Transformation of Abia State started with Sen. Orji Kalu as Governor – Founder, Southern Atlantic University

Renowned criminologist and founder of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Pastor Bassey James, in this interview, explains the reasons 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. Tony Okoh reports.

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 was a well-conceived decision, made in appreciation of a man I met many years ago in Lagos State, who 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 to rise in life. He gave me access to relate with his friends, regardless of their status, and genuinely groomed me into what I have become today. Senator Kalu also gave me huge support during my wedding in 1995, and I deeply appreciate his benevolence.

I met Senator Orji Uzor Kalu about 11 years before he became Governor of Abia State. He is a successful businessman with a wide network of friends and admirers. His home was like a Mecca for Nigerians, as he loves humanity. Senator Kalu touched my life positively and helped me discover the essence of reaching out to people, especially those in need.

His home in Igbere is always visited by people from all walks of life. He does not segregate but works with people irrespective of where they come from. In his employment are people from diverse backgrounds, and he gives equal opportunity to all. I cannot tell the complete story of my life without Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and naming 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 Governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007?

I would not say much, but I must state that he performed very well, with many visible and landmark achievements across several sectors of the state. The transformation of Abia State began during his tenure as governor.

He empowered many youths and continues to do so till date, which is why he is loved by his people. He is a selfless and pragmatic leader who desires positive results. It is on record that his legacies, popularity and acceptability enabled him to float a political party in 2006, which went on to win elections in Abia and Imo states. He is indeed a man of the people, loved and supported by them.

What informed your decision to establish a private university in Akwa Ibom State?

I was motivated by the desire to add 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 affordable and equipped with quality, top-notch facilities and dedicated lecturers. It is strategically located a few kilometres from the airport and about five minutes’ drive to the heart of Uyo. Lectures and admissions are currently ongoing.

We are unique because we teach and entrench entrepreneurship, enabling students to understand practically what they are learning. Our goal is to produce graduates who are employers of labour through proper character moulding and quality education.

You must have crossed many hurdles to realise your dream of owning a university?

It required commitment, resilience and determination. We passed through all legal and administrative hurdles. I must express my profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the licence for the operation of the university.

I also appreciate the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for providing an enabling environment for businesses and other activities to thrive. He is the Visitor to the university and will formally commission the institution during our matriculation ceremony in February 2026. We are proud of his tremendous efforts in the education sector.

Can you tell us about the institution and the courses offered?

We have a star-studded governing council and management team led by Distinguished Senator Ita Enang, Prof Emeritus Akpan Hogan Ekpo, Prof Innocent Victor Modo, Prof Etete Peters, Prof Ini Akpabio, and other distinguished professors and academicians from diverse backgrounds who have supported the university.

We are building a strong academic family, and our commitment to the institution is paramount. We assure the public that we will give our utmost best to ensure students receive quality education.

I sincerely appeal to parents to take advantage of our discounted tuition fees, which are among the most affordable among top private universities in Nigeria. We are open to partnerships with government and non-governmental organisations, religious bodies and humanitarian groups to train their members and beneficiaries.

We are also planning to award scholarships to youths from the three senatorial districts of the state, including non-indigenes, as part of our commitment to giving back to society.

Admissions and lectures are ongoing, and interested candidates can apply through the JAMB portal or approved CBT centres.

Southern Atlantic University is listed on the JAMB portal with over 15 courses, including: BSc Cyber Security; BSc Accounting; BSc Business Administration; BSc Computer Science; BSc Software Engineering; BSc Hospitality and Tourism Management; BSc Political Science; BSc International Relations and Diplomacy; BSc Microbiology and BSc Public Administration, among others.

With 24-hour security, easy accessibility by air and road, modern classrooms, a fully equipped e-library, a serene learning environment, experienced lecturers, affordable tuition, and industry-relevant programmes, we are committed to shaping exceptional leaders for the future.