Abuja: The Chancellor of the European University of Nigeria, Sen. Nicholas Ukachukwu, announced the establishment of a N50 billion endowment fund aimed at advancing research and innovation at the institution. Ukachukwu made this revelation during an interview at the university’s inaugural matriculation ceremony.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative is designed to ensure that research conducted at the university leads to practical solutions with a measurable impact on society. Ukachukwu emphasized that the university was created to be a research hub, and the endowment fund will focus on specific research areas and disciplines. He highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting research from the discovery phase to real-world application, especially in drug development and technological innovation.
Ukachukwu explained that achieving significant breakthroughs requires specialized skills, modern laboratories, and continuous financial investment. He reiterated the institution’s dedication to fostering an environment conducive to research and student success. The research culture at the university will emphasize tangible results and societal relevance, he added.
The Chancellor expressed his determination that the research outcomes should not remain unused, asserting that investments must yield results and positively impact lives. The university aims to educate students who can think beyond traditional classroom learning to address societal issues. Additionally, the institution is developing a center of excellence with cutting-edge technology and highly skilled personnel.
Ukachukwu mentioned the possibility of future collaborations with government institutions to utilize the university’s facilities and research findings. He anticipates notable outcomes from the research investments within a one to five-year timeframe.
In his address to the matriculating students, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Ibezim encouraged them to strive for academic excellence, discipline, and innovation. He called the event historic, marking the official entry of the university’s first group of students. Prof. Ibezim reiterated the university’s goal of producing graduates who are intellectually adept, ethically sound, and globally competitive.
He advised students that their admission was a testament to their hard work and potential, but emphasized the importance of leveraging the opportunity presented to them. The Vice-Chancellor promised quality education, state-of-the-art laboratories, digital resources, and mentorship for their academic pursuits. He urged students to engage in critical thinking, creativity, and innovation while utilizing the available learning resources.
Prof. Ibezim also highlighted the university’s zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, harassment, drug abuse, and other misconduct. He encouraged student participation in sports, extracurricular activities, and leadership programs to build teamwork and leadership capabilities. Finally, he assured parents and guardians of the university’s ongoing commitment to enhancing teaching, research, infrastructure, and student welfare.