Emergence and Award Presentation to the Winners of the 2024/2025 Jemitim Foundation Scholarship/Sponsorship Awards
Obio Akpa, Akwa Ibom State, August 20, 2025
In a memorable celebration of excellence and empowerment, the Jemitim Foundation hosted the 2nd Edition of its Scholarship and Sponsorship Award Presentation Ceremony at the Pinnacle Theatre, Obio Akpa Campus of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Uruk Anam LGA. The event once again underscored the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to promoting academic distinction and supporting the education of female students at AKSU.
Two exceptional female undergraduates—Miss Blessing Akpan Hezekiah from the Department of Microbiology and Miss Enomfon Effiong Okpousung from the Department of Biochemistry—emerged as recipients of the 2024/2025 Jemitim Foundation Scholarship Award. Each winner received a cash prize of ₦110,000 from the Foundation, complemented by additional donations from well-meaning guests, bringing the total amount received by each awardee to ₦200,000.
In her welcome address, the Founder of the Jemitim Foundation, Prof. Mrs. Jemimah Timothy Ekanem, congratulated the awardees and reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission of empowering young women through education. She announced the upward review of the scholarship prize from ₦100,000 to ₦110,000, and also introduced the commencement of the Foundation’s Digital Skills Training Sponsorship Programme, aimed at equipping students with globally relevant digital competencies.
The Chairman of the Jemitim Foundation Scholarship Board, Engr. Yireobong Akpaba, presented the awardees and the sponsored trainees to the Founder and audience. In his remarks, he reflected on the rigorous and transparent selection process, emphasizing the Foundation’s commitment to fair play and a sustained merit-based approach in identifying deserving beneficiaries. He assured that the Foundation would continue to uphold integrity and transparency as it expands its reach in future editions.
In a heartwarming show of support, some well-wishers in attendance took turns to make generous donations to the scholarship awardees and the Foundation, including cash contributions and pledges to sponsor future beneficiaries. Their collective gesture not only reinforced the Foundation’s vision but also laid a solid foundation for the 3rd Edition of the Scholarship/Sponsorship Awards.
Goodwill messages poured in from distinguished personalities, including the Vice-Chancellor of AKSU, represented by Prof. Nkanikpo Ibok Ibok, Head of Obio Akpa Campus, alongside Prof. Ita Ewa Oboho (DVC Administration), Prof. Iniobong Umotong (Dean, Faculty of Arts), Dr. Mfoniso Iwatt (Director, Quality Assurance), Prof. Franca Anijaobi-Idem (Director, Centre for Gender Studies), Dr. Monday Dickson (Director, SERVICOM), Mr. Gabriel Otu (Director, Information Unit), Prof. Trenchard Ibia, Dr. Enyenihi Johnson, and other members of the university community. Also in attendance were respected personalities and supporters of the Foundation, including Mr. Timothy Ekanem (Co-founder), Sir/Lady Ime Inyang, Mr. Akaninyene Ibanga, Sis. Nene Ukpe, and Sis. Joyce Eyoh, among others.
As part of the ceremony, the Foundation also presented its first cohort of sponsored trainees for Google Professional Certificates in Digital Skills, in partnership with Innovation Labs (iLabs). The selected trainees include:
Mr. Wisdom Akpan Udofia – Data Analytics
Mr. Elijah Augustine Ekanem – Data Analytics
Miss Blessing Sunday Josiah – AI Essentials
Mr. Mbuotidem Udeme Sunday – E-Commerce & Digital Marketing
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Mrs. Jewel Thomas, a member of the Jemitim Foundation Scholarship Board, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the University administration, guests, board members, and well-wishers for their support and presence. She commended the Founder for her vision and dedication to youth development, while encouraging the beneficiaries to uphold excellence and make the most of the opportunities provided to them.
The ceremony ended on a joyful note with group photographs and interactions among guests, university officials, and awardees. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and inspiration as attendees celebrated the Foundation’s growing impact in empowering female students and promoting academic excellence.
Since its establishment in January 2024, the Jemitim Foundation has continued to distinguish itself as a catalyst for educational advancement and gender empowerment, remaining steadfast in its mission to sustain academic excellence, support female students, and promote girl-child education in Akwa Ibom State University and beyond.
View the event in pictures!