The Vice-Chancellor of Ritman University, Prof. Akan B. Williams, has been honoured with the prestigious Academic Personality of the Year Award by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the academic community and national development.
The award ceremony, which formed part of the PFN District Convention, was held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Mantle of Life Ministry, 3 Nto Osung Road, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
According to the organizers, the honour was conferred after a thorough observation of the Vice-Chancellor’s impactful leadership and dedication to advancing education within Nigeria and beyond. The award also acknowledges his recent elevation as Vice-Chancellor and his continued commitment to academic excellence.
The event witnessed a remarkable gathering of prominent clergymen from all the Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State, alongside distinguished ministers from the South-South region of Nigeria. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the widespread recognition of the awardee’s achievements.
Notably, the National Vice President of PFN, Archbishop Dr. Emma Gospel Isong, graced the event with his wife, adding national prominence and spiritual significance to the ceremony.
Archbishop Dr. Emma Isong and the Akwa Ibom State PFN Chairman, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Etim were also honoured at the event.
Speaking at the event, PFN leadership expressed deep appreciation for the Vice-Chancellor’s acceptance of the award and commended his invaluable contributions to education and society. They emphasized the importance of celebrating individuals who exemplify excellence, integrity, and service.
The award presentation was jointly endorsed by the District Chairman, Bishop Emmanuel Akpan, and the District Secretary, Dr. Thompson Akpan, who both reiterated the Fellowship’s commitment to recognizing excellence across various sectors.
The ceremony concluded with prayers, goodwill messages, and a renewed call for continued collaboration between faith-based organisations and educational institutions in fostering societal growth and development.
