Surefuture Education Foundation SEF has successfully organized the pilot edition of its Education & Career Advancement Forum 2026, with fifteen students receiving scholarship awards in support of their tertiary education.
The event, held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Nsit Ubium Local Government Council Secretariat, brought together selected secondary school students from across Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, education stakeholders, parents, teachers, community leaders, resource persons, volunteers, partners and members of the media.
The Forum had as its theme, “Beyond JAMB: Building Pathways to Education, Skills and Opportunity,” with the sub-theme, “Inspiring Educational Aspiration, Mentorship and Future Readiness.”
The programme was designed to expose students to educational guidance, mentorship, career direction, JAMB and tertiary admission awareness, skills development, employability pathways and future-readiness. It also provided a platform for the formal recognition of scholarship beneficiaries supported by Surefuture Education Foundation.
In her welcome address, the Founder and Executive Director of Surefuture Education Foundation, Dr. Faith E. E. Umoh, said the Forum was conceived out of genuine concern for the future of young people, many of whom desire to succeed but lack adequate guidance, mentorship, career direction, exposure to opportunities and structured support beyond classroom learning.
Dr. Umoh reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding educational access, scholarship support, mentorship, skills development, teacher capacity development, health promotion and community wellbeing.
According to her, many young people face financial hardship, limited guidance and lack of structured support, making mentorship and scholarship assistance important tools for helping them overcome barriers to education and personal development.
She assured participating students that their background does not have to limit their future, stressing that “with discipline, guidance, mentorship, hard work and the grace of God, you can rise and become a blessing to your family and community.”
Declaring the event open, the Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Dr. Emaeyak N. Ukpong, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, commended Surefuture Education Foundation for its vision and commitment to raising educated, skilled and purpose-driven young people.
Dr. Ukpong described education as a fundamental tool for personal empowerment and societal progress, noting that young people who equip themselves with knowledge, relevant skills and critical thinking are better positioned to overcome poverty, make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.
He called on stakeholders, partners and public-spirited individuals to support the Foundation in driving its mandate, while also advising students to pay close attention to the presentations and apply the lessons learnt in their schools and personal lives.
Presenting the keynote address on “Advancing Education, Family Support and Future Readiness in Line with the ARISE Educational Advancement Agenda,” the wife of the Executive Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Mrs. Imaobong Alfred, commended Surefuture Education Foundation and its Founder for the initiative.
Mrs. Alfred noted that the vision of the Foundation aligned with ongoing efforts to strengthen educational access and support students in Nsit Ubium. She referenced the Education Trust Fund initiative of the Executive Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Hon. Charles Alfred, describing it as a major encouragement for students seeking tertiary education.
She emphasized that education remains the foundation for human capital development and sustainable growth, adding that investment in young people is one of the most effective ways to secure a prosperous future.
According to her, “education is a passport to the future; tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
One of the guest speakers, Mrs. Nsikan Etim Edet, Principal General and Professional Counsellor at Community Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Okubo Offot, Uyo, presented a paper titled “Education with Purpose: Linking Academic Excellence to Career Outcomes.”
She challenged students to move beyond the mindset of merely passing WAEC or JAMB and encouraged them to become intentional learners who understand the connection between what they do in school today and the opportunities available to them tomorrow.
Mrs. Edet reminded parents, teachers, counsellors and education stakeholders of their shared responsibility in guiding young people towards purposeful education and successful careers.
According to her, education is more than passing examinations or gaining admission into tertiary institutions. She described education as a lifelong process of acquiring knowledge, developing skills, building character and preparing individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.
Other presentations at the Forum included “Navigating JAMB and Tertiary Admission Successfully,” delivered by Dr. Sunday Edet Enidiok of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo; “Mentorship, Accountability and Academic Success,” delivered by Dr. (Mrs.) Idongesit Akan Udi, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Uyo; and “Skills Awareness and Employability: Exploring Emerging Career Pathways,” delivered by Engr. Dan Achadu, Centre Manager, Technology Incubation Centre, Uyo.
A parents and stakeholders’ engagement session titled “Building Shared Responsibility for Students’ Success: A Call to Action” was delivered by Dr. Catherine Eyo of the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
The speakers collectively emphasized the need for students to pursue academic excellence, develop good character, set clear goals, embrace mentorship, acquire ICT and employability skills, remain disciplined, make responsible choices and prepare for opportunities beyond examinations.
The Forum also featured goodwill messages from dignitaries and stakeholders, including Hon. Otobong Bob, Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Mrs. Comfort Bob; Mrs. Emem Orok, wife of the former Executive Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area; Etteidung Emmanuel, Village Head of Atan, Nsit Ubium; Dr. Anietie Ikot, Director, Ministry of Education; and other invited guests.
A major highlight of the event was the award of scholarships to fifteen students in tertiary institutions. The scholarship beneficiaries include students from the University of Uyo, College of Education, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, and one skills acquisition trainee supported by the Foundation who is awaiting admission into the university.
A total of fourteen schools were represented at the Forum, with about 150 secondary school students participating. In all, the event reached approximately 250 beneficiaries, including students, teachers, parents, scholarship beneficiaries, volunteers, partners and other stakeholders.
Speaking with newsmen after the event, Dr. Faith Umoh expressed gratitude to God for the success of the Forum and appreciated the Chairman of the occasion, keynote speaker, guest speakers, government representatives, participating schools, teachers, parents, volunteers, donors, partners, the organising team and the media for their support.
She reaffirmed the commitment of Surefuture Education Foundation to expanding scholarship opportunities, strengthening mentorship programmes, promoting skills development, building strategic partnerships, organizing future editions of the Forum, and supporting broader educational and community development initiatives.
Dr. Umoh also called for continued partnership and support from individuals, institutions, government agencies, development partners and public-spirited citizens to enable the Foundation expand its impact and reach more young people.
The pilot edition of the Surefuture Education & Career Advancement Forum 2026 ended with renewed commitment to building pathways to education, skills and opportunity for young people, while strengthening collaboration among parents, schools, communities and stakeholders.
Highpoint of the event includes presentations new scholarship, donation of writing materials , renewal of old student grants, certificates for students and participating schools for the conference and cash prizes for dancing competitions among schools students.