The founder and chancellor of the Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Pastor Bassey James, has announced plans to float an all-sponsored scholarship scheme for select very brilliant students from the three senatorial districts of Àkwa Ibom State.
In the same vein, some non-indigenes will also benefit from the scholarship largesse, which will ensure that the beneficiary studies any programme offered in the university for free.
Pastor James, who announced this yesterday during an interaction with journalists, said the criteria for choosing the intended beneficiaries shall be made public soon after meeting with stakeholders concerned.
According to him, “The door of the university is now open, and admissions are currently going on. I decided to float this scholarship scheme in appreciation of what God has done for me to raise me to my current status in life. I deem it necessary to give back to society through this unique means because it will lift several brilliant young people who may have the brain but no resources to acquire tertiary education”.
The university founder further highlighted that he was a beneficiary of some prominent persons’ kindness and, as such, would use every opportunity available to him to give back to the same society that threw him up.
Speaking on the level of preparedness of the varsity to kick-start learning, the founder said the institution is already working on affiliation with six international universities after the successful visit of the National Universities Commission (NUC) officials to the institution recently.
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He said that the preparation done by the varsity in ensuring top-notch education and training of students is such that it would take only three years for the institution to emerge at the top and become an international study centre.
He pointed out that the university underwent rigorous inspections from the NUC officials on various occasions to ascertain their level of preparedness, stressing that admission of students for resumption of studies is ongoing.
The founder maintained that the institution is open to all Nigerians and international students, stressing that its educational facilities, accessibility and security remain unparalleled.
According to him, “Students from here will be trained to become not just graduates but entrepreneurs who will be employers of labour after graduation. We must strive to make a difference from what is obtainable in other universities.”
He added, “This university’s host community will soon turn into an economic hub, and the impact of the institution will put the area on the world’s map. I appeal to government, community leaders and stakeholders to extend all necessary support to the university as it begins admission of students.”
“We will not only secure good linkages with international institutions but will also ensure that our students are trained by the lecturers in every department.
We are poised to become a hub for academic excellence, offering a wide range of undergraduate programmes designed to meet global standards and market demands.
According to him, the approved courses include: B.Sc. Accounting,
B.Sc. Business Administration, B.Sc. Hospitality & Tourism Management, B.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies.
Others are: B.Sc. Political Science, B.Sc. Petroleum Science, B.Sc. International Relations/Diplomacy, B.Sc. Economics, B.Sc. Information/Communication Technology, B.Sc. Microbiology, B.Sc. Physics with Electronics, B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Software Engineering and B.Sc. Cyber Security.
He added that the university was born with a vision to provide quality education rooted in discipline, innovation and moral values, while equipping students with practical skills to compete on a global scale.
He also announced that the university will be affordable to all Nigerians, irrespective of their academic backgrounds and provide a conducive learning environment.
He highlighted that academic activities will commence in a few weeks as registration is ongoing. “We will lead with difference; our graduates will go with appropriate skills to become employers of labour, this is a landmark investment for the future.”
The university is accessible to the world with its proximity to the airport and dual carriageway leading into the city.
