We want to make university education affordable for every Nigerian — Bassey James

The Founder and Chancellor of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Pastor Bassey James, has told select journalists in this interview what motivated him to establish one of Nigeria’s outstanding private universities in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Excerpts:

Let us meet you once again?

I am a criminologist, businessman, entrepreneur and, of course, a servant of the Most High God. I am also a grassroots mobiliser who is interested in politics and good governance.

My greatest interest is in ensuring quality education and moulding outstanding youths who will adequately fit into 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 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 providing to our students beyond those offered by other conventional institutions, I must express my deep-seated gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting the institution the requisite operational licence.

Of course, I also appreciate our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for providing a serene, enabling and peaceful environment for the institution to operate.

My special appreciation equally goes to former Akwa Ibom State Governors, Chief Godswill Akpabio and Mr Udom Emmanuel, for their immense efforts towards developing the state.

Prospective students from Akwa Ibom State and other parts of the country with a JAMB score of 150 and above, and who are willing to study at Southern Atlantic University, are highly welcome.

The university has received full approval from the Federal Government and currently offers 15 exciting academic programmes, including B.Sc. 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 include B.Sc. Political Science, B.Sc. International Relations and Diplomacy, B.Sc. Microbiology, B.Sc. Public Administration, among others.

We gathered that the university is offering various types of scholarships to interested students. Is this true?

Yes. Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, is offering 30 per cent scholarships to students in all categories who are interested in studying at the university.
This was made possible through collaborations and partnerships with some educationally committed individuals and non-profit organisations that 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 or background.

We want to give back to society because God raised us for humanity.
We advise interested students to visit the university and also change their institution of first choice to Southern Atlantic University through any JAMB-approved CBT centre.

Again, we offer our students a simple payment programme twice in a session, called “Pay What You Have,” through which they can commence their education and become students of the university.

We want to change the world of education so that no child will be left uneducated. We are open to partnerships 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 and distinguish itself among 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 an understanding of where you are going.

The university team is solid, and we are committed to expanding into agricultural programmes, entrepreneurship development, as well as other business and service areas.

We want to groom future leaders who will not only be self-reliant but also become 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 the institution for greater productivity prompted the appointment of Dr Uyime Idem, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, Prof. Etete Peters, Prof. Innocent Victor Modo, Barr. Samuel Adejo, the immediate past Director of Private Universities at the National Universities Commission, among others, joined our institution.

We are interested in building a legacy for 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.
Our institution will focus on maintaining high educational standards, academic excellence and entrepreneurship programmes 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. We are one of the most affordable private universities in Nigeria, and admissions remain open through the JAMB portal and accredited CBT centres.

I also need to remind the general public that our university is equipped with 24-hour security, smart lecture theatres, an e-library and other modern facilities. The university can easily be accessed by air and road.

What is the rationale behind naming major infrastructures in the university after prominent Nigerians?

Yes, it is a decision that was made because of where I am coming from and my desire to appreciate people who have genuinely served and continue to serve humanity and mankind.

Thus, a select group of Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the upliftment of humanity have been honoured by the institution, with their names boldly displayed on some of our major buildings to encourage others to work for the betterment of humanity.
We will continue to do more 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 and serious-minded students, we are not resting on our laurels in our determination 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, as well as those who have pledged to donate structures and other facilities to encourage sound and quality education for our youths.

We are open to discussions with NGOs, government institutions, religious bodies and any group willing to train their people at the university.

We have a flexible payment system and facilities to accommodate students and provide them with quality education.