Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies - CCECS, AKSU.

14/09/2026

GOV. ENO’S CHRISTMAS UNPLUG ECHOES CCECS AKSU VISION

Thank you, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for demonstrating once again that culture can be a powerful instrument of development.

Weeks ago, the Governor announced that this year’s Christmas Unplug would take a new dimension, with Local Government Areas expected to showcase their indigenous cuisines and traditional delicacies. The initiative, which celebrates the richness and diversity of Akwa Ibom’s food culture, has the potential to position the State as a leading destination for gastronomic tourism and creative enterprise.

Interestingly, this vision resonates with the message delivered by the Director of the Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies (CCECS), Akwa Ibom State University, Dr. Ofonmbuk Atakpa, at the recently concluded CCECS Cultural Week.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director noted that Akwa Ibom’s indigenous cuisine should become part of gastronomic tourism and creative enterprise, asking:

“Like the popular Chinese Restaurant, why not AKWA IBOM RESTAURANT as a world brand?”

He further emphasized that the goal should not be to make young people reject modernity, but to “make our culture relevant to modernity and economically rewarding to the young people who are expected to preserve it.”

This is the essence of the creative economy: transforming what we already possess, our culture, food, heritage, creativity and indigenous knowledge, into sustainable opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and tourism.

The Governor’s Christmas Unplug initiative therefore represents more than a celebration. It provides a platform through which the 31 Local Government Areas can showcase their unique culinary identities, stimulate local enterprise and strengthen the cultural identity of Akwa Ibom.

As the CCECS Director aptly stated, “Academics is the incubator and bank of knowledge for the progress of society.” The role of the university is therefore not only to preserve knowledge, but to research, document, innovate and connect our cultural heritage with contemporary development.

From our universities to our communities, from our kitchens to the global marketplace, Akwa Ibom has what it takes to turn its cultural heritage into a thriving creative economy.

Thank you, Your Excellency, for providing a platform where our culture can move from heritage to enterprise.

Akwa Ibom culture is not merely something to celebrate. It is something to preserve, innovate, brand and take to the world.

05/09/2026

NUC APPROVES MBBS MEDICINE AND SURGERY PROGRAMME FOR AKSU

A new chapter has been opened in the history of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) as the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the commencement of a full time Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at the University, beginning from the 2026/2027 academic session.

The approval, conveyed in a letter dated September 3, 2026, followed a successful resource verification exercise by a panel of experts constituted by the NUC.

The programme will be domiciled at the AKSU Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

This landmark development represents a significant leap forward for AKSU and Akwa Ibom State, opening new opportunities for aspiring medical professionals and further strengthening the University’s contribution to healthcare education and human capital development.

Reacting to the development, the Director, Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies - CCECS, AKSU., Dr. Ofonmbuk Atakpa, warmly congratulated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, describing the approval as a remarkable achievement and a testament to the visionary leadership of the University Management.

Dr. Atakpa equally congratulated His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for this significant milestone in the advancement of education and human capital development in the state.

He noted that the approval of the MBBS programme is not merely an academic achievement for AKSU, but a landmark investment in the future of Akwa Ibom, particularly in the development of highly skilled healthcare professionals.

Congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, the University Management, the Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State, the entire AKSU community and all prospective medical students.

AKSU is rising.
AKSU to the World.

26/08/2026

SOCIO-CULTURAL PRACTICES FOR GREENSPACE DEVELOPMENT IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA.

~Dr. Ofonmbuk Atakpa

26/08/2026

JUST IN…

AKSU TO THE WORLD

The most talked about Director in Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria, Dr. Ofonmbuk Atakpa, Director of the Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies - CCECS, AKSU., has once again distinguished himself on the international stage.

At an international conference held at University of Education, Winneba, Central Campus, Ghana, Dr. Atakpa presented his research advocating the integration of relevant traditional socio-cultural practices and community leadership into contemporary greenspace management in Akwa Ibom State, with the goal of promoting environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience without compromising religious beliefs.

His presentation further highlights the importance of reconnecting indigenous knowledge and cultural practices with contemporary approaches to environmental sustainability.

Congratulations Sir 🎉🎊
Your intellectual contributions continue to place Akwa Ibom State University and Akwa Ibom State on the global academic map. We celebrate you and wish you greater accomplishments ahead🥂🌍👏

22/08/2026

Photo News of the just concluded AKSU CULTURAL WEEK.

20/08/2026

Congratulations once again Blessing Emah Gabriel Akpan of Esa Ndidia🎊🎉

20/08/2026

Yesterday, 19 August 2026, the Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies - CCECS, AKSU.bestowed an award of recognition and creativity to Blessing Emah Gabriel Akpan of Esa Ndidia.

