The Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi, FUTIA, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Dr Emaeyak Ukpong, marked his 70th birthday on Thursday, March 26, 2026, with a public lecture, colloquium and book presentation in Uyo.
The event took place at the Patience Kemi Umo Eno Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, and drew academics, political leaders, policy makers, former lawmakers, friends and family members.
Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, delivered the lead lecture on the topic, Imperative of Regional Government in Nigeria. He argued against regionalism and instead called for true federalism and fiscal autonomy for Nigeria’s 36 states. He said greater autonomy for the federating units would drive faster development and reduce dependence on federal allocations.
FUTIA Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Leo Daniel, also spoke at the colloquium. He addressed the topic, Frog Leaping Aerospace Technology in Nigeria, and called for stronger government and institutional investment in aeronautics and astronautics engineering. He said Nigeria had reached a stage where it should pursue the local production of aircraft, spacecraft and unmanned aerial vehicles to support aviation and national defence.
Daniel also said FUTIA would use its aerospace engineering programme to promote innovation and support national transformation in the sector. He urged government and other stakeholders to increase support for the university’s efforts.
Ukpong, the celebrant, presented a lecture titled Perspectives on Efforts at the Upscale of Indigenous Biotechnological Processes in Nigeria. The presentation highlighted the importance of applying indigenous biotechnology tools to national development.
The event also featured the presentation of Ukpong’s book, My Moments with Fate. Prof. Joseph Ushie of the Department of English, University of Uyo, reviewed the book, while former Deputy Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr Ekaette Ebong Okon, led the presentation and launch.
The programme was chaired by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, who was represented by former lawmaker Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok. Goodwill messages were received from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, FUTIA Chancellor Alhaji Mohammed Barau Mu’azu, and other former national and state lawmakers who attended the event.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Leo Daniel, presented a birthday message on behalf of the university community and commended Ukpong for his role in the institution’s governance. He also launched copies of the book on behalf of FUTIA.
Members of the university’s Governing Council, management staff, provosts, heads of departments and other officials attended the ceremony, alongside political groups, religious leaders and cultural dancers. The event ended with a banquet at Jacksville Event Place in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
Ukpong has served in several academic, labour and public service roles, including as a university lecturer, former ASUU chairman at the University of Uyo, former chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Council, and former member of the House of Representatives for Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Atai and Uruan Federal Constituency. He currently serves as the pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of FUTIA.
