Jubilation swept through Igarra, the administrative hub of Akoko Edo Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State, as Adeche Momoh University (AMU) moves closer to launching academic activities, marking a historic milestone as the first private university in the region.
For years, Akoko Edo has struggled with limited government presence, leaving residents yearning for development. The establishment of AMU is now being celebrated as a transformative step that could reshape the region’s educational landscape.
Following an inspection of the university’s facilities by officials from the National Universities Commission (NUC), the institution’s founder, Professor James Adeche Momoh, in a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday, expressed confidence in its readiness.
“The visiting NUC officials are impressed with what they have seen,” Momoh told The Guardian. “This is the first university of its kind in Igarra and the entire Akoko Edo region. Our institution will be guided by excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. We aim to be one of the best universities in Nigeria.”
A former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Momoh emphasized that AMU’s mission is to bring quality education closer to the people of Igarra.
“Education, knowledge, and capacity must be shared,” he said. “While I have been on a journey of learning and knowledge-sharing, I realize that my people in Igarra also need access to quality education. We want to establish a strong foundation in engineering, technical studies, computer science, and law, among other emerging fields.”
He also highlighted plans to contribute to legal education by training future lawyers and legal professionals.
Expressing gratitude, Momoh thanked the NUC team for their visit and assured them that any concerns raised during the inspection would be addressed. He also extended his appreciation to the people of Akoko Edo and Edo State at large for their support in making the university a reality.
Professor Mariam Omenun Ibrahim, a member of the university’s board, revealed that AMU would offer degree programs across four major colleges: Arts and Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Law, alongside Entrepreneurial Studies.
“This university started as a dream, and today, it is becoming a reality. It is a lasting legacy for future generations. In the coming years, we plan to establish a medical school, and we envision AMU gaining global recognition,” she said.
The host community has warmly embraced the university’s arrival, with residents calling The Guardian to express their excitement and gratitude to Momoh for his dedication to education in the region.
“We have waited so long for a project like this,” one resident said. “Now that it is here, we are ready to support it fully.”
Others pledged to set aside differences and work together to ensure the success of the institution, which will be the first higher education facility in Igarra and Akoko Edo.
As AMU prepares to open its doors, the Akoko-Edo community, as observed by The Guardian, is hopeful that the university will not only provide quality education but also stimulate economic and social development in the region.
