Wigwe University on Friday, January 30, 2026, held its second matriculation ceremony, formally admitting 173 students across its four colleges. Delivering the matriculation address, the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, described the occasion as a proud and historic milestone, noting that the ceremony marked the university’s steady growth from its inaugural matriculation into a thriving and expanding institution committed to academic excellence and leadership development.
Professor Al-Akaidi paid glowing tribute to the founder of the university, the late Dr Herbert Wigwe, whose vision, he said, continues to shape the institution’s mission. According to him, Wigwe University stands as the fulfilment of Dr Wigwe’s aspiration to create an institution that not only meets but exceeds Africa’s educational needs by nurturing future leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and highly skilled graduates.
Addressing the newly matriculated students, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that admission into Wigwe University is both a privilege and a responsibility. He highlighted the university’s core values of excellence, character, and leadership, stressing that students are expected to uphold integrity, discipline, and hard work while taking full advantage of the opportunities provided. He reminded them that they are being prepared not just for jobs, but for life, leadership, and service to Africa, noting that the reputation and future of the university rest significantly on their conduct and achievements.
Professor Al-Akaidi reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing quality teaching, fostering innovation and creativity, and exposing students to global standards rooted in African realities. He stated that while the institution will continue to expand in programs, partnerships, and research, it is the people—particularly the students—who form the heart of Wigwe University. He concluded by welcoming the new students into the academic community and charging them to wear the name of the university with pride, live by its values, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s future.
Addressing the matriculation assembly, the representative of the Board of Trustees, Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoritsedere Awosika said the second matriculation was a reaffirmation of hope and a tribute to the visionary legacy of the late Dr Herbert Wigwe, noting that the foundational cohorts of students are vital to defining the trajectory of the young institution.
Dr Awosika urged all students and staff of the university to embrace the lyrics of the university anthem by showing courage and refusing to bow to obstacles, and by pushing forward to deliver on the fearless vision of the late founder.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Governing Council, Hon. Justice Amina Augie JSC (Rtd.), reminiscing about the vision of the late founder, said he desired to build an exceptional, world-class, innovative, yet uniquely African institution to develop Nigeria’s next generation of leaders who will change the face of the continent. According to her, he believed that “the end of the good we can achieve is nowhere in sight: there is so much to conquer, there are more lives to impact, and there are generations to uplift to achieve their full potential. History will favour the brave—those who knew their limitations only because they had to defy them. History will favour the fearless.”
While applauding the pioneer set of students for answering the call to be fearless, the Pro-Chancellor thanked the parents of the matriculating students for allowing their children to answer the call to be fearless, noting that this act is one of trust, which the university is committed to honouring.
Justice Augie challenged the students to dig deep within themselves, buy into the founder’s vision, and become torchbearers and part of the fearless generation destined to rewrite the story of Africa. “The seed of greatness is in you. However, you must plant that seed, water it, and nurture it to grow, even if you would eat from that tree,” she counselled.
In his remarks, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, said he came to witness the historic event because the European Union is particularly pleased to see Nigeria’s education system grow, not just in quantity but in quality, with institutions like Wigwe University focusing on excellence and giving students top-class learning and growth opportunities adapted to the challenges and possibilities offered in today’s world.
Ambassador Mignot charged the students to embrace learning beyond the walls of the university, develop collaborations, harness new technology, and yet remain unique. He urged them to pursue excellence in their quest to open new vistas of opportunity as they stride forward in their academic journey.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, said it was a significant milestone to witness the matriculation ceremony of the second cohort of students into Wigwe University. According to him, his presence at the matriculation was driven by a deep appreciation of the founder of the institution, whose sacrifices have laid the groundwork for the development of this community and the cultivation of the human resources essential for the nation’s progress.
To the matriculating students, Professor Oloyede reminded them that they are among the fortunate few chosen to be trained at this great institution. “The future of this nation rests squarely on the shoulders of people like you, and the presence of distinguished personalities here underscores the importance of this moment in your life as you embark on a journey that will shape your roles in society,” he stated.
The Wigwe University Creative Arts Club added colour to the matriculation ceremony, treating parents, guests, partners, friends, and well-wishers of the university to an artistic presentation.
