The daughter of the late founder of Wigwe University, Tochi Wigwe, has charged the 120 pioneer students of the institution to make judicious use of every opportunity.
Tochi gave this charge on Thursday while delivering a heartfelt goodwill message to the matriculants, at the first-ever matriculation ceremony of the school.
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Daughter of the late Herbert Wigwe who celebrated the courage of the matriculants, urged them to seize every opportunity.
She shared three lessons to the students: “One, you only miss opportunities that you do not take, Two, You are so much stronger and braver than you ever will think, Three, God will never give you a battle you are not equipped to handle.”
She charged them to “go build, challenge themselves and be fearless. The world is waiting for you to show up and show out.”
This was contained ina release by the Chairman, Matriculation Ceremony Committee Wigwe University, Dr. Sam Dede.
The ceremony opened with a prayer led by Pa Shyngle Wigwe, father of the university’s founder, who invoked blessings for the institution, its students, and their families. He prayed for the success, prosperity, and excellence of the matriculants, hoping the university would flourish and delight all within the next five years.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, declared the ceremony officially open.
In his address, he reflected on his personal journey in bringing Wigwe University to fruition.
He honored the late Dr. Wigwe’s memory with a moment of silence, acknowledging the founder’s dream of building an academic institution rooted in fearless pursuit and excellence.
Professor Al-Akaidi charged the matriculating students with a mission to lay a solid foundation that will influence generations to come, fostering Africa’s potential through knowledge and character.
He explained that, “the vision for Wigwe University is not merely about individual success but about shaping a future where Africa’s potential shines. We aim to create an environment that goes beyond knowledge, to nurturing moral courage, critical thinking, and the capacity to lead with empathy and integrity.
Al-Akaidi emphasized that the students’ education journey at Wigwe University is about becoming transformative leaders who are fearless in the face of challenges and committed to creating societal change.
Following the Vice Chancellor’s remarks, deans from the colleges presented the matriculating students. The students, hailing from the College of Arts, College of Engineering, College of Management and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Computing, recited their matriculation oath and were officially welcomed into the “Community of the Fearless” at Wigwe University.
Wigwe University held its inaugural matriculation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey to provide quality education and foster transformative leadership in Africa.
Founded by the late visionary, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, the university’s maiden matriculation brought together students, faculty, distinguished guests, and community leaders to celebrate a legacy of academic excellence, resilience, and bold ambition.
The matriculation featured a drama presentation by the Theatre Arts Department titled Dreams Come True. The performance depicted the inspiring story of a young man who, despite financial struggles, receives a scholarship to Wigwe University, providing him with quality education, luxury accommodation, and fulfilling meals, highlighting the institution’s dedication to student well-being.
A message from the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Julius Okojie, further emphasized the significance of this occasion. He congratulated the matriculants and urged the Isiokpo community to nurture these young minds. Reflecting on the founder’s vision, he remarked, “The late Herbert Wigwe would be proud, declaring Wigwe University an Ivy League institution.”
The keynote address, delivered by Emir Mohammed Sanusi, inspired students to live on the “right side of history” and persevere through life’s transient challenges. Sanusi shared his philosophy of fearless ambition as the foundation of success, charging students to rise as change-makers who will shape Africa’s future. “My young students know that the refusal to succumb to fear is the secret of succes in life,”he said.
The Special Guest of Honour, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Commissioner for Education, Chinedu Chukwuma, encouraged the students to set high standards, work diligently, and contribute positively to their communities, pledging the state’s support as they embark on this academic journey.
The ceremony also included a message from Mr. Olusola Faleye, Personal Assistant to Dr. Wigwe and the lyricist behind the school’s anthem. He spoke of Dr. Wigwe’s vision and international collaborations to establish the university. The anthem, with its chorus, “We the fearless, advancing as one. United, we never back down. We are relentless, a voice for a change, At Wigwe university we are nurturing leaders, At Wigwe university our culture is greatness.” was sung by all, embodying the spirit of unity and relentless pursuit that Wigwe University stands for.
Dr. Mrs. Awoshika, a governing council member, led the closing prayer, after which the event concluded with the Nigerian National Anthem, followed by the Vice Chancellor’s procession alongside academic officials, students, and distinguished guests.
Guests present included religious and community leaders, representatives of the ministry of education led by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Obi Chinedu Chukwuma, His Royal Majesty King Blessing Wagor JP (Wagidi the 40th) Nyewe-Ali Isiokpo; Members of Port Harcourt One Love Family; Pastor and Mrs. Shingle Wigwe; Tochi Wigwe, Members of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Otuoke, Professor Addias, amongst others.
