The matriculating students of Wigwe University, Isiokpo have been told to strive to live right and persevere through life’s transient challenges.
His Royal Highness, Emir Mohammed Sanusi gave this charge while delivering his keynote address at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the university.
The Kano Emir who shared his philosophy of fearless ambition as the foundation of success, urged the 120 matriculating students to rise as change-makers who will shape Africa’s future. “One of the things that helps me is always the sense that you want to be on the right side of history. You could be facing discomfort today but in ten years, twenty years, fifty years, a hundred years, history would say you were on the right side,” he said.
Reminding the students that everything in life is transient, Sanusi said, “If you remember that everything you do today, you are writing your own history and you think of how you would like to be remembered in history, it allows you to do the right thing. ”My advice to the young people is to remember that the refusal to succumb to fear is the secret of success in life,” he concluded.
In his address, The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marwan 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. "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," stated Professor Al-Akaidi. 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 emphasized that the students’ journey at Wigwe University is about becoming transformative leaders who are fearless in the face of challenges and committed to creating societal change.
On his part, the Special Guest of Honour, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Commissioner for Education, Ovy Chukwuma, encouraged the students to set high standards, work diligently, and contribute positively to their communities. He also pledged the state’s support as they embark on this academic journey.
Also speaking at the event, the daughter of the late founder, Tochi Wigwe, delivered a heartfelt goodwill message to the matriculants. She said, “I will leave you with these three simple lessons I have learned along the way. One, you only miss opportunities that you do not take. Two, You are so much stronger and braver than you ever will think. And three, God will never give you a battle you are not equipped to handle.” She charged the first set of Wigwe University to “go, build, challenge themselves and above all be fearless.”
“The world is waiting for you to show up and show out,” she added.
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.
Our correspondent reports that 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.
The event which marks a significant milestone in the institution’s journey had representatives of the Ministry of Education led by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ovy Chukwuma, His Royal Majesty King Blessing Wagor JP (Wagidi the 40th) Nyewe-Ali Isiokpo; Members of Port Harcourt One Love Family; Pastor and Mrs. Shyngle Wigwe; Tochi Wigwe, Members of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Otuoke, Professor Charles Adias, in attendance.
