NDDC Considers Partnership and Support for Wigwe University

Wigwe University, founded by Herbert Wigwe—who tragically passed away in the United States alongside members of his immediate family—might soon secure support from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The university’s management has already paid a visit to the NDDC, during which expectations of support were raised.

According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the Director of the Corporate Affairs Unit of the NDDC, the Commission’s leadership expressed its willingness to support Wigwe University in line with its broader educational assistance policies.

She explained in a statement that Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Commission, reiterated the NDDC’s dedication to the progress of education in the Niger Delta.

He made this statement while receiving Wigwe University’s Vice-Chancellor, Marwan Al-Akaidi, and his team during a courtesy call at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku highlighted that the NDDC has consistently supported educational institutions throughout the region by developing infrastructure and offering scholarship opportunities.

“It is not new for NDDC to support universities; it is something we have been doing consistently. We have built hostels and classrooms and provided furniture, computers, and more. We believe in supporting the best within the region,” he stated.

He acknowledged that the establishment of Wigwe University represents a major enhancement to the region’s academic offerings, describing it as a premium institution equipped with globally competitive facilities. According to him, this matches the NDDC’s goal of improving the Niger Delta through well-planned educational investments.

Ogbuku stated, “For us in NDDC, partnering with Wigwe University is something we can do with joy because the people who will benefit from the university are largely from the region. We welcome you and thank you for trusting us.”

He further announced that the NDDC was preparing to roll out a local postgraduate scholarship programme and assured the delegation that Wigwe University would be among the institutions considered for inclusion.

“We believe that if our students cannot go abroad, at the very least, they should receive the best education within Nigeria, and Wigwe University stands out in that regard,” he added.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Wigwe University expressed his gratitude to the Commission for its ongoing support of the education sector.

He explained that the purpose of the visit was to establish a long-term partnership with the NDDC aimed at mutual development and growth in the region.

He remarked, “Our vision is to build an institution that is not only the best in Nigeria but also competitive across Africa and globally. To do this, we are seeking support in key infrastructure areas such as solar street lighting and water supply, and we hope Wigwe University can also be a destination for students under your scholarship scheme.”

The vice-chancellor emphasised the importance of the university’s location in the Niger Delta and noted that the NDDC’s support would not only improve educational quality but also enhance living standards in the surrounding community.

“We are confident that the NDDC, as a champion of educational advancement, will support us not only in manpower development but in infrastructure that enables world-class learning,” he said.