Why I established varsity, by Clark

IJAW national leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Wednesday at his country home explained why he decided to establish a private university.

The former minister said two things informed the establishment of the university; one, to leave behind a legacy when his days are fulfilled and to promote the unity of Nigeria in diversity.

Clark, who spoke while receiving over 1, 126 law books donated to the proposed Edwin Clark University, by the Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, said the University is being positioned to be one of the best in the study of law.

The books are meant for the Faculty of Law of the proposed university which Clark sought the advice of Utuama, who urged him to establish one.

Said Clark: “I said sometimes ago when I was 85 years that I would leave behind a legacy. People say Clark is a leader, some say he is a controversial figure, but for me, the most important thing is leaving a physical structure behind. So, I consulted friends, who said why not build a private educational institution.

The elder statesman revealed that after this consultation he resolved to establish a private university where youngsters from all over the country will come to learn in the spirit of one Nigeria.

The Deputy Governor said the books donated included the one written by him and launched by the late MKO Abiola, a journal produced by the University of Lagos Law department, the Nigerian law report of cases from 1985 to date published by the Gani Fawehinmi firm and 18 indexes.

He pledged to identify with the law faculty until it becomes a force to reckon with in legal studies in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that when Edwin Clark Foundation, which was giving insight into the university planned to take off in January 2014, revealed that the institution is expected to start with two faculties, 10 departments and fifteen undergraduate courses in the first year-sciences and management sciences.

Engineering and environment technology faculty are expected to start seven programmes each in the sixth year, along with six more programmes in sciences and management sciences.

Six departments in agriculture are not expected till the 17th year of the school.

It will train “technology professionals grounded in theory and also equipped with relevant hands-on and life skills for leadership, entrepreneurship and work for sustainable development,” said the Edwin Clark Foundation.

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