Wigwe University to open despite founder’s death

The proposed Wigwe University, envisioned as Africa’s first Ivy league university, potentially its most expensive, will proceed with its plans to open despite the sudden passing of its founder Herbert Wigwe.

Mr Wigwe, the chief executive officer of Access Bank holdings, Nigeria’s biggest bank by asset, died on Friday in a helicopter crash in the United States alongside his wife and son.

The school he founded, Wigwe University, a $500 million investment, has been conducting admissions and staff recruitment with a plan to open for studies in 2025.

The school’s board of trustees said, “While we grieve the loss of Dr Wigwe, his wife, and his son, we assure our stakeholders, including prospective students, Faculty, and staff, that Wigwe University remains committed to ensuring that his dreams and aspirations for the university are fulfilled.”

About Wigwe University

The university, located in Port Harcourt, intends to offer a diverse range of courses encompassing science, engineering, information technology, management, and creative arts.

It aims to enroll 1,400 students in its inaugural year, with a projected expansion to 10,000 students within five years. The university plans to recruit 30 percent of its teaching faculty from the United Kingdom and the United States.

The tuition fee is expected to amount to approximately $12,500 (N19.4 million) annually, potentially a turndown for many in a country where over 60 percent of the population lives in poverty.

“He envisioned Wigwe University as a crucible for nurturing future fearless leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who would contribute significantly to Africa’s global standing,” board chairman Professor Fabian Ajogwu said in a statement on Monday.

“The foundation he laid for this institution is strong and we are resolute in our determination to honour his memory by continuing to build a world-class educational institution.”

“Dr Wigwe was a visionary, whose commitment to education as a catalyst for Africa’s future advancement was inspiring and unwavering. He believed fervently that education is the cornerstone of progress and transformation, and his vision for Wigwe University was rooted in the profound belief that it could change the course of history for the African continent.”