…Pro-Chancellor Pledges to Open Global Opportunities for Students and Staff
Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable development with the successful inauguration of its Third Governing Council and the commissioning of its Solar Independent Power Plant (IPP), two landmark events that underscore the institution’s steady rise as one of Nigeria’s fast-growing private universities.
The historic two-day programme brought together distinguished personalities from government, academia, the financial sector, the business community, the University’s host community, and other critical stakeholders who assembled to celebrate another milestone in the University’s remarkable journey of growth and transformation.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with an opening prayer led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Essien D. Udosen, while the Registrar, Deaconess Faith E. Emmanuel, formally declared the purpose of the gathering. In his welcome remarks, the Vice-Chancellor described the inauguration of the Third Governing Council as a defining moment that would further strengthen the University’s governance structure and accelerate its drive towards academic excellence, innovation, and institutional sustainability.
The Chairman of the Second Governing Council, Prof. Charles M. Ogbodo, reflected on the achievements recorded during his tenure and expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated Council would build on the solid foundation already established, steering the University to even greater heights.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the official inauguration of the Third Governing Council by the Founder and Visitor, Distinguished Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, who formally inaugurated the new Council led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Hon. Prof. Stephen S. Azaiki, OON, alongside other distinguished members including Prof. Nse Essien, Dr. Ebong Eno, Barr. Kingsley Chinda, and other accomplished professionals entrusted with providing strategic direction for the University.
In a deeply inspiring post-inauguration address, Hon. Prof. Stephen S. Azaiki, OON, an internationally respected academic, administrator, and development expert, expressed profound appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and the newly constituted Council. He assured members of the University community that his vast international network and wealth of experience would be deployed to attract meaningful collaborations that would benefit Ritman University.
According to the Pro-Chancellor, the University is strategically positioned to become a globally connected institution through international partnerships, research collaborations, faculty development programmes, student exchange opportunities, and academic linkages with reputable institutions across the world.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that will improve academic quality, strengthen institutional governance, enhance research, and create opportunities that will prepare Ritman University students to compete successfully in an increasingly globalised world.
The second day of activities featured the inaugural meeting of the Third Governing Council before attention shifted to another remarkable achievement, the commissioning of the University’s Solar Independent Power Plant, a project that reflects Ritman University’s determination to provide a reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly source of electricity for its academic and administrative operations.
Welcoming guests to the commissioning ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akan B. Williams, described the project as a bold investment in the future of the University. He noted that uninterrupted power supply remains essential for effective teaching, learning, research, innovation, and digital transformation, adding that the Solar Independent Power Plant represents another strategic step towards providing a world-class learning environment for students.
Providing an overview of the project, the Chief Executive Officer of Ritman group of Companies, Engr. Ekanem Ibokessien, highlighted the vision behind the initiative and explained its operational capacity, long-term sustainability, and expected impact on the University’s academic, research, and administrative activities. He noted that the project aligns with global best practices in renewable energy and demonstrates the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The ceremony also featured a series of goodwill messages from distinguished guests and institutional partners, each commending the visionary leadership of the Founder and Visitor and the University’s Management for their unwavering commitment to quality education and infrastructural development.
Among those who delivered goodwill messages were Hon. Jerry Otu, Abom Tony Esu, the General Manager of Akwa Savings and Loans, and other invited stakeholders, all of whom applauded Ritman University’s remarkable growth trajectory and described the institution as a shining example of purposeful leadership and strategic investment in higher education.
The goodwill speakers praised the University for its consistent investment in modern infrastructure and innovation, noting that projects such as the Solar Independent Power Plant would not only improve campus operations but also position Ritman University as a model for sustainable university development in Nigeria. They encouraged the Management to sustain the momentum by continuing to invest in facilities and programmes that enhance teaching, learning, research, and community development.
In his address, the Founder and Visitor, Distinguished Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to building an institution capable of competing with the very best across the world. He stressed that every investment made by the University is aimed at creating an enabling environment where students can acquire quality education supported by modern facilities and innovative technologies.
The climax of the event was the official commissioning of the Ritman University Solar Independent Power Plant by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Third Governing Council, Hon. Prof. Stephen S. Azaiki, OON, who was accompanied by the Founder and Visitor, the Co-Founders, members of the Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor, principal officers, and other distinguished dignitaries.
As the commissioning plaque was unveiled amid applause and celebration, guests described the project as another bold testament to Ritman University’s vision of combining academic excellence with modern infrastructure to provide an exceptional learning experience for its students.
The successful inauguration of the Third Governing Council and the commissioning of the Solar Independent Power Plant reinforce Ritman University’s position as a forward-looking institution committed to excellence, innovation, sustainability, and global relevance. With the promise of expanded international collaborations from its new Pro-Chancellor, the continued visionary leadership of its Founder and Co-Founder, and sustained investment in cutting-edge infrastructure, Ritman University is poised to offer students an enriching educational experience that extends beyond the classroom.
As the University continues to pursue its guiding philosophy of “Knowledge for Development,” these landmark achievements reaffirm its readiness to nurture graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, global exposure, and innovative mindset required to excel in today’s dynamic world, while strengthening its reputation as a preferred destination for quality university education in Nigeria and beyond.
