Topfaith University marks dual milestones: Celebrates fifth matriculation, maiden convocation on ascendant trajectory
Topfaith University in Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State, has recently commemorated two pivotal events that bookend its rapid academic journey: the historic maiden convocation of its pioneering graduates and the fifth matriculation ceremony for its newest scholars. These dual milestones, held within months of each other, powerfully illustrate the institution’s transition from a promising newcomer to an established and rapidly ascendant centre of learning in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
The 5th matriculation ceremony held Saturday, 24th January, 2026, witnessed the formal adoption of 357 students into the university for the 2025/2026 academic session. The event drew a distinguished assembly of government officials, education stakeholders, parents, and guardians. In his address, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick J. Ebewo, framed the ceremony as both a sacred academic ritual and a formal induction into a community of scholars. He highlighted the exponential increase in student enrolment, which has surged from an initial cohort of 104 in 2022 to the present body, interpreting this growth as a profound vote of confidence from parents and guardians amidst nationwide economic challenges.
The ceremony served as a platform to articulate the university’s foundational ethos, which marries academic rigor with uncompromising character formation. He used the occasion to assure the new students of a safe and disciplined environment while reiterating a zero-tolerance policy towards social vices including cultism, drug abuse, and examination malpractice. Central to this mission is the innovative compulsory course, “Character and Leadership Education,” embedded within the university’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).
The University’s commitment to holistic development is already yielding tangible outcomes, as history was recently etched in the annals of Nigerian tertiary education on Friday October 17, 2025 as Topfaith University, Mkpatak, celebrated its landmark first convocation ceremony. The event, held on the university’s pristine campus, marked the formal graduation of its pioneer cohort of students, symbolising the culmination of years of visionary planning and academic dedication.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, was the Principal Guest of Honour, with his goodwill message delivered by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi. In his address, Governor Eno commended the founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Emmanuel Abraham, for his tenacity and vision in establishing the institution, which received its operational licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2021.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment under the ARISE Agenda, the Governor outlined key educational priorities: “We will continue to prioritise education… It remains free at the primary and secondary levels. We are also commencing the construction of model secondary schools in the three senatorial districts of the state, complete with modern facilities… and providing bursaries and grants to students in tertiary institutions.”
Addressing the historic graduating class, Governor Umo Eno underscored their unique role: “To the first set of graduates, you carry the immense responsibility of being ambassadors of this great institution. The world you are entering celebrates excellence. It is your obligation to consistently offer it and, in the process, add value to society.”
The ceremony was presided over by the University’s Chancellor, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Raymond T. Inyang, the Paramount Ruler of Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, and attended by members of the academia, traditional fathers, parents, and well-wishers. In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick J. Ebewo first extended his gratitude for the university’s divine guidance. He subsequently outlined Topfaith University’s ambitious course, emphasizing a decade-long mission to achieve top-tier status through pioneering research in sustainable energy, biomedical sciences, and agro-technology. He also commended the graduands for successfully turning their academic dreams into reality.
The atmosphere was electric with pride and nostalgia as 40 graduating students, adorned in distinctive academic gowns, processed into the purpose-built convocation arena. They were the first fruits of an institution founded on the core principles of innovation, integrity, and faith-based excellence. The convocation featured a thought-provoking lecture delivered by Professor Joy Eyisi Eyisi. The academic highpoint was the conferral of degrees on graduands from the university’s foundational faculties: Computing and Applied Sciences, and the Management and Social Sciences from 9 departments, out of which 11 graduands emerged with first-class honours.
A poignant moment was the presentation of a memoir to Miss Ime Akanimo Edet, recognised as ‘Legacy 0001’ for being the very first registered student of the university. Awards were also presented to the best-graduating students, with Miss Marylyn Anya Ibem from the Department of Accounting emerging as the overall best with a perfect CGPA of 5.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Emmanuel T. Abraham, framed the event as a launchpad. “This convocation is a firm declaration that we are here to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s knowledge economy,” he stated, outlining an ambitious future focused on research and ethical leadership. He exhorted the graduands to serve as ambassadors embodying the cardinal virtues of integrity, patriotism, entrepreneurship, and moral uprightness. “Do not forget that you have been taught to be wise, to possess good character, to remain curious, to think entrepreneurially, to act patriotically, and to live uprightly,” he reminded them.
The event culminated with the administration of the alumni oath and the symbolic turning of tassels, marking the transition of 40 pioneers from students to the founding alumni of a university poised to shape the nation’s educational landscape.
