A medical student of the University of Uyo, Comrade Torobong Obot, has made history as the first female President of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS) Worldwide, 38 years after the association was established.
Obot, who is also the immediate past President of the Eket Students' Association (EKSA), emerged victorious after polling 164 votes to defeat her rival, Comrade Ekong Armstrong, who secured 33 votes.
The election was conducted at the Nigerian Military School, Ikot Ntuen, in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Her emergence followed a keenly contested election and marks a historic milestone for NAAKISS Worldwide, the umbrella body of Akwa Ibom students.
In her acceptance speech, Obot expressed gratitude to God and the Akwa Ibom State Government, particularly Governor Umo Eno, for supporting efforts that culminated in the successful conduct of the election.
“First of all, I thank God for making this day possible. I thank the Government of Akwa Ibom State, most importantly the Governor, for making this election a reality. It has been a long time coming in NAAKISS Worldwide,” she said.
The new President also appreciated the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh; the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Students' Matters, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel; the Electoral Committee Chairman, delegates, stakeholders and students for their roles in the successful conduct of the exercise.
According to her, the successful election was a reminder that leadership requires collective responsibility.
“It is a reminder that I am just the chief servant, but all of us will be working together to help fix NAAKISS and take NAAKISS to greater heights,” Obot stated.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, who monitored the election, applauded the students for conducting what he described as a free, fair and peaceful election.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and urged them to see their victory as a call to service.
Prof. Umoh particularly lauded Governor Umo Eno for his interventions in the students' community, noting that the Governor inherited a fragmented NAAKISS but has demonstrated commitment towards restoring unity and strengthening the students' body.
According to him, the Governor has continued to support students through various interventions, including bursaries, appointments and other educational initiatives.
“Governor Umo Eno hasn't failed the students' community since he was elected Governor. The Governor met a NAAKISS that was fragmented and has ensured that the association is brought back to life,” he said.
The Education Commissioner further noted that the Governor's appointment of young people from the student community into positions of responsibility reflects his confidence in the capacity and potential of Akwa Ibom youths.
He said the resolution of the prolonged disputes and factional challenges surrounding the association marked a new beginning for NAAKISS Worldwide.
Prof. Umoh assured Governor Umo Eno of the continued support of the students' community, particularly as the state approaches the 2027 general elections.
He expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom students would continue to support the Governor's administration and its policies beyond 2027, in recognition of his interventions and commitment to youth and educational development.
Prof. Umoh called on members of the association to remain united and continue supporting initiatives aimed at advancing the welfare and development of Akwa Ibom students.
Also speaking, former NANS President, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan, congratulated the newly elected leadership, describing their emergence as the beginning of a new responsibility.
“Today is a new day and you have a new responsibility as leaders. We have given you the responsibility to pilot the affairs of the students. I wish to see activities that will make Akwa Ibom students feel the impact of student leadership,” he said.
The Personal Assistant to the Governor on Students' Matters, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel, expressed confidence in the ability of Obot and other elected officials to deliver on their mandate.
Emmanuel, a former Students' Union Government President of the University of Uyo, commended the peaceful conduct of the election and thanked the Commissioner for Education and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a successful exercise.
He said Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated significant commitment to the welfare of Akwa Ibom students through several interventions and appealed to students to remain focused, united and supportive of the new leadership.
Goodwill messages were received from the newly elected President of the Students' Union Government of the University of Uyo, critical NAAKISS stakeholders and other guests.
Other candidates who emerged victorious in the election include:
1. Udeme Samuel Inyang – Vice President
2. Pascal Emmanuel Iwang – Deputy Representative, North
3. Virtue Fred Utip – Deputy Representative, West
4. Blessing Joshua Etim – Deputy Representative
5. Iberedem Sunday Ekong – Secretary-General
6. Clement Sampson Okorie – Assistant Secretary-General
7. Elizabeth Samuel Udoette – Financial Secretary
8. Mildred Victor Esin – Treasurer
9. Comfort Sampson Richard – Public Relations Officer
10. Princewill Edet Okpoyo – Director of Socials
11. Inemesit Sunday King – Auditor-General (unopposed)
12. Uwemedimo David George – Provost Marshal (unopposed)
The election was monitored and observed by civil liberty organisations, student groups and other non-governmental organisations, which reportedly rated the exercise as free, fair, peaceful, transparent and commendable.
Obot's historic emergence is expected to usher in a new era of unity, inclusion and student-focused leadership in NAAKISS Worldwide.
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