Southern Atlantic University Officially Launches in Uyo

Southern Atlantic University Officially Launches in Uyo

…Opens Admissions with 15 NUC-Approved Programmes

By Mfonobong Ukpong✍️
Saturday 30:08:25

A new chapter in Akwa Ibom’s educational landscape was written on Saturday, August 30, 2025, as the Southern-Atlantic University was officially commissioned and dedicated at its permanent campus along Km 50, Airport Road, Uyo.

The institution, recently accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, becomes the first recognized private university in Ibibio land.

The commissioning ceremony, chaired by Senator Ita Enang, Chairman of the Governing Council, marked the official take-off of the university, which is now open for admissions into its first set of programmes.

Senator Enang lauded the founder and proprietor, Pastor Bassey James, for his resilience in pursuing the vision to reality.

“This is a big dream fulfilled. In less than 24 hours after final verification, we are fully licensed to operate. I predict Southern-Atlantic University will grow into one of the biggest universities in the country. Our admission portal is now open, and we urge parents within and outside Nigeria to enroll their children and wards,” Enang said.

He also appreciated President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education, Governor Umo Eno, and the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Education for their support in actualizing the project.

In his remarks, the visioner of the University, Pastor Bassey James said the institution was birthed through divine inspiration, recalling moments when he almost gave up.

“This is a vision God gave to me. Today, it has become a reality. By His grace, Southern-Atlantic University will not only thrive but also compete globally within a few years. Already, six universities abroad have indicated interest in international collaborations,” James revealed.

He urged Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians at large to seize the opportunities the university presents, emphasizing that it is meant to complement existing tertiary institutions in the country.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ephraim Edem announced that the NUC has approved 15 academic programmes for immediate commencement. He listed the programmes to include; Accounting, Business Administration, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Public Administration and Criminology & Security Studies.

Others are; Political Science, Petroleum Chemistry, International Relations & Diplomacy, Economics, Information & Communication Technology, Microbiology, Physics with Electronics, Computer Science, Software Engineering and Cyber Security all offering Bachelor of Science, BSC degree.

Prof. Edem assured that the university would uphold excellence, innovation, and community impact as its guiding principles.

The Governing Council boasts eminent scholars and professionals, including Prof. Akpan Ekpo, Prof. Etete Peters, Prof. Usen Ikpe, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, Rev. Udeh Agwu, Dr. Mkposong Asuquo, and Francis Maduekwe.

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, and pioneer VC of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, described the establishment of the first private university on Ibibio land as an epoch-making development predicting that its graduates would significantly impact the State, Nigeria, and the world.

Other goodwill messages came from the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon and the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet, who both hailed the project as a pride of Ibibio land and a driver of economic development in the land and entire Akwa Ibom.

The commissioning and dedication service was officiated by Bishop Dr. Ebere Okorie, with the University Project Coordinator, Prof. Innocent Modo, presenting a comprehensive overview of the journey from conception to actualization.
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