The Vice-Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, has called on the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to collaborate with the institution in advancing educational development across the region.
Professor Al-Akaidi made the call during a courtesy visit to the NDDC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Ogbuku, who received the delegation alongside other Directors of the Commission, affirmed the NDDC’s commitment to work with distinctive educational institutions in the mould of Wigwe University, citing its history of infrastructure development at primary and tertiary levels across the region.
“Wigwe University’s presence in our region is a thing of pride to us, boasting some of Nigeria’s finest facilities, and partnering with this university aligns with our mandate to empower Niger-Delta youths through quality local education,” he said.
He assured the university of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate beyond the sphere of infrastructural development to designate Wigwe University as one of the tertiary institutions to host recipients of NDDC scholarship.
“I can assure you that it is our desire that Wigwe University’s unique academic offerings will be made accessible to qualified students from NDDC-affiliated states instead of sending them abroad,” he averred.
Professor Al-Akaidi, while appreciating the team for the reception, emphasised that the university, backed by the Board of Trustees under Professor Fabian Ajogwu OFR (SAN) and the Governing Council led by Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Justice Amina Augie CFR (JSC, Rtd.), aspires to be ranked among Africa’s top institutions and compete globally.
He explained that the visit was geared towards sharing the vision of the university’s late founder, Dr Herbert Wigwe, with the Commission, with attention on producing graduates who would become change agents, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs, that is, employers of labour rather than job seekers.
“The goal is to nurture graduates who will lead, innovate, and launch startups after their programmes, and within our first academic year, we have already ignited this passion in our pioneer set of students,” he said.
“Our aim is to be a hub of quality education, as envisioned by our founder, not just in Nigeria or Africa, but worldwide,” he stated.
He further urged the NDDC to support the host community with the solar electrification project to illuminate access road towards the university, improve the water treatment resources and scholarship opportunities for indigent yet high-achieving students from the Niger-Delta.
Ambassador Idaere Ogan Gogo, who accompanied the delegation, commended the significant investments in Wigwe University and urged the NDDC to enable bright students in the region to benefit from its world-class education.
“Given NDDC’s history of supporting tertiary education, partnering with Wigwe University would be a landmark step,” he added.
Hon. Alabo Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration, praised Dr Wigwe’s philanthropic legacy and reiterated the NDDC’s commitment to sustaining his vision.
“Dr. Wigwe was a benefactor to the entire Niger-Delta. Honouring his legacy through this partnership is a priority for us,” he stated.
