Clifford University Ihie in Abia State witnessed an extraordinary atmosphere on Wednesday the nineteenth day of November two thousand and twenty five when former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Samson Ogah PhD FCA CON OON, elevated the institution’s Eminent Personality Lecture Series into a milestone event. Delivering a compelling keynote address, Dr Ogah announced a Ten Million Naira donation to the university, a revelation that drew waves of applause from students and staff who filled the auditorium to capacity.
The excitement intensified when Dr Ogah unveiled a second far reaching commitment that immediately reshaped the mood of the hall. He pledged that every Accounting graduate of Clifford University who completes the National Youth Service Corps will receive automatic employment across his business establishments. The announcement, which many students described as a once in a lifetime breakthrough, instantly strengthened the university’s profile as an institution that offers not only academic training but credible career pathways.
Expanding on the motivation behind his gesture, Dr Ogah emphasised that education remains the cornerstone of national progress. He asserted that Nigeria can only thrive when its young people are equipped with knowledge, skills, moral discipline and opportunities to translate classroom learning into real economic participation. He called on private sector leaders to demonstrate sincere commitment by partnering with universities through funding, mentorship and job creation. According to him, genuine economic development requires intentional bridges between institutions of learning and the labour market so that brilliant graduates do not become victims of unemployment.
Clifford University management described the announcement as a landmark achievement in the institution’s journey. Senior officials noted that the donation and employment guarantee align with the university’s mission of nurturing highly skilled and globally competitive graduates who embody integrity, discipline and excellence. They added that Dr Ogah’s support will strengthen ongoing infrastructural upgrades, enhance academic programmes and widen the university’s capacity to produce industry ready professionals.
Students who attended the lecture expressed deep gratitude, calling the event a life defining encounter. Many said Dr Ogah’s words and actions restored their confidence in the possibilities that await disciplined and hardworking Nigerian youths. Several graduating Accounting students revealed that the pledge has given them renewed motivation to excel academically knowing that their future has been secured through a trusted platform.
Beyond the immediate impact, educational stakeholders believe Dr Ogah’s intervention presents a model worth replicating across the country. They noted that the blend of philanthropy, mentorship and guaranteed employment offers a practical approach to tackling youth unemployment while inspiring academic institutions to strengthen their relationship with industry leaders.
With this unprecedented commitment, Dr Uche Ogah continues to reinforce his image as a nation builder, philanthropist and advocate for transformative leadership. His visit to Clifford University has not only left a powerful imprint on the institution but has also set a new benchmark for how private sector visionaries can drive meaningful change in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
