By: Peace Udugba.
The Vice-Chancellor of Wigwe University, Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi, has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to collaborate with the university in driving educational advancement across the region.
He made the call during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/CEO of NDDC, 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 working with distinguished educational institutions like Wigwe University, citing the Commission’s history of supporting infrastructure development at both primary and tertiary levels across the region.
Wigwe University’s presence in our region is a source of pride, boasting some of Nigeria’s finest facilities. Partnering with this university aligns with our mandate to empower Niger Delta youths through access to quality local education,” he said.
He assured the university of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate beyond infrastructural development by designating Wigwe University as one of the tertiary institutions to host recipients of the NDDC scholarship.
I can assure you that it is our desire for Wigwe University’s unique academic offerings to be made accessible to qualified students from NDDC-affiliated states, rather than sending them abroad,” he stated.
Professor Al-Akaidi, while appreciating the team for the warm reception, emphasized that the university—backed by the Board of Trustees led by Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, and the Governing Council chaired by Pro-Chancellor Hon. Justice Amina Augie, CFR (JSC, Rtd.)—aspires to rank among Africa’s top institutions and compete globally.
He explained that the visit was aimed at sharing the vision of the university’s late founder, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, with the Commission—focusing on producing graduates who would become change agents, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs; employers of labour rather than job seekers.
The goal is to nurture graduates who will lead, innovate, and launch startups upon completing their programmes. Within our first academic year, we have already ignited this passion in our pioneer set of students,” he said.
Our aim is to become a hub of quality education, as envisioned by our founder—not just in Nigeria or Africa, but globally,” he added.
He further urged the NDDC to support the host community through a solar electrification project to light up the access road to the university, improve water treatment resources, and provide scholarships for indigent but high-achieving students from the Niger Delta.
Ambassador Idaere Ogan Gogo, who accompanied the delegation, commended the significant investments in Wigwe University and encouraged the NDDC to enable bright students from 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 noted.
Hon. Alabo Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the NDDC, praised Dr. Wigwe’s philanthropic legacy and reaffirmed the Commission’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.
