Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara awarded scholarships to 100 students as Wigwe University, founded by the late Dr Herbert Wigwe, commenced operations.

[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has awarded scholarships to 100 students at the newly opened Wigwe University, Isiokpo, located in the Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The institution, founded by the late Dr Herbert Wigwe, former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Limited, officially commenced academic activities just eight months after his untimely death.

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The tragic loss of Dr Wigwe, alongside his wife Chizoba and first son Chizzy, occurred on February 9, 2024, when the Eurocopter EC130 they were travelling in crashed near Nipton, California, USA.

The Wigwe family was laid to rest in a private tomb within the grounds of the university, which Dr Wigwe had envisioned and built prior to his passing.

Despite concerns that the institution might not open as scheduled following his death, Wigwe University has now begun its mission to become a leading educational centre in Africa, fulfilling the late philanthropist’s dream.

Governor Fubara, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Chukwuma, was the special guest of honour at the university’s official opening ceremony.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the institution and ensuring that Dr Wigwe’s legacy continues to thrive.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Dr Chukwuma highlighted the importance of the university’s curriculum, which he had reviewed and praised for its potential to positively impact the educational landscape in Rivers State and beyond.

“What we are seeing here will change the dynamics of undergraduate and postgraduate education in this clime. And I want to thank God for the gift of the late Herbert Wigwe, his memory lives on. What we have seen here we will make sure it lives forever,” the commissioner said.

The governor’s scholarship programme, which targets 100 students, prioritised Rivers State indigenes, awarding 70 per cent of the scholarships to local residents and the remaining 30 per cent to non-indigenous students living in Rivers State, in a move aimed at fostering inclusivity.

In his remarks, Prof Marwan Al-Akaidi, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, emphasised the significance of Dr Wigwe’s legacy.

He described the university as an institution founded on principles that seek to unite Africa’s potential for prosperity and nurture fearless leaders who will one day guide the continent to greatness.

“Wigwe University is founded on the principles set forth by late Dr Herbert Wigwe, whose legacy inspires us to unite 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,” Prof Al-Akaidi stated.