The University of Port Harcourt is an alma mater to many high-profile personalities in Nigeria such as H.E Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria, who is also the former Governor of Rivers State, Richard Nyong, Founder of Lekki Gardens Estate, , H.E Timipre Sylva, Former First Lady of Nigeria, Emmanuel Agwoje, Chief Executive Officer of Equator Capital Ltd; and many more.
The educational system in Nigeria according to many is, unfortunately, a myriad of problems following the unboastful cycles of degradation experienced in the sector mainly as a result of underfunding. However, irrespective of the many challenges faced by the system, management of some of the higher institutions boast of their ability to still churn out successful individuals who produce giant strides within the country as a better measure of their success.
Professor E.S Lale Ndowa, the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria is someone who believes that the highly successful individuals whom the school have produced is an encouragement that the system is not a symbol of decadence. According to Prof. Lale, “exceptional Alumni like Richard Nyong and others, bolster our trust in our system.” While this may come across as a controversial discussion among many Nigerians, the number of greatly renown alumni the university boosts of, speaks for itself.
While most of these names are political figures, Mr. Richard stands out as an entrepreneur of global reputation, currently reimagining what real estate means to the average Nigerian with a desire to own their own homes. A graduate of Economics from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He founded Lekki Gardens Estate in 2011, seven years graduation.
He’s a real estate mogul who has created over 15,000 housing units across Lagos, Abuja, and Port-Harcourt. He is also a lovable philanthropist and sponsor of several social developmental initiatives. His impact includes the provision of over 35,000 employment opportunities for the Nigerian youth. He has won several awards as the savvy businessman who’s managed to bridge the real estate gap in Nigeria.
During his just concluded 4oth birthday in Lagos, he was applauded with a letter from his Alma Mater containing words of commendation and the approval of his giant strides in the real estate industry and the country at large.
“It is on record that you have consistently represented your Alma Mater in the best of lights. You are a positive role model for the younger generation….” An excerpt of the letter read.
“Some may argue that the educational system has crumbled to the ground but as long we continue to produce people like Richard Nyong, we will never lose hope in the educational sector and the system. We must keep the faith”. The Vice-Chancellor said during an interactive session with a few guests.
