Exit Of An Icon: A Tribute To Chief Ezeogo Uma Nchege Nwoke

By Polycarp Onwubiko

In a historic and jubilant event on 7 January 2025, the permanent site of the University on the Niger (UNINIGER) was inaugurated at Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State. The faith-based institution, with the motto "Lux Fiat Via Sapientia" (Let Light Lead the Way to Wisdom), aims to establish itself as a beacon of academic excellence, moral character, and leadership. 

Operating initially from temporary sites in Iyi-Enu and Onitsha since receiving its license from the Federal Government in 2023, the university’s move to its permanent campus marked a significant milestone.

The event attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd, including dignitaries, philanthropists, and well-wishers, who made substantial financial contributions to support the institution’s growth. The atmosphere was one of celebration, gratitude, and renewed commitment to advancing education and leadership in the region.

The Vice-Chancellor, The Very Rev. Prof. Chinedu Nebo, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, could not hide his excitement as he addressed the crowd. Describing the occasion as a dream fulfilled, he quoted the hymn: "It is joy unspeakable and full of glory… That is exactly the way I feel about today."

Prof. Nebo attributed the university’s success to the vision and determination of the Chancellor, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, Bishop on the Niger, and his wife, Dr. Mrs. Else Nwokolo. He commended their relentless pursuit of a noble vision to establish a faith-based institution that integrates academic excellence with moral and spiritual values.

“Their dogged determination and iron-clad faith propelled them to pull together human, material, financial, and spiritual resources to turn this vision into a thriving reality,” he said. “Today, we are witnessing the realization of a dream, a vision, and an answered prayer.”

Highlighting the university’s objectives, the Vice Chancellor outlined its vision and mission:

• Vision: To be a leading institution in achieving excellence in knowledge dissemination, character building, and leadership, producing entrepreneurial and globally competitive graduates for national development.
• Mission: To develop the moral, spiritual, and academic life of young people and produce graduates who will be leaders, job creators, and nation builders.

Prof. Nebo identified five foundational pillars of the university; Excellence, Knowledge, Character, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship.

“We are committed to building a modern entrepreneurial university that adopts global best practices,” he said. “Our curriculum goes beyond national guidelines to prepare graduates who are morally responsible, nationally relevant, and globally competitive.”

In his address, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, the university’s Chancellor, reflected on the years of hard work and divine inspiration that culminated in the day’s event.

“Today’s event is the outcome of many years of labor and ceaseless pursuit of a noble vision impressed upon our hearts for the educational development of our society,” he said. “University on the Niger, Umunya, is no longer a dream but a reality; a testament that God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.”

The Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to various contributors and supporters, including the Diocesan Women's Ministry, the Knights of St. Christopher, and local parishes. He also acknowledged Senator Tony Nwoye for facilitating the tarring of internal roads within the university and Governor Chukwuma Soludo for rehabilitating the access road from the Onitsha-Enugu expressway to the university.

Prof. Nebo and his team were given special recognition for their dedication to the institution’s growth. “Prof. Nebo, a great Iroko in academia, accepted the responsibility of nurturing this university out of love for God and humanity,” said Dr. Nwokolo. “He assembled a team of erudite professors working tirelessly to actualize the university’s vision and philosophy.”

The event witnessed a “rain of millions” in financial support from prominent individuals and groups. Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, made a significant pledge to the university. Dr. Osita Chidoka, a former Chief Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, rallied support from his associates, including N30 million from a former Governor of Zamfara State and N10 million from former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

Other notable donors included traditional rulers, town union leaders, and members of the National and State Assemblies. Their contributions underscored the broad-based support for the university as a transformative educational institution.

Senator Victor Umeh emphasized the importance of faith-based universities in shaping moral character and leadership. He expressed confidence that funding for the university would not be an issue, given the overwhelming support it received.

“Faith-based institutions excel in moral upbringing and character building,” he said. “With today’s demonstration of support, the future of this university is bright.”

Labour Party gubernatorial aspirant Val Ozigbo described the university as a potential solution to the inadequacies of conventional higher education. He called for sustained financial and moral support from the people of Anambra State.

Another gubernatorial hopeful, Paul Chukwuma, commended the Diocese on the Niger for its vision and pledged government backing if elected. Chief George Muoghalu, a former Managing Director of the National Maritime Authority and a contender for the state’s top office, also praised the university’s development and promised support for its continued growth.

The Mayor of Oyi Local Government Area, Emmanuel Ikechukwu, pledged the council’s commitment to ensuring the financial sustainability of the university. “This institution represents a turning point for our community,” he said. “We will do all we can to support its growth and success.”

Prof. Nebo reiterated the university’s commitment to preparing students for leadership and innovation. He emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial education in equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.

“No one achieves excellence by adhering to minimum standards,” he said. “Our curriculum incorporates entrepreneurial dimensions to ensure that our graduates excel in their lifelong pursuits.”

The university’s permanent site features state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster academic excellence and personal development. With a foundation rooted in faith and a focus on innovation, UNINIGER aims to become a leading institution in Nigeria’s educational landscape.

The inauguration of the University on the Niger’s permanent site stands as a symbol of hope and progress for Anambra State and beyond. The event’s success, marked by significant financial pledges and broad-based support, reflects the shared commitment to advancing education and leadership.

As the university embarks on this new chapter, it remains focused on its mission to produce morally responsible, globally competitive graduates who will shape the future of Nigeria.

With faith and determination, UNINIGER has begun its journey to becoming a world-class institution, embodying its motto: Let Light Lead the Way to Wisdom.