Overview and History of Wigwe University, Isiokpo Rivers State

 
In a time when higher education in Nigeria is undergoing rapid transformation, the emergence of the new private institutions brings renewed hope for students seeking modern, globally-relevant learning experiences. Located in the scenic town of Isiokpo in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wigwe University stands as one such promising institution. Founded with the vision to create “fearless leaders” and to align with the evolving demands of a 21st-century workforce, the university is positioned to make a meaningful impact not only in the Niger Delta region but across the African continent. What makes Wigwe University particularly compelling is its ambitious scope: it is not simply another tertiary institution but a planned centre of excellence aimed at delivering world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge programmes (especially in STEM, engineering, computing and the arts), and a mindset shift towards entrepreneurial leadership. The choice of location—Isiokpo, a semi-rural yet accessible setting in Rivers State—reflects a desire to decentralize higher education beyond the major metropolitan cities, thereby creating opportunity for youth in less-urban areas and stimulating local development.

Moreover, the university’s infrastructural planning, international faculty recruitment, and scholarship initiatives signal a clear intent to compete on a global scale. As it opens its doors to its inaugural cohort of students, Wigwe University is setting out to redefine what tertiary education can mean in Nigeria: a blend of academic rigour, innovation, practical application, and leadership cultivation. In this blog post we will explore the institution’s official website, motto, founder, history, leadership (chancellor/pro-chancellor), accreditation and recognition status, academic structure and facilities, campus life, and finally a look at its alumni potential.

##Official Website
The official website of Wigwe University is https://www.wigweuniversity.edu.ng/On the site you can find details about admission, academic programmes, scholarship opportunities, contact information, and the university’s vision and mission. The website emphasises the institution’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and preparing students for a rapidly changing world. 

Prospective students and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the site to review entry requirements, course offerings, and to keep abreast of news and updates regarding campus development and scholarship programmes.

##Motto
The university uses the phrase “We, the fearless” as its motto. 

This succinct declaration reflects the institution’s aspiration to cultivate bold, confident, innovative graduates—individuals who are not simply academically competent, but who are prepared to challenge conventions, lead initiatives, and engage with the complexities of a globalised world. The motto underpins the pedagogical philosophy: education should empower students, not just credential them.

##Founder
Wigwe University was founded by Herbert Wigwe (Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe), the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc. 
The Guardian Nigeria

Herbert Wigwe was a prominent Nigerian banker and entrepreneur. He tragically died in a helicopter accident in the United States in February 2023. 

His founding vision for the university is rooted in giving back to his hometown, stimulating educational opportunity in Rivers State, and establishing a modern learning institution aligned with global standards and local relevance. The establishment of the university is one facet of his broader philanthropic efforts through his foundation. 

In that sense, Wigwe University represents the tangible manifestation of the founder’s legacy: investment in human capital, upward mobility, community development and the belief that education is a powerful multiplier of opportunity.

##History
The story of Wigwe University is recent but filled with ambition and forward-looking planning. On 9 June 2023, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved the operational license for the university at the campus site in Isiokpo, Rivers State. 

The site spans about 400–600 hectares (various sources note “about 400 hectares” or “600 hectares”) and is located not far from Port Harcourt International Airport, making it relatively accessible. 

Initially, the university’s development included commissioning building blocks, student hostels, laboratories, IT infrastructure, and even a gas-powered power plant to ensure 24-hour electricity for classes and campus life. 

In August 2024, the institution announced scholarships for outstanding students in preparation for its first academic session. 

By October 2024 the university formally inaugurated and began admitting its pioneer students (approximately 200 in the first intake) into programmes across science, technology, engineering, arts and management faculties. 

From its inception the university has declared its mission to “ignite Africa’s potential for prosperity, nurture thoughtful, fearless leaders, and become the leading university in Africa.” 

Thus, within just months of licensing, the university moved rapidly into operational mode—reflecting both the founder’s vision and the institutional drive to hit the ground running. As a newcomer, Wigwe University still faces the task of fully establishing its academic reputation, building alumni networks, completing infrastructure and securing programme accreditations—but the foundations appear strong and well-aligned with its strategic goals.

##Chancellor
While the term “Chancellor” is not widely cited in public sources for Wigwe University, key leadership appointments have been made:

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council is Amina Adamu Augie, CON, JSC (Rtd) — a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She was appointed in February 2025. 

The Vice-Chancellor (substantive) is Marwan Al-Akaidi, CEng, CTIP, FBCS, FIET, FIAP, SIEEE — appointed as substantive VC in February 2025 after serving in acting capacity. 

Brief biography of Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi:
Prof. Al-Akaidi holds BSc and MSc degrees in Digital Communications Systems from Loughborough University (UK), and a PhD in Optical and Communications Engineering (1988) from the same institution.

He has extensive experience in higher education, research and innovation: supervising over 45 PhD/MPhil students, over 100 MSc students, authoring over 300 publications, and occupying senior academic leadership roles (Dean, Head of School, Provost) in the UK and Middle East region. 

Under his leadership Wigwe University is expected to prioritise research, global faculty engagement, and entrepreneurial education.

Justice Amina Augie, as Pro-Chancellor, brings to the university a distinguished track record in the judiciary, academia and leadership. Her presence adds prestige and governance strength to the young institution.

##Accreditation and Recognition
As a newly established private university, Wigwe University has obtained the key regulatory approval required for operation: the NUC issued its provisional licence on 9 June 2023. 

The university is therefore recognised by the regulatory body and is legally empowered to operate as a degree-awarding institution in Nigeria. It is important, however, for prospective students to verify the accreditation status of specific programmes they plan to study, since new universities often operate first under provisional status before full accreditation of all departments is achieved.
In press releases, the university emphasises its ambition to meet global standards, recruit international faculty, and deliver world-class programmes. 

Therefore, while the institution is adequately recognised at the institutional level, ongoing accreditation of individual departments and continuous quality assurance will be key for sustained recognition and reputation.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Wigwe University has designed its academic structure and campus facilities to reflect modern pedagogy, infrastructure investment and a forward-looking educational model. Below is an overview of academic structure (colleges/faculties) plus some of the key facilities.

Academic Structure

Engineering

Science & Computing 

Management & Social Sciences

Arts 


##Campus Life and Facilities
Life on the Wigwe University campus is shaped by its rural/sub-urban setting in Isiokpo, Rivers State, combined with ambitious infrastructure and global-minded academic culture:

The campus is relatively accessible, located in Ikwerre LGA, close to Port Harcourt International Airport, which provides ease of access for students and visiting faculty alike. 

Despite its scenic and green setting, the university emphasises modern amenities (24-hour power, IT-rich classrooms, modern labs) which help create a conducive learning and living environment.

The presence of student housing (hostels), plans for full residential life, and scholarship opportunities suggest that the institution recognises the importance of holistic student experience—not just academics but community, social life, and personal growth.

As a new institution, many student clubs, societies, and long-established traditions may still be evolving. This can be a positive for pioneer students: the chance to shape the culture, club life, and student governance from the outset.

The scholarship and merit-based intake signals a competitive but aspirational student body. The university’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation suggests that campus life will include hackathons, innovation challenges, entrepreneurship lab work, and student-led projects beyond lectures.

Given the university’s location and scale, students may benefit from proximity to local communities and ecosystems in Rivers State—this can enable community-engagement projects, regional impact work and internship opportunities tied to the locale.