By outdoor-nature-child.com Etim Etim
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Wigwe University officially welcomed its first cohort of students, just 250 days after the passing of its founder, Herbert Wigwe. This momentous occasion signifies the realization of Wigwe’s vision to establish a premier institution of learning in his community deep within the rainforests of southern Nigeria.
At a brief ceremony held at the university’s new campus in Isiokpo, near Port Harcourt, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Julius Okojie, cut the ribbon to mark the university’s inauguration. Joined by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi, fellow council members, and Rivers State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ovy Chinedum Chukwuma, the attendees celebrated the opening amidst the pleasant early autumn weather.
A formal matriculation ceremony is set for Saturday, November 9, where over 200 new students will be officially welcomed into the university community. Following the ribbon-cutting, dignitaries proceeded to the Family Hall, where traditional chiefs from the Isiokpo community, parents, students, and other guests eagerly awaited the second part of the ceremony, featuring speeches and traditional dances performed by local women.
Prof. Al-Akaidi described the day as “the threshold of history,” a fitting tribute to the legacy of Herbert Wigwe, who had planned to dedicate himself to the university after retiring from Access Bank in 2025. Construction of the university began earnestly in 2022, with the National Universities Commission granting its license in June 2023. Wigwe poured immense resources and effort into preparing for the inauguration set for September 2024. He traveled extensively to promote his vision, but his unexpected death in California on February 9 (February 10 Nigerian time) posed a serious threat to the project. Financial backing diminished, and emotions ran high as frustrations mounted. During Wigwe’s funeral in Lagos in March, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, the board’s chairman and a highly respected lawyer in Nigeria, assured the grieving audience that the vision for Wigwe University would not die with its founder. Despite these assurances, doubts lingered.
Rumors soon emerged about conflicts regarding Wigwe’s will and the guardianship of his children. However, my faith in Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Wigwe’s close friend and business partner, remained strong, as did my concern for the university’s future. Wigwe had spoken passionately about creating one of the best universities in the world. After his burial, I frequently communicated with Prof. Al-Akaidi and Mrs. Yvonne Olomu-Victor, CEO of HOW Foundation, which owns the university, to gauge the institution’s readiness for its first class. In August, I was relieved to learn that applications were already pouring in. Although I could not visit the campus, my interest remained steadfast. Thus, it was a great relief to receive a note from the Vice-Chancellor earlier this week announcing the opening ceremony—an uplifting update amidst the ongoing turmoil concerning Wigwe’s will.
The realization of this ambitious dream was made possible through the unwavering resilience, hard work, and determination of the seven-member Board of Trustees, the nine-member Governing Council, and the support of Wigwe’s friends. “This is not just the beginning of an institution; it embodies a vision rooted in the belief that education unlocks Africa’s potential,” Prof. Al-Akaidi affirmed at the opening event. He emphasized that the university is built on the principles championed by Herbert Wigwe, “whose legacy inspires us to cultivate Africa’s potential for prosperity, nurture bold leaders, and establish an institution that will emerge as a leader in higher education across the continent.”
Prof. Okojie, Nigeria’s prominent university administrator, succinctly noted in his speech, “During my ten years as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, I licensed 80 private universities; none have started off as strong as Wigwe University. While many began on temporary secondary school campuses, Wigwe University launches from a purpose-built site.” He traced the evolution of university education to its historical roots and highlighted its crucial role in national development. “Today, I can hear Herbert Wigwe’s voice resonating, and I believe his dream has come to life,” he insisted, urging the community to safeguard the campus facilities, earning a standing ovation.
By admitting over 200 students in its inaugural year, Wigwe University has marked an extraordinary milestone, he noted. “Most new private universities I licensed launched with fewer than 50 students, including Obasanjo’s Bells University,” he shared in a post-event interview.
The education commissioner, standing in for Governor Fubara, highlighted the state government’s various supports for the institution, particularly the offering of 100 scholarships to 70 Rivers State indigenes and 30 non-indigenes residing in the state.
Numerous parents, students, and prospective students attended the event. I had the opportunity to speak with Mrs. Isi Omiunu from Edo State, who attended with her daughter Onohie, a Fine and Applied Arts student. When I asked her why she chose Wigwe University, she responded, as if anticipating my question, “Did you know this is the only private university in Nigeria that offers Fine and Applied Arts? My daughter is incredibly passionate about the arts, and I believe in pursuing quality education for my children, wherever that may be.” I eagerly look forward to the upcoming matriculation ceremony.
Etim is a journalist and author.