The founder and Chancellor of the Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Pastor Bassey James, has shared insights into what motivated him to establish one of Nigeria’s most outstanding private universities. In this interview, the business tycoon and security consultant bares his mind on the varsity located along Airport Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Excerpts.
Let’s meet once again.
I am Pastor Bassey James, a criminologist, businessman, Entrepreneur, and, of course, servant of the Most High God. I am also a grassroots mobilizer who is interested in politics and good governance. My greater interest is also in ensuring quality education and the moulding of outstanding youths who will adequately fit in and take charge of every sector of the nation’s economy in the near future.
Could your interest in education account for the establishment of the Southern Atlantic University Uyo?
Yes, Southern Atlantic University Uyo, the first private university in Ibibio land of Akwa Ibom State, is designed to bring enormous value to Nigerians and Africans in general. We are making progress as an institution and are already in talks for partnerships with some of the best universities across the globe.
Before I go into the values the university is giving out to our students outside other conventional institutions, I must express my deep-seated gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting the institution the requisite operational license. And of course, to our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for the serene and enabling peaceful environment to operate the institution. My special appreciation equally goes to former Akwa Ibom governors – Chief Godswill Akpabio and Mr Udom Emmanuel for their immense efforts at developing the state.
Prospective students from Akwa Ibom State and other parts of the country with a cut-off mark above 150 from JAMB and willing to study at the Southern Atlantic University are highly welcome.
The university has received full approval from the Federal Government and currently offers 15 exciting academic programmes, which include: B.sc degree in Cyber Security, B.Sc Accounting, B.Sc Business Administration, B.Sc Computer Science, B.Sc Software Engineering and B.Sc Hospitality and Tourism Management. Others are B.Sc Political Science, B.Sc International Relations/Diplomacy, B.Sc Microbiology, B.Sc Public Administration, etc.
Read Also: Southern Atlantic University Set For First Matriculation, Commends Tinubu
We gathered that the university is giving various types of scholarships to interested students.
Yes, Southern Atlantic University, Uyo is offering 30 per cent scholarships to students of all categories interested in schooling in the university.
This was made possible via the collaborations and partnerships with some educationally committed individuals and non-profit organisations who are willing to help and support young Nigerians and Africans desirous of furthering their university education in our institution,
Our institution has become the first private university to offer this kind of gesture, and we are prepared to change the story for Nigerian youths irrespective of tribe, religion and background.
We want to give back to society because God raised us for humanity. We advised interested students to visit the university and also to change to Southern Atlantic University as their first choice in JAMB at any CBT Centre. Again, we offered our students a simple payment programme of twice in a session called ‘PAY WHAT YOU HAVE’ and become a student.
We want to change the world of education, so that no child will be left uneducated; we are open to partnership with donors and intervention Agencies. I can boldly tell you that Southern Atlantic University is here to stay. The institution’s commitment to providing world-class education is unparalleled, and our commitment to global best standards is unwavering.
How ready is the University to tackle the challenges ahead to distinguish itself in the comity of higher institutions?
We brought in some of the best minds in academia to help direct our university. We are building a sustainable brand that will compete with other Nigerian and international brands. Everything is possible in life; the most important thing is to have a vision and understanding of where you are going”.
The University team is solid, and we are committed to expanding into agricultural programs, entrepreneurial development, other businesses and services. We want to groom future leaders who will not only be self-reliant but job creators and employers of labour.
Our Pro Chancellor and Chairman is His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Ita Enang, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany and a well-respected gentleman.
Also, our desire to fortify our institution for greater productivity prompted the appointment of Rt. Hon. Dr Uyime Idem, Prof Akpan Ekpo, Prof Etete Peters, Prof Innocent Victor Modo, Barr Samuel Adejo, the immediate past Director of Private Universities from the National Universities Commission, among others into our institution. We are interested in building a legacy for our future generations.
We are determined to work with all lovers of education and humanity to ensure the comprehensive training of the future leaders of the country.
Nigeria is a great country and the biggest economy in Africa; everybody should contribute to the development of the educational sector of the country, and our institution will focus on keeping and maintaining high educational standards, academic excellence and an entrepreneurship program for our students.
What is your message to parents and guardians who are looking for a good higher institution to train their wards?
I am making a special appeal to parents and guardians to take advantage of the institution’s 30 per cent scholarship on tuition fees; one of the most affordable among private universities in Nigeria; as admissions remain open through the JAMB portal and accredited CBT centres.
I also need to remind the general public to understand that our university is equipped with 24 hrs security, smart lecture theatres, an e-library, and other facilities; the university can easily be accessed by Air and road transport. The institution is located on Km 50, Airport Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
What is the rationale behind naming major infrastructures in the university after prominent Nigerians?
Yes, it is a decision which was made because of where I am coming from and the need to appreciate people who have genuinely served and continue serving humanity and mankind. Thus, a select group of Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the upliftment of humanity have been honoured by the institution and their names boldly written on some of our major buildings to encourage others to work for the betterment of humanity. We will do so in the future.
Are you impressed with the progress at the University so far?
Though relatively young, our university has shown the determination and resilience to make a huge difference. With a committed management team, good lecturers, serious minded students, we are not resting on our oars to become the best and most affordable private university in Nigeria in the next few years.
We have a great vision for establishing this University, and we must see to its full realisation. We are indeed grateful to all those who have keyed into our vision by sponsoring students to the institution and others who pledge to donate structures and other facilities to encourage sound and quality education for our youths.
We are open to discussion with NGOs, government institutions, religious bodies and any group willing to train their people in the university. We have a flexible payment system and facilities to accommodate and give the recipients quality education.
