Wigwe’s varsity begins academic activities

Herbert Wigwe University has officially opened and commenced full academic activities at Isiokpo Community in Rivers State.

This follows about eight months after the founder, the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, lost his life in a plane crash.

Speaking on Thursday during the official opening ceremony of the institution, the university’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, said it aims to be the leading university in Africa in the near future.

Al-Akaidi stated that the university was founded on the principles set forth by its founder, the late Wigwe, whose legacy inspires many to ignite Africa’s potential for prosperity and 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 challenges of the future with confidence and creativity.”

In his speech, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed hope that Wigwe University will have a significant 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 Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Obi-Chukwuma, said the state government is deeply committed to the development of the university due to the administration’s strong belief in education.

Also, the traditional ruler of Isiokpo Kingdom, King Blessing Wagor, said the people of the kingdom and the Ikwerre ethnic nationality were still in tears over the sudden death of the university’s founder.

Wagor said: “We are still in tears over what happened, but God knows everything. We pray God to assist those working here to follow the plans the man had for this university.”