RismadarVoice Reporters
October 24, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rt. Hon. Michael Enyong, popularly known as BabaNtan, has pledged scholarships, free tuition and automatic employment for indigent medical students if elected governor in 2027.
Enyong pledged on Saturday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, at the Israel Umo Conference Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Uyo.
The governorship candidate said his proposed administration would introduce a comprehensive scholarship and student welfare programme aimed at expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce.
According to him, the initiative would provide financial assistance, quality training and employment opportunities for eligible medical students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He explained that the proposed scheme would help reduce the migration of trained medical professionals to other states and countries while improving healthcare delivery across Akwa Ibom.
Enyong also promised to extend scholarship opportunities beyond medical students, proposing an inclusive educational support programme that would benefit thousands of students across the state.
He maintained that reducing the financial burden of education would enable beneficiaries to concentrate on their studies and develop skills needed for meaningful contributions to society.
On healthcare infrastructure, the NDC candidate pledged to prioritise the rehabilitation and equipping of existing hospitals and healthcare centres rather than concentrating solely on constructing additional facilities.
He argued that properly equipped medical institutions, supported by qualified personnel, would improve access to quality healthcare services.
Enyong described education, healthcare development and youth empowerment as important components of his proposed administration’s development agenda.
Responding, the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to political neutrality and professional journalism.
John explained that the union remained open to engagement with political parties and candidates seeking to communicate their policies and development proposals to the public.
He stressed that providing a platform for political stakeholders did not amount to endorsing any candidate or political party.
The chairman also emphasised the responsibility of journalists to examine campaign promises critically, report political developments objectively and uphold the public interest.
The proposed scholarships and employment opportunities remain campaign commitments, with their funding arrangements, eligibility requirements and implementation details yet to be announced.
