The Executive Chairman of Dr. Uwemedimo Udo has called on students across Uyo to actively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing it as a critical foundation for youth inclusion and democratic development.
He made the call during the conclusion of the 2026 elections of the Uyo Students Association Worldwide, held at the Uyo Council Secretariat on Saturday.
The event marked the emergence of a new executive council led by President-elect, Comrade Kingsley Edet, in a closely watched student leadership transition that attracted stakeholders, educators, and government representatives.
Youth Participation in Democracy Takes Center Stage
Dr. Udo emphasized that the future of governance and sustainable development depends heavily on the active involvement of young people in the electoral process.
He urged students to take full advantage of the ongoing voter registration extension and ensure that every eligible student obtains a Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
According to him, voter registration remains the first and most important step toward meaningful political participation and representation.
“This extension provides another opportunity, and our students must give premium attention to the Continuous Voter Registration exercise,” he stated.
He further directed the newly elected leadership of the association to mobilize students across all chapters for the exercise.
The President-elect was specifically tasked with developing practical strategies to ensure widespread participation among students both within and outside Uyo.
Uyo Students Association Gets New Leadership
The election of the new executive council of the Uyo Students Association Worldwide was described as peaceful, organized, and symbolic of renewed student unity.
Dr. Udo commended the association for restoring internal democratic processes and maintaining stability after years of inactivity.
He also used the opportunity to reflect on the revival of the association under his administration, noting that it had once been inactive before intervention efforts began in 2020.
“In 2020, there was no functional Uyo Students Association Worldwide. I had to intervene, and today we have resurrected the association as a vibrant platform that represents the collective aspirations of our students,” he said.
Political observers at the event described the revival as one of the most significant youth engagement achievements of the Uyo Local Government Area in recent years.
Bursary Payments Announced for Students
In a major boost for students, Dr. Udo announced that a new round of bursary payments will commence within the next two months.
The bursary scheme, which has become one of the flagship educational support programs of the administration, continues to provide financial assistance to eligible students across various institutions.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to education as a tool for long-term development and social transformation.
“In two months, we will begin another round of bursary payments to our students. We will continue to invest in education because our students remain our greatest asset,” he declared.
Students and stakeholders present at the event welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, describing it as timely and impactful, especially amid rising educational costs.
Strong Focus on Youth Empowerment
Beyond financial support, the administration’s approach to youth development has increasingly focused on civic participation, leadership training, and organizational strengthening.
The collaboration between the local government and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria framework has also been highlighted as part of broader governance reforms aimed at improving youth engagement.
Participants at the event noted that the combination of bursary support and political awareness programs demonstrates a holistic strategy for empowering young people.
Many observers believe this dual approach financial aid and civic education positions students to become active stakeholders in community and national development.
Reactions and Public Sentiment
Following the announcements, students and youth leaders expressed appreciation for the administration’s consistent engagement with student welfare.
Several attendees described the bursary scheme as one of the most reliable and structured local government education support systems in the region.
The voter registration campaign was also praised as a timely initiative, especially as Nigeria continues to strengthen democratic participation among young citizens.
Community stakeholders at the event noted that sustained youth involvement in governance processes will strengthen accountability and leadership quality in the future.
Looking Ahead
As the newly elected executives of the Uyo Students Association Worldwide prepare to assume office, expectations remain high for improved coordination, stronger student representation, and increased civic participation.
The partnership between the association and the Dr. Uwemedimo Udo administration is expected to deepen in the coming months.
Stakeholders are optimistic that ongoing programs, especially voter registration mobilization and bursary distribution will continue to shape a more engaged, educated, and politically aware student population.
The event in Uyo highlights a growing emphasis on youth inclusion in governance, combining education support with democratic participation.
With renewed leadership in the student association, expanded voter registration advocacy, and upcoming bursary payments, Uyo’s youth population appears positioned for stronger involvement in both civic and developmental processes.
