The Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and Akwa Ibom State ALGON Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo E. Udo, has announced the institution of a ₦500,000 annual prize for the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo.

The prize, which will run for a period of 10 years, is part of Dr. Udo’s efforts to promote academic excellence and contribute to the growth of his alma mater.

Dr. Udo, an alumnus of the department and a former lecturer at the university, made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, by a delegation from the Department of Chemistry on Tuesday.

The visit also saw the official inauguration of the department’s Postgraduate Research Laboratory, a facility that will enhance teaching and research in the faculty.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, who appreciated the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno for the opportunity given to Dr. Udo to serve as the State ALGON Chairman, commended the Uyo helmsman for his proactive support and commitment to both his community and alma mater.

Prof. Ndaeyo also praised the Head of Department of Chemistry, Prof. Edu Inam for uniting members of staff and fostering collaboration within the department. He called on other alumni to emulate the Uyo Chairman’s gesture in supporting the growth and development of the institution.

Earlier, Prof. Inam described the day as a remarkable one in the life of the department, noting that the lack of stable electricity had long hampered research efforts.

“Because of the sensitivity of the laboratory equipment, we needed control over our power source. I reached out to our alumnus, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, and within 24 hours, he delivered a brand-new 12.5KVA generator,” Prof. Inam disclosed.

Present during the visit were the management staff of the University of Uyo and the Department of Chemistry.