**APC Chairman Pumps ₦100m into Akwa Ibom Varsity for Cutting-Edge Research** The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has made a groundbreaking announcement that is set to transform the research landscape in Akwa Ibom State. In a bold move, Yilwatda has pledged a whopping ₦100 million grant to the Akwa Ibom State University to support research initiatives that will drive societal and economic growth. According to Yilwatda, the grant is designed to promote research that has a direct impact on the lives of Nigerians. He wants to see the university become a hub of innovation, not just in Nigeria, but globally. The APC chairman believes that research is the key to unlocking Nigeria's potential, and he's willing to put his money where his mouth is. The grant will focus on critical areas such as flood modelling, climate adaptation strategies, and sustainable fisheries management, among others. Yilwatda wants to see researchers in Akwa Ibom State University working on practical solutions to Nigeria's pressing challenges. He's not just talking about research for its own sake; he wants to see tangible outcomes that benefit the people. Nigeria's investment in research is woefully low, with a paltry 0.5% of the country's GDP going into research. This is a fraction of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) benchmark of 2%. Yilwatda sees this as an opportunity, not a limitation, and he's willing to take the lead in changing the narrative. The APC chairman is not just pouring money into the university; he's also offering to link the Vice Chancellor with global authorities to establish a world-class institute on the campus. He wants to see students from Akwa Ibom State University becoming globally competitive and making a mark in the world. Yilwatda's vision is to see Nigeria's universities becoming centres of innovation and excellence, driving regional development and innovation ecosystems. He believes that Akwa Ibom State University has the potential to replicate the success of leading institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University. The ₦100 million grant is just the beginning, and Yilwatda has pledged to increase the amount if the initial funds are utilised effectively. He's committed to personally supervising and monitoring the implementation of the research projects to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes. This is a significant development in Nigeria's research landscape, and