Emmanuel Obasesam Etowa and Tosam-Jesse Ikpi Winter
Two graduating students of Cross River State extraction, Tosam-Jesse Ikpi Winter and Emmanuel Obasesam Etowa, recorded superlative academic excellence at this year’s Nile University Convocation over the weekend
Winter finished with a perfect CGPA of 5.0 in Electrical & Electronics Engineering while Etowa bagged a first class in Mechanical Engineering
Tosam-Jesse is from Egbizum-Ikpakapit, Ugep; while Emmanuel is from Ijiman, Ugep in Yakurr local government area.
Their record-setting performances stand as one of the most remarkable academic achievements by young Cross Riverians in recent years, reinforcing the message that excellence remains possible despite the challenges facing many students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Both young men represented the resilient strength, discipline, and determination of hardworking young Nigerians.
Tosam-Jesse is the son of Prof. and Mrs. Michael Ikpi Winter Obeten of Egbizum. His journey through the demanding field of engineering was marked by consistent excellence, culminating in his selection as one of the Valedictorians for the 2025 convocation ceremony.
Emmanuel is the son of Pastor and Deaconess Obasesam Etowa Edet of Ijiman, Ugep. His first-class achievement in Mechanical Engineering reflects his commitment to academic distinction and the strong values instilled in him by his family.
The Ugep community has celebrated both graduates, describing their success as an inspiration to younger students and a reminder of the town’s long-standing reputation for producing disciplined, high-achieving scholars.
The convocation also featured valedictory speeches from the overall best graduating students, Tosam-Jesse Winter (Electrical & Electronics Engineering) and Fatima Kabir Abubakar (Petroleum & Gas Engineering), both of whom finished with a perfect CGPA of 5.0.
They credited their success to discipline, family support, and the enabling academic environment provided by the university.
The convocation witnessed the conferment of an honorary doctorate on former President Goodluck Jonathan. The university said the honour reflects its commitment to acknowledging individuals whose work has had a meaningful and lasting impact on society.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Dilli Dogo FNAMed, described this year’s convocation as a defining moment for the university, coming at a time when the institution is taking “another giant leap into the future.”
Prof. Dogo reaffirmed Nile University’s standing as a proud member of Honoris United Universities, Africa’s largest private higher education network with 16 institutions in 10 African countries.
He said the Honoris philosophy of “Education for Impact” aligns with the university’s mission to produce globally competitive graduates equipped with the practical competencies needed in the modern workforce.
“Africa missed the first three industrial revolutions,” he noted. “We must not lose out in the fourth. Our programs are designed to ensure that the quality of education we provide is second to none.”, he said.
The event was attended by Abubakar El-Kanemi, Chancellor and Shehu of Borno, former Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Sule Lamido; senior university officials; and partners including Zenith Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Providus Bank, ACCA, Alpha Morgan, Renmoney, and others who presented awards to exceptional students.