Southern Atlantic University set to matriculate pioneer students, hails Tinubu

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Founder of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Bassey James, has expressed deep-seated gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the institution, describing it as the first private university in Ibibio land.

Pastor Bassey James, who made the remarks while addressing journalists yesterday, also announced that the budding institution will hold its first matriculation on April 11, 2026, at the premises of the university.

According to him, “The Governing Council, management and staff of Southern Atlantic University remain thankful to our President for granting an operational licence to our university. The Ibibio people and the entire Akwa Ibom State appreciate his kind gesture, and our maiden matriculation slated for April 11 will be a great opportunity to honour Mr. President and other prominent Nigerians.”

The founder highlighted that a select group of Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the upliftment of humanity will be honoured during the matriculation ceremony. He stressed that the institution will officially name some of its major buildings after them to encourage others to work for the betterment of humanity.

He added that the institution will focus on maintaining high educational standards, academic excellence and entrepreneurship programmes for its students.

He said, “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.”
He maintained that the university team is solid and committed, stressing that they are expanding into agricultural programmes as well as the development of business and service-oriented courses.

“We also wish to thank Mr. President for appointing our Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Ita Enang, as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa,” he said.

He noted that the desire to strengthen the institution for greater productivity led to the recent appointment of Dr Uyime Idem, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, Prof. Etete Peters, Prof. Innocent Victor Modo and Barr. Samuel Adejo, the immediate past Director of Private Universities at the National Universities Commission, among others.

“We are interested in building a legacy for our future generations,” he added.
Bassey, a criminologist and security communication expert, maintained that Nigeria is a great country and the largest economy in Africa, urging citizens to contribute to the development of the nation.

He also specifically thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for his visionary leadership.
Pastor James reiterated that “Southern Atlantic University is here to stay. The institution’s commitment to providing world-class education is unparalleled, and our dedication to global best standards is unwavering.”

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

Equipped with 24-hour security, smart lecture theatres, an e-library and other modern facilities, the university, easily accessible by air and road transportation, is in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The founder also appealed to parents and guardians to take advantage of the institution’s discounted tuition, one of the most affordable among private universities in Nigeria, as admissions remain open through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board portal and accredited CBT centres.
He stressed that admission into the university is still ongoing.