Ini Billie, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received a doctorate from the University of Uyo, after completing the defence of his thesis.
Speaking in Uyo after the University of Uyo awarded him a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Public Administration from the Department of Political Science in fulfillment of the mandatory requirements, Eno dedicated the award to the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom.
According to his LinkedIn handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pastorumoeno?miniProfile, Eno, said he was dedicating the moment to his wife, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, who “Sadly passed on recently for encouraging him to pursue the programme.”
He explained that the thesis aligns with his vision to strengthen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
“I’m happy to share that I have successfully defended my Doctoral Degree in Public Administration in the Department of Political Science and Administration, University of Uyo!
“My thesis, titled, “Government and Private Sector Development: A Study of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Akwa Ibom State,” is a blueprint that aligns with my vision for strengthening SMEs in the state.
“This accomplishment is dedicated to my late wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, who encouraged me to pursue this academic goal. I know she is smiling down with pride.
“Thank you to the University of Uyo, my professors, and everyone who supported me on this journey!” he stated.
It was learnt that Governor Eno defended his thesis virtually before a panel comprising the University’s Vice Chancellor represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. (Sis) Anthonia Essien, and superintended by the External Examiner, Prof. O. O. Okereke, a Professor of Public Administration and Public Analysis, from Abia State University.
At the end of the exercise, Prof. Okereke announced, “With the authority of the University of which I am the External Examiner, I want to say that you are now Pastor (Dr.) Umo Bassey Eno, congratulations!”
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academic), Prof Essien said, “on behalf of the University Vice Chancellor, Prof Nyaudo Ndaeyo, I congratulate you Pastor (Dr.) Umo Eno.
It could be recalled that shortly after his swearing in as Governor, aggrieved governorship candidate of YPP, Senator Bassey Akpan had alleged at the election petition tribunal that Governor Umo Eno forged his WAEC certificate and didn’t graduate from the University of Uyo.