Access Bank Holdings’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, has laid the foundation for the establishment of a private university in his hometown of Isiokpo, Ikwere Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The institution will be named Wigwe University and aims to nurture confident and fearless generations of youth who will become future leaders and entrepreneurs.
During the foundation laying ceremony, Wigwe stated that Wigwe University would be a world-class educational institution, employing 60 percent Nigerian academic lecturers and 40 percent foreign lecturers. The university will occupy a 400-hectare land, where approximately 200 different buildings are planned for construction.
In an effort to provide international exposure and experience, Wigwe announced that students of Wigwe University would spend one year of their academic programme on an exchange abroad.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the former Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank Plc, highlighted the remarkable infrastructural development led by Governor Nyesom Wike as the inspiration behind Wigwe’s decision to establish the university in Isiokpo.
Governor Wike expressed his administration’s support for Wigwe University, recognising the crucial role of education in human capital development. He emphasised the significance of education in enhancing the capabilities of individuals and that his government would encourage the establishment of more private universities.
With the advent of Wigwe University, Rivers State now boasts two private universities, and Governor Wike assured continued government support for such initiatives.