The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in partnership with the International Parliament of Nigerian Students in the United Kingdom (UK), has conferred the award of 'Grand Icon of Hope' on Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and exemplary development of free education.

He was also given the 'Best Governor in Education Award' and named their National Patron for his uncommon feat in the sector.

President of the Association, Comrade Smart Olalekan Edwards who lead the delegation of students and youth leaders on a solidarity visit to the governor recently, said the visit was to mark the 10th anniversary of the senate session of the body,

He said the body was impressed that ethnic disparity had been wiped out in the state, adding that the governor had also ensured the availability of road network.

"We are all witnesses of your uncommon performance in road networks evenly distributed across the state, which has made a huge joke of the past eight years."

He commended Akpabio's administration for the achievement saying "we are more encouraged that at the time Nigerian student's leaders are beginning to search for visible mentors whose achievements are unparalleled and to agitate for free education, your administration put in place and enforces it in such a way that the concept, implementation and entire vision are simply incredible."

Edwards, who described the governor as a defender of the weak, added that he had also intervened in the deplorable situation of the state polytechnic and the University of Uyo; and had also succeeded in changing the hitherto negative perception about the state with the massive infrastructural development in all the three senatorial districts.

In his response, Akpabio charged Nigerian students in various tertiary institutions to always insist on promotion of justice that would ensure quality leadership in the country.

He said the future leadership of the country lies in the hands of youths and that students must live above board by avoiding tribal affiliations.