The Vice-Chancellor of Wigwe University, Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi, has dismissed reports of mass sackings in the institution, clarifying that no staff member has been sacked since last year.
 
In a statement yesterday, Al-Akaidi maintained that “only two or three staff members were separated from the institution last year, and there have been no terminations at all this year.”
 
The VC explained that the institution strictly followed due process in terminating the appointments of those whose work did not align with the university’s standards.
 
He said: “Our founder, the late Herbert Wigwe, set out to build one of the finest universities in Africa. Though he passed away over two years ago, our Governing Council, Board of Trustees, and management team remain deeply committed to fulfilling that vision. Our pace is fast, and our standards are high. Naturally, some individuals may find it challenging to keep up. That does not mean they lack talent or competence—they simply may thrive better in a different environment, and we part ways with full respect for their future endeavours,” he said.
 
Al-Akaidi also clarified that decisions regarding staff welfare and retention are never made unilaterally. Rebutting claims that he individually dismissed employees, he emphasised that the university operates on clear, fair and established disciplinary procedures designed to ensure transparency and accountability for everyone.
 
He added: “We are building a culture of dedication, quality and excellence. Our goal is to encourage every member of our community to reach their full potential, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards to achieve that.”
 
First licensed in 2023, Wigwe University warmly welcomed its pioneer class in October 2024. Today, it is home to roughly 300 students pursuing 21degree programmes across four distinct colleges: Engineering, Science & Computing, Management and Social Sciences, as well as Arts.