The founder of the Southern Atlantic University, Pastor Bassey James has described the federal government of approval of the Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as a worthy investment in the lives of the people of Ibibio land.
James also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education for bringing the first licensed private university in Ibibio land to fruition.
The Federal Government recently granted provisional licenses to eleven private universities including the Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
Speaking at a reception in Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State capital, on Wednesday, James disclosed that the Ibibio land which comprises of two senatorial districts but has no private universities until the approval of the Southern Atlantic University.
He said, “I thank God for the opportunity He has given to me to pioneer the first private university in Ibibio land, the Southern Atlantic University. Ibibio land comprises of two senatorial districts, we have not had any private universities. Our people are so happy with President Bola Tinubu for bringing the university into fruition. I want to thank the president and the Minister for Education and the National University Commission for finding us worthy of a private university. We will eternally be grateful to Mr. President. I am assuring that we will continue to support and encourage Mr. President for this wonderful gesture he has done for us. This is a record-breaking project for the entire Ibibio land and Akwa Ibom in particular.
“By the grace of Grace, we will run a university that would look at the masses. It will be people’s centred in every aspect of life. It is a university that will prioritise the less privileged. Even for someone like me, I never believed I can attain such height in life because I was from a humble background. This is why I have vowed to give back to the society nothing but the best in terms of academics and every other thing. And by the grace of God, the tuition fee will be affordable.
“I have made a promise to God that I’m going to grant scholarships to indigent Nigerian students because of my background. God took me from nowhere, cleaned me and lifted me. As a pastor, I think about humanity first. Our emphasis is not about money but the service of God and the people. I came from a very low background and I have always promised God that if He lift me, I will lift others. if He bless me, I will bless others therefore Southern Atlantic University is a product of divine blessings and I must give back to the society. I lost my parents at a very young age and I went through a lot of pain and agony for me to get to where I am today.”
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