Tochi Wigwe, daughter of the late Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe, delivered a heartfelt address at the inaugural matriculation ceremony of Wigwe University. The historic event, held on November 14, 2024, marked a bittersweet milestone just 240 days after the tragic loss of the institution’s visionary founder.
The ceremony represented more than just the formal welcome of the university’s first cohort of students; it stood as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Herbert Wigwe’s commitment to educational excellence in Nigeria. As Tochi took the stage to represent her family, her presence embodied the continuation of her father’s dream, now transformed into reality despite his untimely departure.
In a moment that captured both strength and vulnerability, Tochi connected with the student body through a remarkably personal address. Her acknowledgment of their social media presence revealed a leader in touch with the younger generation: “I must confess, I’m constantly watching your TikToks and honestly; they make me smile everyday. You guys are so creative; so full of energy it’s honestly contagious,” she shared, bridging the formal occasion with genuine warmth.
The significance of the moment was not lost on attendees, as documented by Eugene Abels, who shared footage of the speech on Facebook. The video captured Tochi’s delivery of three profound life lessons that reflected both personal experience and universal wisdom. You only miss opportunities you do not take,” she began, following with “you’re so much stronger and braver than you ever think,” and concluding with the powerful reminder that “God will never give you a battle you are not equipped to handle.
These words carried particular weight coming from someone who, along with her family, had faced the immense challenge of carrying forward her father’s educational vision in the wake of his passing. The emotion in her voice as she urged students to “show up and show out” in all their endeavors spoke to the personal investment she and her family have made in ensuring the success of their father’s last great project.
The matriculation ceremony itself marked a crucial milestone for Wigwe University, taking place just weeks after the institution opened its doors for its first academic year. The timing of the event, occurring less than a year after Herbert Wigwe’s tragic passing, underscored the remarkable speed and dedication with which his vision was brought to fruition by those he left behind.
Throughout the ceremony, the interaction between Tochi and the students revealed the beginning of a special relationship between the Wigwe family and the university community. Her willingness to engage with students, posing for photographs and celebrating their creativity, suggested a leadership style that balances institutional formality with personal connection – a approach that would likely have made her father proud.
The event served as a powerful reminder of how educational institutions can bridge generational gaps and carry forward the visions of their founders. In Tochi’s emotional delivery and the students’ enthusiastic response, observers witnessed the transformation of personal loss into collective purpose, as the university community came together to honor both their founder’s memory and their own promising futures.
Looking ahead, Wigwe University stands as more than just another addition to Nigeria’s educational landscape. Through Tochi’s moving speech and presence, it represents a living testament to Herbert Wigwe’s belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations.
As the ceremony concluded and Tochi wiped away tears while continuing to encourage and inspire the inaugural class, it became clear that while Herbert Wigwe may no longer be physically present, his spirit of excellence, innovation, and commitment to education lives on through both the institution that bears his name and the daughter who now helps carry his vision forward.
The first matriculation of Wigwe University thus stands as more than just an academic milestone – it marks the moment when a personal dream became a shared legacy, carried forward by the next generation for the benefit of many generations to come.
