2024.
This academic feat was recorded after a two-day Doctoral Theses Defense presided over by renowned scholars, Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria and Professor Molinta Enendu of the University of Calabar as External Examiners.
The history-making successful candidates include Aniekan Akpan, Osondu Ahirika, Aniebiet Mbede, Mary Emah, Anietie Udofia, Stephen Umoh and Sunday Umanah.
The Coordinator of the Post Graduate programme, Dr Okon Udofot(Associate Professor), and the Head of the Department, Dr Lucy Iseyen received encomiums for the successful outcome of the programme from the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr Iniobong Umotong(Associate Professor).
Earlier, the Dean of the Post Graduate School, Professor Jalarth Umoh congratulated the graduating students for their successful completion of the programme charging them to uphold and continue in the tradition of excellence by which they have been groomed. He encouraged them to become good Ambassadors of the Akwa Ibom State University and create a positive impact in the world.
In his remarks, Dr Okon Udofot observed that research has become a major currency for academic achievement and lauded the candidates for the effort and hard work put into the programme as pioneers in the department. He thanked the External Examiners for doing a thorough job and adding value to the academic endeavour, assuring them that the Department would ensure that observed recommendations are implemented.
In her speech, the Head of the Department, Dr Lucy Iseyen appreciated the Dean, Postgraduate Studies, Professor Jarlath Umoh, the Supervisors, Internal and External Examiners, Lecturers and all who contributed to ensuring this milestone became a reality under her watch.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, the Class Governor, Pastor Mrs Aniebiet Unwana Mbede expressed gratitude to all the scholars who she stressed, have contributed immensely to enable the Pioneer Set to reach this milestone and prayed the Almighty God to richly reward their labours of love. She added that the Pioneer Set adopted the motto of #Succeeding Together, and thanked God Almighty that none among those who were admitted to the PhD programme dropped out or died throughout the course.
Several scholars in the University who witnessed the Doctoral Thesis defense sessions included, the Dean Faculty of Arts, Dr Iniobong Umotong, Dr ikechukwu Ahamefule, the Faculty PG Coordinator,
the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Edna Akpan, Mr. Amaitem Udo, ICT expert, School of Postgraduate Studies,
Professor Uwemedimo Atakpo, Professor Esekong Andrew – Essien, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) John Bosco Ekanem(Associate Professor), Dr Nkiruka Akaenyi, Dr Nnanake Ekeke, Dr Promise Etim, and Dr Eventus Edem.
Others are Dr Moses Udoh, Dr Susanna Udoka(Associate Professor), Dr. David Udoinwang, Dr. Edenowo Enang, Dr. Vero Ekpris all of English Department, Dr. Monica Udoette, Dr Aniekan Nana, Dr Peter Ekwere, Dr Ibu, Rev Sister Dr Stella, Dr Utin. Dr Amah Williams, Dr Vincent Olasakin, and Dr Usoro Okono among others.
