“My name is Herbert Wigwe, and I challenge you to be fearless.”
There is something inspiringly audacious about the dream that has given birth to Wigwe University, whose underlying philosophy is to be fearless. On Thursday, October 17, in the quiet town of Isiokpo, the headquarters of Ikwerre local government area in Rivers State, impressive academic minds, administrators, community leaders, luminaries, students and parents gathered in the architectural splendour of the university to declare it open.
That this is happening a mere 251 days after the tragic death on February 9 of its founder, Herbert Wigwe in California, the United States of America, is in itself beyond audacious; it is miraculous. The grand opening of the institution, founded on the very idea that impossible is only a dream, is a testimony that nothing is impossible. It is a testament to the undying human spirit; that anything can be achieved through hardwork, unwavering commitment to a vision and a dream, and a refusal to give up in the face of daunting challenges. Even a setback as devastating and monumental as the death of a dreamer.
Indeed, everything about the university, from its inception, the extensive work that went into selling the idea, to the first blocks that were laid to begin its construction, had the imprint and deep soul of Herbert Wigwe, the late banker and astute businessman whose name the university bears.
In outlining the philosophy behind the institution, Wigwe had declared: “Wigwe University is the culmination of my lifelong ambition, my mission to build an exceptional, world class, innovative, yet uniquely African institution to grow Nigeria’s next generation of leaders who will change the face of our continent. Through my foundation – The HOW Foundation – my mission is to shift the course of Nigeria’s future by grooming a fearless generation of Africans. Who would be future leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs propelling Nigeria and Africa forward in leadership, socio-economic growth and inspiration? Wigwe University will develop world class faculties, innovative curricula and modern learning methods.”
From the same town in which the university is situated, his death from a plane mishap while on vacation in the United States of America momentarily threatened to crash that dream. Wigwe did not just give his name to the university fashioned in the same nature of his flamboyance, attention to detail, brilliance, deep reflection and fearless ambition. He put his very soul and breath in its conception and execution. And so the fears that his dream university could crash with him too appeared valid. But that was only momentary.
In the blood stream of the university, as block by block dream became reality, was the mantra: “We, the Fearless.” It was not just a dream, or declaration. It had become religion; the sheer bravery and courage of that conviction. There is in a dream as fearless as that on which Wigwe University is founded that approaches the improbable and, yes, audacious. Away from the probing eyes of society, the dream slowly became reality, and the opening ceremony to finally open its doors to the world which Wigwe envisioned became, in the balmy sunshine of its surroundings, both affirmation and resurrection.
When Herbert Wigwe offered at the beginning that “With state-of-the-art faculties, collaborative spaces, innovative programmes and partnerships, mentorship, pastoral care and a vibrant campus culture, we will foster an environment that unleashes the potential of future fearless African generations,” he was voicing what only he had envisioned. But here, on this day, building after building, classy classroom after stunning lecture hall, speech after speech, prayer after prayer, it had become reality.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, stated: “The physical and digital infrastructure we unveil today reflects our commitment to excellence. Our campus will feature cutting-edge classrooms, laboratories, libraries and art spaces designed to support a range of academic and extracurricular activities. From the latest technology in digital learning to sustainable building practices, our faculties will be a model of modern education infrastructure.
“Wigwe University is not only a place of academic pursuit, but a hub for creativity, collaboration and growth. Our campus is where minds will meet, ideas will flourish and future leaders will emerge.”
And as Professor Emeritus Julius Okojie, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of its Governing Council, affirmed: “I was the Executive Secretary of the NUC for ten years and during this time I licensed about 80 universities. None of them started as well as Wigwe University.”
Such high praise for a university which could have crashed, but for the fearless and audacious spirit of its founder, and the resilience of the inheritors of his dream. As he said: “My name is Herbert Wigwe, and I challenge you to be fearless.” The death of a dreamer is not the end of a dream. Simple.
By Chijioke Amu-Nnadi
