APC Chairman Donates ₦100m to Akwa Ibom State University for Research
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has approved a ₦100 million research grant for Akwa Ibom State University to boost innovation and address critical development challenges.
The donation was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki.
According to the statement, the funding is designed to stimulate impactful research capable of driving economic growth and social transformation.
Yilwatda said the initiative aligns with his vision of repositioning Nigerian universities as hubs of innovation and global relevance.
He added that he would facilitate connections between the university’s leadership and relevant institutions in the United States to support plans for establishing a world-class research institute on the campus.
He explained that the fund would be channelled toward research addressing pressing national needs, stressing that academic inquiry must translate into practical solutions that inform policy and promote innovation.
“Research is central to the identity of any top university, but it must directly benefit society and contribute to national progress,” he said.
The APC chairman observed that Nigeria currently invests less than 0.5 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product in research, below the two per cent benchmark recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, describing the gap as an opportunity for strategic intervention.
He listed priority areas for the grant to include flood prediction models for coastal communities, climate resilience strategies in the Niger Delta, optimisation of offshore oil production, sustainable fisheries, and renewable energy development.
Yilwatda emphasised the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and digital research platforms to enhance the relevance and applicability of research outcomes, particularly in environmentally sensitive and resource-rich regions like Akwa Ibom State.
Citing global examples, he referenced institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, noting that strong industry partnerships and interdisciplinary research have contributed to their global impact. He expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom State University could adopt similar models by leveraging its local advantages while maintaining international standards.
Beyond the initial ₦100 million grant, Yilwatda indicated that additional funding could be considered if the resources are deployed transparently and effectively. He also pledged to monitor the implementation process to ensure accountability and measurable results.
He further encouraged international collaboration through virtual research networks, joint doctoral supervision, and visiting scholar programmes to position Uyo within the global academic community.
The APC chairman stressed that improvements in research must be complemented by enhanced teaching methods. He advocated blended learning approaches, artificial intelligence-powered instructional systems, virtual laboratories and simulation tools, particularly in disciplines such as marine biology, offshore engineering, and energy analytics.
Describing the intervention as both support and a call to responsibility, Yilwatda urged the university community to view research funding as a duty to deliver tangible outcomes.
The statement noted that the donation reflects a growing partnership between political leadership and academia aimed at transforming Akwa Ibom State University into a centre of excellence with global relevance.
