The 2026 Students’ Week of Wigwe University officially commenced on Monday, with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, urging students to embrace the opportunities offered by the weeklong event to develop leadership skills, discover new passions, and build lasting connections. The opening ceremony, which attracted students, staff and members of the university community, marked the beginning of a series of activities designed to celebrate student life, promote creativity, encourage healthy competition, and strengthen the bonds that unite the university’s diverse student population.
In his opening address, Professor Al-Akaidi welcomed students to this year’s Students’ Week and emphasized the importance of holistic education, noting that university life extends beyond academic pursuits. The Vice-Chancellor observed that while lectures, assignments and examinations remain central to the university experience, students must also take advantage of opportunities that contribute to their personal growth and overall development.
“University life is about much more than lectures, assignments and examinations,” he said. “It is also about discovering your passions, building friendships, developing leadership skills, serving others, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.”
According to him, Students’ Week provides a unique platform for students to explore interests outside the classroom while engaging meaningfully with their peers and the wider university community. Professor Al-Akaidi encouraged students to participate actively in the various programmes lined up for the week, urging them to showcase their talents, embrace new experiences, and make the most of every opportunity available to them. 
“I encourage each of you to participate actively, engage with your fellow students, showcase your talents, explore new interests, and embrace the diverse experiences that make our university community vibrant and unique,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the university’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to society. He explained that learning experiences beyond the classroom play a critical role in shaping future leaders and innovators. “At Wigwe University, we believe in educating the whole person,” he said. “The activities you engage in outside the classroom are just as important in shaping you into the thoughtful, fearless leaders our society needs.”
His remarks reflected the institution’s broader educational philosophy, which places equal emphasis on academic excellence, character development, leadership, innovation and community engagement.
The commencement of Students’ Week comes amid growing recognition among higher education institutions of the importance of co-curricular activities in preparing students for life beyond graduation. Such activities provide opportunities for students to develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills that complement their academic training.
The opening ceremony followed an atmosphere of excitement that had built across campus in the days leading up to the event. On the eve of the celebration, students participated in a colourful rally that featured a marching band, dancers, riders and bikers, creating a festive atmosphere and generating enthusiasm for the week’s activities. 
The rally drew participation from students across different schools and programmes, underscoring the spirit of unity and community that Students’ Week seeks to promote.
As activities officially got underway, students expressed anticipation for a week filled with entertainment, networking opportunities, talent showcases, and other engaging events designed to enrich campus life.
Professor Al-Akaidi also took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of those who worked behind the scenes to ensure the successful planning of the programme. “I commend all those who have worked tirelessly to organize this week,” he said, while wishing participants a rewarding and memorable experience.
The 2026 Students’ Week is expected to feature a variety of activities aimed at fostering creativity, collaboration, healthy competition, and student engagement, further reinforcing Wigwe University’s commitment to providing a dynamic and transformative educational experience.
As the week unfolds, students will have the opportunity to celebrate their talents, strengthen friendships, and create lasting memories while contributing to the vibrant culture that defines life at Wigwe University.
In a related development, the Asset Manager of Sahara Group, Dr Wachijem Innocent, speaking during a presentation titled “Building a Successful Career,” advised students of the university to adopt a deliberate and strategic approach to building successful careers, emphasizing that career growth extends beyond merely securing employment.
Dr Innocent highlighted the distinction between a job and a career, noting that while jobs often serve immediate financial needs, careers represent long-term professional journeys driven by purpose, passion, and continuous growth.
The speaker outlined a step-by-step framework for career success, beginning with self-reflection and the identification of personal strengths, interests, and long-term aspirations. He encouraged participants to define a clear career vision and set goals towards transforming ambitions into actionable objectives. According to him, breaking larger goals into manageable milestones and developing structured action plans are essential for maintaining focus and measuring progress.
Other speakers who heralded the opening session of the 2026 Students’ Week were Dr Jane Ben-Caleb, Dr Stella Onyeagbako, and founder and CEO of Healthy Tonic Enterprise, Faith Chibuzo.
