Pastor Bassey James, a renowned criminologist and founder of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in this interview, explains the reason the institution named its major administrative block after a former two-term governor of Abia State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, among other salient issues. Excerpts.
You have named the major administrative block of your university after Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a former Abia State governor. What informed your decision?
That is a well-conceived decision in appreciation of a man I met many years ago in Lagos State, and he took me in as a younger brother and mentored me to face life and achieve success. Dr Kalu is a man after God’s heart, a detribalised Nigerian and a man of the people. He accepted me as a younger brother and assisted me in rising in life. He gave me access to relate with his friends, no matter their status and genuinely groomed me into what I have become today in life.
Senator Kalu gave me a huge surprise in support of the success of my wedding in 1995, and I appreciate his benevolence. I met Senator Orji Kalu about 11 years before he became the Abia State governor. He is a successful businessman and has a big network of friends and admirers. His home was kind of a Mecca for all Nigerians, and he loves humanity. Senator Kalu touched my life very positively and helped me discover the essence of reaching out to people, especially those in need.
Kalu’s home is open to all Nigerians and even foreigners. The Igbere community is always visited by people from all walks of life. He never segregates but works with people, no matter where they come from. In his employ are people from all walks of life, and he gives equal opportunity to all irrespective of their background. I will not tell the complete story of my life without Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and my decision to name our university’s administrative block after him is my little way of saying thank you for his mentorship and kindness.
How would you describe his era as the governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007?
I wouldn’t say much on this, but I must state that he did very well with many visible and eye-marked achievements in many sectors of the state. He started the transformation of Abia State when he was elected governor. He empowered so many youths and is still doing so to date; that is the reason he is loved by his people. He is a selfless and pragmatic leader who wants only positive results. It is on record that his legacies, popularity and acceptability made him float a party in 2006 and win two states, Abia and Imo, for the new party. He is indeed a man of the people, loved and supported by the people.
What informed your decision to float a private university in Akwa Ibom State?
I was motivated to add great value to humanity and help train our teeming youths through quality and affordable education. Southern Atlantic University is the first private university in the Ibibio nation of Akwa Ibom State with global appeal. The university is very affordable, with quality and top-notch facilities and dedicated lecturers. It is accessible, a few kilometres away from the Airport and a few minutes’ drive to the heart of the city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Lectures and admissions are ongoing in the institution now. We are unique because we teach and entrench entrepreneurship to help our students understand in practical terms all they are learning. The university is all out to ensure that our graduates are employers of labour after adequate moulding of character and learning.
You must have crossed many hurdles to realise your dream of owning a university?
It comes with commitment, resilience, and determination. We passed through all legal and administrative hurdles. I must express deep-seated gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the license for the operation of the university. I will not fail to thank the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for the provision of an enabling environment for businesses and other activities to thrive in Akwa Ibom State. He is the Visitor to the University and will formally commission the institution soon during our matriculation in February 2026. We are proud of his tremendous efforts in the education sector.
Related: Why Southern Atlantic University Honoured Udom Emmanuel—Varsity Founder
Can you tell us about the institution and the courses offered at your university?
We have a star-studded team and governing council led by Distinguished Senator Ita Enang, Prof. Emeritus Akpan Hogan Ekpo, Prof. Innocent Victor Modo, Prof. Etete Peters, Prof. Ini Akpabio, and all the professors, including other academicians from different backgrounds who have supported our university.
We are building a big family, and our commitment to the institution is paramount. We therefore want to assure the world that we will give our utmost best in ensuring that the students are given the best.
I sincerely appeal to parents to take advantage of the discounted school fees, which are among the cheapest among top private universities in Nigeria. We are willing to partner with government and non-governmental organisations and religious and humanitarian bodies to train their members and the people they wish to help.
We are also planning to give out scholarships to various youths from the three senatorial districts of the state, including non-indigenes, to give back to society. We will do this in conjunction with relevant authorities to select those who truly deserve it.
However, lectures and admission are still ongoing, and students can visit the JAMB Portal or an approved CBT centre to enrol in Southern Atlantic University.
The university is also on the JAMB portal with 15 courses, such as a B.Sc. degree in Cyber Security. Other exciting programmes include:
▪ BSc Accounting
▪ BSc Business Administration
▪ BSc Computer Science
▪ BSc Software Engineering
▪ BSc Hospitality & Tourism Management
▪ BSc Political Science
▪ BSc International Relations & Diplomacy
▪ BSc Microbiology
▪ BSc Public Administration and many more.
We have 24-hour security, easy accessibility through both air and road transportation, modern classrooms, a fully equipped e-library, a serene and conducive learning environment, experienced and supportive lecturers, affordable tuition, a spacious campus with top-notch facilities, and industry-relevant programmes designed for real-world success. We are committed to shaping exceptional leaders.
