Monday September 01, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
Senator Ita Enang has been appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of Southern-Atlantic University, a newly accredited private university in Ibibio land, Akwa Ibom State. This appointment is notable, given Enang’s extensive experience in Nigerian politics and governance.
On Saturday, August 30, 2025, a new chapter in Akwa Ibom’s educational landscape was written 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.
Senator Ita Enang, Chairman of the Governing Council, 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 by the National Universities Commission. 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,” he said.
Senator Enang 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.
Pastor Bassey James, the visioner of the University, 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.
Prof. Ephraim Edem, Vice-Chancellor of the University, announced that the NUC has approved 15 academic programmes for immediate commencement. The programmes include:
– Accounting
– Business Administration
– Hospitality & Tourism Management
– Public Administration and Criminology & Security Studies
– Political Science
– Petroleum Chemistry
– International Relations & Diplomacy
– Economics
– Information & Communication Technology
– Microbiology
– Physics with Electronics
– Computer Science
– Software Engineering
– Cyber Security
All programmes are offering Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees. 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.
Prof. Akpan Ekpo, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, and pioneer VC of Akwa Ibom State University, 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.
Also speaking at the event, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon hailed the project as a pride of Ibibio land and a driver of economic development.
In his goodwill remarks, the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet congratulated the university on its commissioning and dedication.
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.
Senator Ita Enang, who is the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University was born on August 23, 1962, in Ididep, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. He is a seasoned Politician and lawyer with decades of experience in governance and legislative processes. He served as Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters and Niger Delta Affairs.
Sen. Enang represented Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District in the Senate from 2011 to 2015, and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
