Southern Atlantic University opens doors to new students

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, has opened its gates to fresh, qualified students willing to acquire a sound tertiary education.

The founder and chancellor of the university, Pastor Bassey James, who announced this at the formal dedication and official inauguration of the varsity, said the institution is already working on affiliation with six international universities after the successful visit of the National University commissions officials to the institution recently.

He said that the preparation done by the varsity in ensuring top-notch education and training of students is such that it will take only three years for the institution to emerge at the top and become an international study center.

He pointed out that the university underwent rigorous inspections from the NUC officials on various occasions to ascertain its level of preparedness, stressing that everything is set to begin the admission of students and studies.

Also speaking at the occasion of the dedication and inauguration of the institution, the chairman governing council, Senator Ita Enàng, said, “We are not here for competition with any institution but to complement other good institutions and make a marked difference in moulding youths for the future.”

Senator Enàng maintained that the institution is open to all Nigerians and International students, stressing that its facilities, accessibility and security remain unparalleled.

He expressed deep-seated gratitude to the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu, the federal Ministry of Education and the Àkwa ibom state government for the enabling environment for the institution to thrive

On his own, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof Hogan Akpan Ekpo, said the citing of the university and its impact on the investment will be unimaginable in the few years to come.

According to him, “Students from here will make hay in society and occupy various important positions. Education is a leveler.

He said the citing of the university has addressed poverty, education and many others.

Ekpo, who lamented that old universities are declining, prayed that the new institution would continue to rise to greatness.

He added, “This University will not decline; the entire host community will soon turn into an economic hub. I appeal to the government, community leaders to ensure that the university succeeds.

Ekpo said a good university is known for good linkages with international institutions, and we are glad to hear that six university is set to link up with the university.

The Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof Ephraim Edem, expressed deep-seated gratitude to God for ensuring the emergence of the first university in Ibibio land. Stressing that all necessary approvals and certifications have been obtained

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 the Vice Chancellor, 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

The Vice Chancellor also highlighted that the university will be affordable to all Nigerians, irrespective of the top-notch academics and 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 labor, this is a landmark investment for the future.”

Prof Innocent Victor Modo, Chairman Project Implementation Committee, hailed the varsity founder’s courage and dedication in ensuring the successful kick-off of the university

According to him, “We have had two major visitations in which the NUC officials acknowledged that we have adequate facilities on the ground. All the facilities are intact, with over 26 classrooms for students ready to start with studies

The university is accessible to the world with its proximity to the airport and dual carriageway leading into the city.