The Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Dr Emaeyak Ukpong on Thursday, 26th March, 2026 hosted stakeholders, nationalists, academic scholars, political leaders/policy makers, former National and State Assembly Members, friends and families to a well organized series of events to mark his 70th birthday, which held at the Patience (Kemi) Umo Eno Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.
The event started with a Colloquium featuring the former Governor of Akwa Ibon State, His Excellency, Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah as the Lead Lecturer. Speaking on the topic: “Imperative of Regional Government in Nigeria”, Obong Attah who is noted for his championship of the resource control struggle presented an opposing view to regionalism but rather advocated for the institutionalization of true Federalism and fiscal autonomy by the thirty six (36) federating States(units) in Nigeria. He highlighted numerous advantages to include rapid development of federating units and citizens as opposed to over dependence by the federating units on the federal government for sharing of the “monthly national cake”.
On his part, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi(FUTIA), who was an Adjunct Lecturer at the Colloquium, Professor Leo Daniel spoke on the topic: “Frog Leaping Aerospace Technology in Nigeria”. He emphasized on the need for Nigerian government and intervention agencies to invest in the development of Aeronautics and astronautics Engineering in the country. Prof. Daniel who is the first Professor of Aerospace Engineering in Nigeria disclosed that Nigeria has come of age to manufacture her own space craft, aeroplane, other unmanned Ariel vehicles for the development of the aviation industry and defense system. The Adjunct Lecturer used the occasion to pledge the commitment of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi to use her flagship course in Aerospace Engineering to drive innovation, Technology and national transformation in the sector; calling on government and stakeholders for improved investment.
The celebrant and FUTIA Pro Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Dr Emaeyak Ukpong who was equally an Associate Lecturer at the event held in his honor spoke on the topic: “Perspectives on Efforts at the Upscale of Indigenous Biotechnological Processes in Nigeria”. Speaking throughout Associate Professor Emmanuel Etim, the celebrant harped on the need for application of indigenous biotechnology tools to drive national transformation in the sector.
The event equally featured the presentation of a book written by the Celebrant, Dr Emaeyak Ukpong titled: “My Moments with Fate”. The Book was reviewed by Prof. Joseph Ushie of the Department of English, University of Uyo, while the book presentation for launching was done by Rt. Hon. Dr Ekaette Ebong Okon, a former Deputy Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
The event was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo represented by a former Lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok while goodwill Messages were received from the Senate President, His Excellency, Chief (Dr) Godswill Akpabio, the Chancellor of FUTIA, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Barau Mu’azu as well as from some former National and Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Members who were in attendance including, Senator Effiong Bob, Rt. Hon. (Abom) Tony Esu, and Rt. Hon. Dan Akpan. Captain of industries such as Prince Ini Utuk, MD/CEO of Verin Ventures and Engr Bassey Ekanem of Base Engineering were also in attendance.
At the event, the Vice Chancellor of FUTIA, Prof. Leo Daniel presented a birthday felicitation on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff, students and the University community to the Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Dr Emaeyak Ukpong on the occasion of his 70th Birthday. He commended the Pro Chancellor for his commitment to institutional governance of the university. He lunched copies of the book on behalf of the FUTIA.
The event was well attended by all the members of the FUTIA Governing Council including Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, Dr Usman Jahun, Engr Hadiza Ahmed, Mrs Lucy Tsowa, as well as the representative of the Honourable Minister of Education, Mrs Ijeoma Duru. Other Management Staff of FUTIA in attendance included the Registrar, Offiongita Nkang(Mrs), the University Bursar, Dr Mbobo Erasmus, University Librarian, Prof. Philip Akor. Among the personalities at the event also, were Provosts of Schools, Heads of Departments and other staff of the university. The event also featured political groups, religious leaders, cultural dancers among others.
The event ended with a banquet at the Jacksville Event Place, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
The Celebrant, Rt. Hon. Dr. Emaeyak Ukpong is an accomplished statesman, labour leader, academics, public and civil servant and has contributed significantly to Community, State and nation building. His citation shows that he has formerly served as a University Lecturer, Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU), University of Uyo Chapter, Chairman, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Council, Member of the House of Representatives representing Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Atai and Uruan Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Abuja. He is currently serving as the Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State.