Overview and History of Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo

 
Edwin Clark University (ECU), located in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Nigeria, stands as a testament to the vision of its founder, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.  Established in 2015, the university has rapidly evolved into a beacon of academic excellence, particularly within the South-South region of Nigeria.  This comprehensive overview delves into the university's history, guiding principles, academic structure, leadership, and notable milestones.

##Official Website
For more information about Edwin Clark University, including admissions, academic programs, and news updates, visit the official website: https://edwinclarkuniversity.edu.ng. 

##History and Founding Vision
Edwin Clark University was officially licensed on May 11, 2015, by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as Nigeria's 60th private university.  The institution commenced academic activities on September 14, 2015, and held its maiden matriculation ceremony on November 14, 2015, during which Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was installed as the first Chancellor.  

The university is owned by the Edwin Clark Foundation, established to honor Chief Clark's unwavering commitment to education and regional development.  Chief Clark's illustrious career includes serving as Commissioner of Education in the defunct Mid-Western Region, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Benin, and later as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.  

##Motto, Vision, and Core Values
Motto: Knowledge and Development 

Vision: To be a center of academic excellence, producing students equipped with practical knowledge, skills, and values to address and solve complex challenges in the Niger Delta and beyond.  

Core Values:

Belief in the supremacy of God

Promotion of public-spiritedness

Benchmarking competence and vision in tertiary education

Fostering good leadership qualities

Encouragement of teamwork and integrity

Zero tolerance for dishonesty and immorality

Promotion of knowledge and scholarship as instruments of progress

Engagement with local communities to foster good relations  


##Accreditation and Academic Structure
Edwin Clark University has received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for all its academic programs.  The university offers a diverse range of courses across several faculties: 

A. Faculty of Science:

Biochemistry

Biology

Microbiology

Computer Science

Mathematics

Industrial Chemistry

Chemistry

Physics 


B. Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences:

Accounting

Banking and Finance

Business Administration

Economics

English & Literary Studies

Geography

History & International Studies

Mass Communication

Political Science

Sociology 


C. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences:

Animal Science

Crop Science

Soil Science

Agricultural Economics and Extension

Aquaculture & Fisheries

Forestry & Wildlife

Hotel Management & Tourism 


Faculty of Law:

LL.B Law  


The university also offers postgraduate programs, with recent admissions including 19 MSc and PhD students in the School of Postgraduate Studies.  

##Rankings and Achievements
In the 2023 National Universities Commission (NUC) ranking of Nigerian universities, Edwin Clark University achieved: 

25th position among 249 universities in Nigeria

6th position among private universities

1st position in the South-South region  


These rankings reflect the university's commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. 

##Leadership and Administration

Chancellor: Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON  

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council: Prof. Oladapo A. Afolabi, OON, CFR  

Vice-Chancellor: Professor Timothy Olagbemiro 

Professor Timothy Oyebode Olagbemiro served as the pioneering Vice-Chancellor of Edwin Clark University (ECU), Kiagbodo, Delta State, from January 14, 2014, until his retirement on May 14, 2023.  During his tenure, he was instrumental in transforming the university from its inception into a reputable institution of higher learning. 

##Notable Alumni
During its maiden convocation in 2019, Edwin Clark University graduated its pioneer set of students.  Among them, seven students achieved First Class honors.  Notably, four graduates were offered immediate employment by the university for their outstanding academic and moral performance: 

Mr. Solomon Doye John: Graduate of Computer Science with a CGPA of 4.96 

Mr. James Gabriel: Graduate of Microbiology with a CGPA of 4.78 

Mr. Uzosike Chigemezu Favour: Graduate of Accounting with a CGPA of 4.74 

Miss Salvation Beatrice: Graduate of Microbiology with a CGPA of 4.74 

These alumni exemplify the university's dedication to nurturing individuals who excel both academically and ethically.

##International Collaborations and Community Engagement
Edwin Clark University has established international linkages with renowned institutions, including:

Coventry University, UK

Chicago State University, USA

Reinhardt University, USA


These partnerships facilitate student exchange programs, collaborative research, and academic development. 

The university is also deeply committed to community development, offering access to its facilities and resources to local communities, thereby