In a recognition that celebrates professional accomplishment, distinguished leadership and enduring contributions to society, the Vice-Chancellor of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Professor Akan B. Williams, has been awarded a Lifetime Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award at the Chemistry Memorial Day Award of Excellence 2026, organised by the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Calabar.
The honour places Professor Williams among a select group of distinguished alumni whose professional journeys exemplify excellence, leadership and commitment to institutional values. For Ritman University, the recognition represents a moment of institutional pride and an opportunity to highlight the calibre of leadership steering the University towards its aspirations in teaching, research, innovation and sustainable development.
The awardees’ list, published for the Chemistry Memorial Day Award of Excellence 2026, identifies Professor Williams alongside Professor Offiong E. Offiong, the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, and Professor Francisca Bassey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, under the Lifetime Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award category. Their inclusion underscores the importance of recognising individuals whose careers have extended the influence of university education beyond the classroom into leadership, professional practice and service to society.
The Chemistry Memorial Day Award of Excellence was established by the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Calabar, with the approval of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor and under the leadership of Professor Grace E. Iniama.
According to the published award programme, the initiative recognises distinguished alumni of the department and university whose achievements reflect exceptional leadership, professional excellence and a steadfast commitment to institutional values and Nigeria’s development.
Such recognition highlights the enduring relationship between universities and their alumni. Beyond the acquisition of academic qualifications, higher education provides a foundation for professional advancement, leadership development and meaningful contributions to society. When graduates distinguish themselves in their respective fields, they reinforce the value of academic institutions as centres for producing knowledge, developing talent and preparing individuals for positions of responsibility.
Professor Williams’ inclusion in this distinguished category therefore provides an opportunity to celebrate the impact of academic and professional development while highlighting the significance of leadership in advancing higher education.
For Ritman University, the recognition of its Vice-Chancellor is a significant institutional milestone. University leadership plays a defining role in shaping academic culture, setting strategic priorities, strengthening administrative systems and creating an environment in which students and staff can achieve their full potential.
As the head of the University’s administration, Professor Williams occupies a central position in advancing the institution’s academic and developmental objectives. His recognition among distinguished university leaders offers Ritman University an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to purposeful leadership, institutional advancement and the pursuit of excellence.
The honour also strengthens the University’s public profile by drawing attention to the professional achievements of its principal officers and the broader contributions of higher education leaders across Nigeria. In an increasingly competitive higher education environment, the reputation of a university is shaped not only by its academic programmes and facilities but also by the quality of its leadership, the accomplishments of its academic community and its commitment to producing graduates who can make a difference.
Ritman University continues to position itself as an institution committed to providing quality education and developing the intellectual, professional and leadership capacities of its students. Recognition of this nature offers a valuable opportunity to communicate that commitment to prospective students, parents, stakeholders, partners and the wider public.
The responsibilities of a Vice-Chancellor extend beyond the day-to-day administration of a university. They encompass the advancement of academic standards, the promotion of research and innovation, the development of strategic partnerships, the welfare of staff and students, and the cultivation of a learning environment that responds to contemporary societal needs.
In this context, honours celebrating professional achievement and leadership serve as reminders of the responsibility that accompanies public recognition. They highlight the importance of sustained dedication, institutional vision and the ability to translate leadership responsibilities into meaningful progress.
For Ritman University, the recognition of Professor Williams provides an opportunity to draw attention to the leadership aspirations that underpin its continued development. The University remains committed to strengthening its academic environment, promoting responsible administration and preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute productively to their communities and the nation.
The award also offers an important platform for celebrating the broader role of universities in Nigeria’s development. Institutions of higher learning are not merely centres for awarding degrees; they are essential contributors to human capital development, professional competence, research, innovation and the advancement of society.
Through effective leadership and a commitment to educational excellence, universities can help nurture the next generation of professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and public servants who will shape the country’s future.
The Chemistry Memorial Day Award of Excellence 2026 also recognises other accomplished alumni under the Most Distinguished Alumni Award category. The published list features individuals from different professional backgrounds, including business, aviation, engineering, public service, the energy sector and industry.
Among those listed are Mr. Morphy Ugar-Ifu, Dr. Andy Eyo, Captain Violet Aniemah Enahoro, Dr. Raphael Eduk Antai, Dr. Blessed Effiong Udo-Ekpo, Senator Jaribe Agom Jaribe, Chief Ikenna Kevin Okafor, Mrs. Ekanem Ofoegbu, Rt. Hon. Kufre Abasi Edidem, Brigadier General Etim Edet Etim, Chemist Akwaowo Idongesit Reuben and Dr. Akwaowo Ebong.
Their inclusion reflects the wide range of professional pathways through which university alumni can contribute to society and illustrates the continuing relevance of academic training to leadership and service across sectors.
The recognition of accomplished alumni also reinforces the value of maintaining strong relationships between higher education institutions and their graduates. Such connections can foster mentorship, professional networking, institutional partnerships and opportunities for future students to learn from the experiences of those who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers.
The recognition of Professor Akan B. Williams is a moment of pride for the management, staff and students of Ritman University. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the Vice-Chancellor’s place among the distinguished personalities acknowledged by the University of Calabar’s Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry.
The University congratulates Professor Williams on this honour and celebrates the values of professional excellence, leadership and commitment to institutional development that the award represents.
As Ritman University continues to pursue its academic mission, the institution remains focused on building an environment where knowledge is advanced, talent is nurtured and education serves as a catalyst for individual achievement and national progress.
The recognition of its Vice-Chancellor offers a compelling reminder that the pursuit of excellence is both a personal responsibility and an institutional aspiration. For Ritman University, it is an occasion to celebrate achievement while renewing its commitment to the standards of leadership and education that will shape its future.
At Ritman University, excellence is not merely an aspiration; it is a continuing commitment to knowledge, leadership, opportunity and development.
Ritman University, Knowledge for Development.
