Chancellor of the European University of Nigeria, Nicholas Ukachukwu, says the institution has created a N50 billion endowment fund to drive cutting-edge research and innovation.

Mr Ukachukwu disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja during an interview on the sidelines of the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony.

He said the initiative would ensure research undertaken at the institution produces practical solutions and measurable societal impact.

“We set up this university to be a centre for research, and the N50 billion endowment fund will focus on special categories of research and disciplines,” he said.

Mr Ukachukwu said the university would support research from the discovery stage to real-world application, particularly in drug development and technological innovation.

According to him, such breakthroughs demand specialised expertise, modern laboratories and sustained financial investment.

He said the institution was committed to creating a supportive environment that enables researchers and students to thrive.

Mr Ukachukwu stressed that the university’s research culture would prioritise tangible outcomes and societal relevance.

“I cannot call people, including myself, to put together N50 billion and allow research outcomes to gather dust on shelves. Whatever we invest in must produce results and impact lives,” he said.

He said the university aimed to nurture students capable of thinking beyond conventional classroom learning to develop solutions to societal challenges.

Mr Ukachukwu added that the institution was building a centre of excellence equipped with advanced technology and highly skilled professionals. He said government institutions might eventually collaborate with the university to benefit from its facilities and research outputs.

According to him, the university expects significant outcomes from its research investments within one to five years.

In his matriculation address, the vice-chancellor, Emmanuel Ibezim, urged pioneer students to pursue academic excellence, discipline and innovation.

Mr Ibezim described the event as historic, marking the formal admission of the university’s first cohort of students. He said the university was determined to produce graduates who are intellectually sound, ethically grounded and globally competitive.

“Your admission into this university reflects your hard work and potential. However, admission is only the first step; what matters is how you use the opportunity before you,” he said.

The vice-chancellor assured students of quality teaching, modern laboratories, digital resources and mentorship to support their academic journey. He urged them to embrace critical thinking, creativity and innovation while maximising available learning facilities.

Mr Ibezim stressed that the university maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, harassment, drug abuse and other misconduct. He encouraged students to participate in sports, extracurricular and leadership programmes to develop teamwork and leadership skills.

The vice-chancellor assured parents and guardians that the university would continue to improve teaching, research, infrastructure, and student welfare.

The ceremony featured the administration of the matriculation oath and signing of the matriculation register by pioneer students, formally admitting them into the university’s academic community. 

(NAN)