Wigwe varsity becomes most expensive Nigerian university, unseats Nile, Baze

Wigwe varsity becomes most expensive Nigerian university, unseats Nile, Baze

“I cannot change the world overnight. But if I can empower even one youth today, or tomorrow, they could join me in empowering others. With time, we could change the world,” were the words of the late Herbert Wigwe, the founder of Wigwe University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizzy, in the United States, was also a co-founder of Access Holdings (owners of Access Bank PLC).

The school, located in Isiokpo, Port Harcourt, when inaugurated in August 2024, could be Nigeria’s most expensive university, topping the likes of Covenant University, Otta; Nile University, Abuja; Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, and Baze University, Abuja, which are said to be some of Nigeria’s most expensive universities.

The varsity which is set to open its gates to its first set of students in August is also said to be run fully on 24-hour electricity and WiFi.

According to the school’s website, it also has an active conservation plan.

“With environmental protection as one of our eight sustainability pillars, we not only prioritise our impact but have looked to the area’s natural state to guide our campus design and planning.

“Port Harcourt’s tropical rainforest and indigenous plant species, lost through previous agricultural practices, are actively being reintroduced, whilst stormwater attenuation, vegetation, and fauna conservation direct our landscaping. Pedestrian, cyclist, and electric people-mover campus routes, along with forest walking/jogging/cycling trails, connect students to our surrounding environment, encouraging a lifelong love of nature,” it stated.

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The university will offer a diverse range of programmes across four major colleges – the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Art, the College of Science and Computing, and the College of Engineering.

Since the school mentioned that it would commence its first session in August, it has set off public debates among educational stakeholders, parents, and prospective students.

Many have said the university would only just be for the elite who could afford it but would not be made available to the children of the poor.

However, some others on the other side of the divide, have said quality education does not come cheap, adding that anyone who can not afford it should go to a school they can afford.

With the fees said to be as high as N12m per session, the university could become, undoubtedly, Nigeria’s most expensive university.

A check on the school’s website shows that the cheapest fee is the College is Arts which stands at N9.6m.

Students taking courses in the College of Engineering, College of Management and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Computing will pay a total fee of  N11,998,800 each.

The fees cover tuition, books, laboratory supplies and consumables, personal protective equipment, project lab resources, e-learning resources, health insurance, student membership in professional associations, student activities, and facilities maintenance.

There are also additional charges covering accommodation fees which include the luxury single-bedroom apartment plan at N1,000,000 per month, premium one en-suite bedroom plan at N3,845,000  per session, classic one plan at N3,707,000 per session and classic two plan at N3,500,000 per session.

The management of the university, while defending its decision to charge in dollars, recently stated that home students would pay their fees in naira, while international students could select the dollar payment option.

It also said the decision was a strategic one that aligned with its vision to attract a diverse and international student body.

School’s defence

Defending the fees, the university said it was unwavering in its commitment to excellence in education and the shaping of future African leaders.

Wigwe varsity becomes most expensive Nigerian university, unseats Nile, Baze

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