Clifford University to support education of indigent students

By Ijendu Iheaka

November 16, 2016

 The Seventh Day Adventist Church is opening an organization at Clifford University, Ihie, Isiala Ngwa North, Abia State to source and receive financial help for less privileged students, the President has said.

 The Eastern Nigeria Union Conference President, SDA Church, Dr Bassey Udoh disclosed this in an interview with our reporter in Aba on Tuesday.

Speaking on the fee structure of the newly approved University, Udoh said it would provide opportunities for less privileged students to study on scholarship schemes funded by organizations.

“We are going to open an organization in Clifford to network with NGOs to help less privileged to study. Today I see people who come to hospitals to pay medical bills for people who cannot pay their bills.

“We need to do this in Clifford University and we hope to offer this chance to Nigerians. We know there are many Nigerians who can do this.

“We are also looking at other measures to help. We will with time look for NGOs that can float scholarship schemes. We have a committee working on this.

“Can you imagine an NGO sponsoring 50 to 100 students? I am looking forward to a strong Nigerian putting up an education Trust Fund in Clifford University. I am using this opportunity to publicize this.

“We have many millionaires in this country. Where do they keep this money? Use it for the training of the socially challenged. This is what I see in many countries.

“I want to see NGOs, wealthy Nigerians, religious organizations; social clubs come to Clifford University to support education. This is one way to make university education affordable for all”, he said

Udoh said that the institution would be focusing on what it could offer students instead of looking at the cost of education therein.

However, he noted that apart from using scholarship schemes to support poor students, the university has plans to ensure parents of students with less economic power pay fees in two installments.

“Clifford University will be open to the rich, the poor and the middle-class. I overheard the planning session. Students may even be allowed to pay in two installments to accommodate those who are not economically very strong", he said.

Udoh, also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of Babcock University called on Nigerians to invest it in social stability which could be achieved through education that builds the character of its beneficiaries.

He said that the university would start off operations culminating in commencement of studies as soon as it receives its charter particulars from NUC on November 22, 2016.

“As soon as we receive this charter, we will make public our plans to start studies in the university. We have to follow the NUC’s directives. The admission forms are ready.

“We want to use the month of November and December for recruitment and admissions. And I know JAMB is willing to assist us with admissions. We will partner with other universities”, he said.

Clifford University which became the 130th Adventist University in the world was approved by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) on November 2, 2016.

It is the second Adventist University in Nigeria coming after Babcock University located in Ogun State in Western Nigeria.