One hundred foundation students are set to benefit from scholarships of N250,000 each as the much anticipated Edwin Clark University opens today (Saturday) in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State with maiden matriculation.
Briefing newsmen yesterday ahead of the event, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university, Prof. Timothy Alagbemiro stated the occasion will also feature investiture of the founder, Chief Edwin Clark as Chancellor with keynote address by former Kano State governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.
The VC noted, “The education support scheme under the Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Tuition-free Scholarship is in furtherance of the the school founder’s passion for education and strong belief that brilliant indigent students should not be denied the right to education due to financial challenges.
“From conception to this takeoff point, Chief Clark has committed over N4B into this project. With 24 structures including a 1000seater auditorium, we stand to be challenged as the university with the most readiness structures at takeoff in the annals of Nigerian universities.”
In his remarks, Chief Clark, an Elder statesman and controversial Ijaw leader, stated he was motivated to set up the institution mainly to leave a lasting legacy for the benefit of humanity after he has served his time on earth.
“The project has taught me that setting up a university is far less challenging than sustaining it. Going to 89 years of age, I could not have thought of any better legacy to live behind. I was a teacher for many years and I am passionate about promoting education for as many willing people”, Clark stated.