By OKECHUKWU KESHI UKEGBU

The axiom that “nothing good comes easy” perfectly fits the story of Clifford University, Ihie in Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State. The institution owned by the Seventh Day Adventist Church has grown from strength to strength. With an initial student population of 80 at inception to over 700 student population currently, there is no better success story to describe the institution’s giant strides.

The university’s highly-elated Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chimezie Omeonu, while announcing the events that would characterise the institution’s forthcoming maiden convocation that will span March 24 to 28, 2021, disclosed that not only that the student population of the institution has expanded but the faculties have expanded from the initial two to five to accommodate the expanding student population.

What excites the VC most is that the institution in its maiden convocation will be graduating 65 with 11 first class graduates.

At Clifford University, other social challenges that characterise and bedevil the Nigerian university system pose no concern. Cult activities are no go areas as students caught involving in such face expulsion. This has checked cult activities in the institution to zero as there is zero tolerance of this. So is drug addiction as any student caught in this behaviour risks suspension.

On the other hand, academic hard work is the hallmark of Clifford University. There is also zero tolerance for examination malpractice as the penalty is suspension.

The institution’s strength, according to the VC, lies in carving a niche in the areas of law studies and computer, expanding their medical base, and strengthening their entrepreneurial pursuits. Research is another area of their strength. And to achieve this, there is an ongoing research in the institution that would introduce the use of leaves treated with chemicals in the preservation of food. If this happens, the over-reliance on refrigerators to preserve food will be reduced.

If one asks about Unique Selling Point (USP) of Clifford University, the answer is not far- fetched – the fees are pocket-friendly other privately owned or missionary tertiary institutions in the country.

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