By Our Correspondents
UYO, Akwa Ibom — The Department of Health Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Uyo Study Centre, has concluded its 2026 Health Week, a three-day programme aimed at promoting health education, student innovation, and community engagement.
The event, which had as its theme: ‘Advancing Science and Education For Better Health’, began on Wednesday, 16th September, with its Grand Finale held on Friday, 18th September, 2026.
The event featured carnival float by students of the faculty, during which awareness campaign on health related areas was carried out along the major roads and public institutions in Uyo metropolis, as well as sporting activities.
In her welcome address at the Grand Finale of the Second Edition of the Health Week, the Uyo Centre Director, Dr Uduak Irene Aletan commended the Akwa Ibom State government and other guests for always responding to the institution’s invitations, describing the honour as a morale booster.
She charged the students and participants to pay attention to the public lectures by resource persons, maintaining that the theme of the event was apt and timely.
Presenting his lecture, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Medical Services who doubles as State Coordinator, Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS); Dr. Etiemana Jacob lauded NOUN for organizing the programme which he said was essential to equip the upcoming public health workers for effective service delivery.
Dr. Etiemana who was represented by Dr. Bassey Akaka, used the occasion to inform the public on the various innovations in the state’s health sector, one of which he said was the provision of Emergency Response.
According to him, “There was something that was missing in the Akwa Ibom State Health system and that is emergency response. So, His Excellency, the governor in his wisdom, through the Honourable Commissioner of Health, went abroad and because these men are exposed, they saw what was happening in other parts of the world and they brought it here.
They saw people who had heart attack and they called 911 and immediately, health care providers arrived and gave solution and that person came back to life. That thing was missing in Akwa Ibom State. People could only visit the hospitals by their ability.
It was when they saw that missing link that the government now introduced the Emergency Response Centre which is the fastest and surest agency as far as the Ministry of Health is concerned. The death can hear and the blind can see that this agency is working in Akwa Ibom State”.
He urged the students to take their studies seriously while also pledging to get them involved in various programs and trainings sponsored by the Akwa Ibom State government.
One of the major highlights of the event was the unveiling and launch of the Uyo Study Centre Sick Bay (Clinic). The project as explained by the Faculty of Health Sciences Desk Officer, Mr Otobong Dominic Alexander, is a student-led initiative intended to provide basic healthcare support within the study centre and also serves as a practical training hub for health sciences students.
The Health Week also featured award presentations to deserving personalities in recognition of their outstanding contributions in health education in particular, and academic advancement in general.
Amongst recipients of various categories of awards included the Honourable Member representing Oruk Anam/Ukanafun Federal Constituency at the National Assembly; Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation; Rt. Honourable Ubuo Ubuo and State Coordinator of AKISEMSAS; Dr. Etiemana Jacob.
Other recipients were the former Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Rt Hon. Felicia Bassey, the Immediate Past Director of Uyo Study Centre; Dr. Edwin Bassey, Faculty of Health Sciences Desk Officer; Mr Otobong Dominic Alexander, and others.
The Grand Finale of the 2026 Health Week also featured Pageantry and other social side attractions.
