By ETIM ETIM
Addressing recent media reports suggesting mass terminations at Wigwe University, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi has clarified that no such exercise has taken place. In fact, only two or three staff members were separated from the institution last year, and there have been no terminations at all this year.
While acknowledging that a small number of staff whose work did not align with the university’s standards were gently let go in the past, Prof. Al-Akaidi emphasized that all actions strictly followed due process.
> “Our founder, the late Herbert Wigwe, set out to build one of the finest universities in Africa,” the Vice-Chancellor shared in a telephone interview. “Though he passed away over two years ago, our Governing Council, Board of Trustees, and management team remain deeply committed to fulfilling that vision. Our pace is fast and our standards are high. Naturally, some individuals may find it challenging to keep up. That does not mean they lack talent or competence—they simply may thrive better in a different environment, and we part ways with full respect for their future endeavors.”
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Prof. Al-Akaidi also clarified that decisions regarding staff welfare and retention are never made unilaterally. Rebutting claims that he individually dismissed employees, he emphasized that the university operates on clear, fair, and established disciplinary procedures designed to ensure transparency and accountability for everyone.
He added:
> “We are building a culture of dedication, quality, and excellence. Our goal is to encourage every member of our community to reach their full potential, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards to achieve that.”
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First licensed in 2023, Wigwe University warmly welcomed its pioneer class in October 2024. Today, it is home to roughly 300 students pursuing 21 degree programs across four distinct colleges: Engineering, Science & Computing, Management & Social Sciences, and Arts.
ETIM ETIM is a veteran journalist and PR professional with over 35 years of cognate experience.
He is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Policy & Politics (www.policyandpolitics.com.ng), an online newspaper dedicated to insightful analysis of Nigerian news and world’s report. He is also a columnist with BusinessDay and The Cable and is a regular contributor to other newspapers.
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