Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised President Bola Tinubu and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for steps taken to facilitate the takeoff of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Obio Akpa.
Akpabio said he expected the new institution to begin admitting its first students in 2026.
The Senate President thanked Tinubu for signing the legislation establishing the university.
He also commended Eno for releasing the Obio Akpa campus of Akwa Ibom State University for the new federal institution to begin operations.
Akpabio made the remarks during the funeral of former Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Majority Leader Imo Akpan Ibokette.
He recalled that the late lawmaker was among the first people to congratulate him when the bill establishing the university was passed.
Akpabio described Ibokette’s death as a personal loss and said their relationship had endured despite political differences.
He portrayed the former lawmaker as a patriot who contributed to the development of his community and state.
The Senate President said the new federal university would widen access to higher education in the senatorial district.
It is also expected to strengthen teaching and research in agriculture, technology and related disciplines.
The release of an existing campus is intended to allow academic activities to begin while the institution develops its longer term infrastructure.
Akpabio said the establishment of the university represented an important educational investment for the area and expressed hope that pioneer admissions would start without unnecessary delay.
