The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has unveiled a ₦100 million grant aimed at enhancing research capabilities at Akwa Ibom State University. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to utilize academic research as a vehicle for societal and economic improvement, reflecting Yilwatda's vision for transforming Nigerian universities into significant centers for innovation and national progress. The grant seeks to empower the university to foster advanced research that directly influences community development and economic growth.

In addition to the financial support, Yilwatda has committed to facilitating connections between the university's Vice Chancellor and relevant authorities in the United States. This collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art institute on campus, which would further enhance the educational experience of students and equip them with skills necessary for global competitiveness. Such initiatives underscore the government's recognition of the pivotal role education plays in national development.

The implications of this grant are significant, as it not only provides immediate financial assistance but also reinforces a framework for ongoing educational advancements. By focusing on societal impacts through research, the APC chairman's initiative looks to cultivate a new generation of graduates who are not only well-educated but also capable of driving economic and innovative growth in Nigeria.