Akwa United midfielder Paulinus Okon has etched his name in history as the first student to graduate with a first-class degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Uyo.
According to the club, Paulinus achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.50 and was named the 2021/2022 Best Graduating Student in his department during the university’s 29th/30th convocation ceremonies in Uyo.
The left-footed midfielder began his career with FC One Rocket in the Nigeria National League, gaining recognition after representing Nsit Atai in the 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup. He joined Akwa United, the 2021 league champions, at the start of the 2024/25 season.
Described as “exceptionally gifted” by Akwa United coach Muhammed Babaganaru, Paulinus has yet to make his competitive debut for the team but has been actively participating in training since signing his professional contract.
In an interview with the club’s official website, Paulinus shared the challenges he faced balancing football and academics.
“Combining higher education with football was tough. I often rushed to lectures, sometimes having accidents along the way. My classmates and even lecturers doubted I could succeed in both. But I believed in myself and worked hard. Today, I’m proud to have achieved a first-class degree and to be pursuing my dream of professional football.”
Paulinus remains optimistic about his future, confident that he will make a significant impact on the field as his football career progresses.
