The Rivers State government has awarded scholarship to 100 students of the Wigwe University, Isiokpo, as the tertiary institution commences full academic activities.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced this at Isiokpo while speaking at the official opening of the university, which was founded by the late Dr Herbert Wigwe, the former chief executive officer of Access Holdings.
Fubara, represented by the education commissioner, Dr Ovy Obi-Chukwuma, said 70 per cent of the students are from Rivers State while 30 percent are non-indigenes residing in the state.
The governor expressed hope that Wigwe University will make a significant impact in the state and beyond and called on the management to ensure that the founder’s dream does not die.
He stated that the state government is deeply committed to the development of the university due to the administration’s strong belief in education.
In his welcome address, acting vice-chancellor Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi said the institution’s aim is 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 people to ignite Africa’s potential for prosperity and to become 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.”
