Newly Licensed University in Akwa Ibom Excites Oku Ibom Ibibio

Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General Supreme Council of Ibibio Traditional Rulers, Akwa Ibom State, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, CFR, has hailed the Federal Government’s approval of Southern Atlantic University (formally Southern Atlantic Polytechnic), Uyo, as a great feat for the people of the state.

Ntenyin Etuk, who is the Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, expressed his delight as he received Pastor Bassey James, founder of the institution, accompanied by his team, at his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

It would recalled that Southern Atlantic University was among the 11 additional private universities in Nigeria granted approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the Federal Executive Council Meeting of Wednesday, March 27, 2025. This landmark development validates the institution’s pioneering status as the first private university in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

In his speech, Oku Ibom Ibibio commended President Bola Tinubu for granting a license to Southern Atlantic University, praising it as a significant milestone in expanding educational opportunities in Akwa Ibom State, adding that the development is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and bridging the gap in access to quality education in the country.

He further emphasized the significance of having more private universities in the state, citing the numerous benefits they bring, including increased access to tatiary education, reduced burden on public universities, and also stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.

He said, “You’re all welcome to your palace, esit amanem Owo oboho isitanha uwak iko.

“Pastor Bassey James, the founder of the institution, I’m so excited to be on this throne as the Oku Ibom Ibibio and witness that Akwa Ibom have another private university, and this time – from Ibibio extraction”.

“I must commend President Bola Tinubu, for granting approval to Southern Atlantic University, Uyo. This will go a long way to ease our public universities and also ensure access to quality education.

“I’m super excited to be part of this achievement in educational sector in Akwa Ibom, may the good Lord be with you and your team to make this institute one of the best in the state and beyond.”

In his opening remarks, Pastor Bassey James, founder of Southern Atlantic University, lauded Oku Ibom Ibibio as an education-friendly monarch, expressing admiration for his commitment to promoting academic excellence in the state. He explained that the purpose of their visit was to apprise His Eminence of the institution’s development.

He also highlighted key milestones and future plans, and humbly appealed for his royal support and partnership in advancing the university’s mission to provide quality education to the people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigerians at large.

Other attendees included Eteidung Sunday Matthew, Village Head of Ikot Ekpan, and Mr. Anietie Peters, Secretary of the Nsit Ubium Traditional Rulers Council.

A delegation from Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, included notable academics and administrators such as Professor Peter Esoh, Professor Etete Peters, Barrister John Elijah, and Mr. Ubong Akpandem.