The Centre celebrates culture and creativity, which represent the core tenets of its ideology and underpin its commitment to preserving heritage, fostering innovation and promoting creative enterprises.

Congratulations once again!!

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

CCECS, AKSU 2026 CULTURAL WEEK

On Monday, 17 August 2026, the Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies - CCECS, AKSU., held the maiden edition of its Cultural Week, a landmark event designed to celebrate, preserve, promote and harness the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State.

The event featured spectacular cultural displays by various Local Government Area Chapters of the Varsity and cultural groups across Akwa Ibom State, bringing together students, academics, government officials, traditional institutions, cultural practitioners and other distinguished guests.

In his opening remarks, the Director of the Centre, Dr.Ofonmbuk Atakpa, expressed his appreciation to the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University for creating the opportunity for the Centre to actualise the event. He also unveiled the maiden edition of the Centre’s journal, the International Journal of Culture and Creative Economy.

The Director further highlighted the academic and Professional Programmes offered by the Centre, which include:

1. Certificate Programmes in Creative Economy and Cultural Studies
2. Diploma Programmes in Creative Economy and Cultural Studies
3. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Creative Economy and Cultural Studies
4. Master of Creative Economy and Cultural Studies
5. Doctor of Creative Economy and Cultural Studies

He emphasised the Centre’s commitment to positioning culture and creativity as important instruments for education, innovation, enterprise development and economic transformation.

The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Israel Ben, a Consultant General and Surgical Oncologist, expressed his appreciation to the Director for finding him worthy of chairing the historic event. He noted that culture should be a source of pride for every individual and encouraged greater appreciation and preservation of cultural heritage.

The Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker, Hon. Dr. Anieti Udofia, Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Akwa Ibom State, described culture as the next great gem of the economy.

In his keynote address, he commended the Director of the Centre for organising what he described as a remarkable and impactful event. He further emphasised that culture is a vital component of economic development and should therefore receive greater attention and priority from individuals, institutions and Government.

The Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, who led the University’s management team to the event, commended the Centre’s Director and the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS) for their remarkable collaboration in bringing the event to fruition.

The Vice Chancellor assured the Centre of the University’s continued support and declared that the AKSU Cultural Week had come to stay. He stated that the event would henceforth be organised annually with the full support of the University’s management.

One of the major highlights of the event was the colourful presentation of the diverse cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State by the various Local Government Area chapters of the University and The cultural displays from cultural groups like; Ekpo/Abiakpo Cultural Troupe from Essien Udim, Okokod Masquerade from Uruan, Ekpe Cultural Group from Uruan, Akob Umehe Cultural Troupe from Oruk Anam, Ukoakpan Cultural Troupe from Abak, Multiple cultural performances by the Department of Performing Arts, AKSU

The event also featured Awards and Induction into the Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies Hall of Fame, Akwa Ibom State University, recognising individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of culture, creativity, and the creative economy.

The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including Hon. (Elder) Ntiedo Usoro, Executive Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, and his entourage; Rt. Hon. (Eld.) Sunday Festus Akpan, Executive Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area; Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Patrick Umoh, Member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency; Rt. Hon. Prince Akpabio, Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency; and the Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, represented by Dr. Chris Okon.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, represented by the Vice Chairman, Dr. Mfon Udoudom; Envoy Nsentip Akpabio, State APC Secretary; Dr. Ephraim Okon, Esq.; Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen; Hon. Barr. Patrick Umanah; Amb. Ralph Otu, who represented the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area; and Dr. Ifiok Umanah, who represented the Paramount Ruler of Abak and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.

Other notable attendees included Hon. Victor Udofia, Sir Uduak Isobara, Barr. Imo-owo Okpokpo, Deans of Faculties and Schools, Directors, Heads of Departments, lecturers, students, cultural practitioners, and members of the wider university community.

The maiden edition of the CCECS AKSU Cultural Week was therefore not only a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State but also a significant step towards positioning culture, creativity, and heritage as instruments of education, identity, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development.

19/08/2026

Yesterday 19th August 2026, Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies - CCECS, AKSU. was honored by the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS), AKSU Chapter as the Best Directorate of the Year.

This epoch achievement would not have been possible without the intellect, dedication and exceptional leadership of our Director, Dr. Ofonmbuk Atakpa. Your vision and mastery have been instrumental to this success and we are truly grateful.

A heartfelt thank you to NAAKISS, AKSU Chapter, for this prestigious recognition. We are greatly honoured by this award and it inspires us to do even more in promoting, preserving and celebrating the rich culture/heritage of Akwa Ibom State.