Wigwe Varsity Will Lead Tertiary Institutions in Africa,  Management Assures

Fubara announces scholarship for 100 students 

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt 

The management of the Wigwe University, in Rivers State, has stated that its target is to ensure that the school becomes a leading tertiary institution in Africa in the near future, as it commences full academic activities.

This is as the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara has restated the state’s commitment to the development of the university, noting his administration’s strong belief in education, and proposed scholarship for 100 students in the institution.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi, who spoke at the official opening ceremony of the private institution in Isiokpo, Ikwerre local government area of the state, yesterday, said the school’s mission is to lead a new era of academic excellence in Africa

Al-Akaidi stated that the university was founded on the principles set forth by its founder, late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, whose legacy inspires alot of people to ignite Africa’s potential for prosperity, to nurture thoughtful and fearless leaders.

He said: “This is not just the beginning of an institution; it is the realisation of a profound vision, a dream born from the belief that education is the key to unlocking Africa’s vast potential.

“Wigwe University is founded on the principles set forth by the late Dr. Wigwe, whose legacy inspires us to ignite Africa’s potential for prosperity, to nurture thoughtful and fearless leaders and to create an institution that will one day be the leading university in Africa.

“Our mission is not just to educate, but to lead a new era of academic excellence in Africa. We will provide a transformative educational experience that equips our students to meet the challenge of the future with confidence and creativity.”

In his speech, Fubara expressed the hope that the Wigwe University will make a lot of impact in the state and beyond and called on the management to ensure that the dream of the founder does not die.

Fubara who was represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Chukwuma assured that the Rivers State Government will take every opportunity to invest in the institution and education in the state.

The governor also announced that the State government has secured 100 slots for scholarship into in the university with indigenes of the State having 70 slots while 30 slots go to non-indigenes of the State.

He disclosed that the State government recently conducted interviews for 100 fresh students that will enrol in the university after commencement of academic activities in the campus.

In an emotional speech, the paramount ruler and Nye Nwe Ali Isiokpo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Blessing Wagor, described the absence of Dr. Herbert Wigwe at the official opening of the university as unfortunate and heart-breaking.

The monarch noted that the people of Isiokpo Kingdom, Ikwerre ethnic nationality, and Rivers State in general, were still mourning the demise of late Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son.

He said: “Isiokpo people are still in tears, Ikwerre people are still in tears, We are in tears, and we are pained over the death of our son, Dr Herbert Wigwe. We don’t like what happened, but we can’t question God, He alone knows the beginning and the end.”

He however expressed optimism that the university will bring forth the desired expectations, even as he prayed God to grant the management the grace and wisdom to drive home the vision of the founder of the university.