Introduction
Introduction Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape our dear state. To mention a few, • Government has successfully exploited ICT to administer Food Vouchers for persons on the social register, • Students’ bursary and intervention grants for students with disability are also paid digitally • The state government now manages employment digitally with the successful launch of the employment portal. I should also add that the government has been paying N50,000 to 5,000 Akwa Ibom youths monthly starting from October 2024. So far more than 15,000 youths have been paid. This is just to mention a few. Today, I present to you the young man, our Governor has tasked with interpreting his visions on these projects. Dr. Frank Ekpenyong. Dr. Frank Ekpenyong’s expertise, dedication and attention to details has helped our Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno’s drive to ensure that all of government support and interventions go to the people that need it.
Birth and Education
Dr. Frank Ekpenyong was born to the Family of Late Honourable Udo Samuel Ekpenyong of Ikot Oku Usung, in Ukanafun Local Government on the 8th of January 1980. Dr. Frank Ekpenyong holds several academical qualifications and industry awards to mention a few: • PhD in Information Systems form the University of East London, • Master’s degree from the Wageningen University, the Netherlands in GeoInformation and • Several Post Graduate Certificates in Research and earned a qualified Lecturer status in the UK higher education.
Work Experience
Dr. Frank Ekpenyong lectured at then School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering (CITE), University of East London.
• He was also an analyst and Burham Lecturer at the Defence Intelligence Security Centre (DISC), UK Ministry of Defence, Hermitage, West Berkshire.
• Dr. Ekpenyong worked briefly with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Abuja as a consultant with the then Chief of Defence Intelligence, AVM Morgan.
• Dr. Ekpenyong has been the consultant behind AkwaGIS, a revolutionary Land management system that has earned the State several million dollars in grant from various world bank projects.
• Recently, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong was appointed Senior Special Assistant to our Governor on ICT and Digital Services. A role Dr. Ekpenyong has excelled greatly, he has successfully interpreted the Governor’s vision on this front.
Honours and Awards
In 2003, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong was awarded an outstanding foreign undergraduate award by the then TOTALFINAELF to fund his MSc education in the Netherlands.
After his MSc education Dr. Frank Ekpenyong was also awarded the University of East London Research Scholarship in 2005, this award funded his PhD education.