The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, on Tuesday led the university’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Honourable Charles Wobodo. The engagement is part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the University, government, and host communities.

In his remarks, Professor Al-Akaidi emphasized that the vision of the University’s founder, the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, can only be fully realized through strong and continuous partnerships. He noted that Wigwe University remains committed to advancing shared development goals through active engagement with critical stakeholders.

“The dream of our founder will not come to fruition unless there is a partnership between the University, government, and the people,” he said. “We are all committed to Herbert Wigwe’s vision, and we are here to do the work that will bring it to reality. I assure you that we can make meaningful progress for the people of this community if we work together.”

The Vice-Chancellor also announced the University’s readiness to design and deliver basic skills acquisition programmes targeted at indigent residents of the Local Government Area. These programmes will focus on ICT, engineering, and business skills—areas that can enable economic empowerment and help lift people out of poverty.

Honourable Wobodo, in his response, expressed deep appreciation for the visit and reiterated the Local Government’s commitment to supporting Wigwe University. He described the institution as “a project close to his heart,” recalling his engagements with the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe during the construction phase of the University.

He noted that the community considers the institution its own and pledged continued collaboration with the University’s leadership. The Chairman also spoke emotionally about the founder’s commitment to completing the electrification project for the community, adding that he has personally taken the initiative as a priority. “His demise saddens me, but I am committed to seeing the electrification project completed, even if that will be the Local Government’s contribution to the University,” Wobodo stated.

He further appealed for scholarship opportunities for indigent but academically gifted students within the Local Government and assured the University of full support through the LGA’s Ministry of Education. “I and the leadership of Ikwerre Local Government will always remain progressive partners,” he said, adding that the Council will intensify efforts to publicize Wigwe University’s admission and scholarship opportunities to deserving students.

The visit highlights Wigwe University’s commitment to collaborating with the host community in advancing the transformational vision of its founder through purposeful partnerships and shared development initiatives.