CONSOLIDATION
Legacy University grows in leaps and bounds, holds 9th Matriculation ceremony
Varsity set to introduce Medicine and Surgery, secures accreditation for 7 new programmes
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
When the federal government of Nigeria in 2016 gave life to the vision of the Okija , Anambra State born, Dr Leonard Nkameme by granting provisional license for the establishment of Legacy University , it was the beginning of a dream to make generations even yet unborn great and to realize their life potentials.
Nine years down the line, the Legacy University, Okija has been on a steady rise and has maintained its core value of building a legacy of excellence in learning and research.
Last Saturday, 12th July, 2025, the university made another bold statement in fulfilment of its vision of being “a first rate university with qualitative academic programs holding out to all the promises of liberal education, knowledge, skills, character, freedom and truth”
It was the 9th Matriculation Ceremony for its fresh intakes in their hundreds and the institution proved again that it has not deviated from its vision of “providing excellent academic and non-academic facilities in an appropriate environment capable of producing world class graduates attuned for self and national development”
The newly admitted students were in their best elements, young people brimming with ideas and focus. Their parents, guardians, friends and well-wishers were also there to share in their joy of securing admission in a citadel of learning that has chosen as its motto not to subscribe to half measures in any of her undertakings.
After the congregation has been constituted into a matriculation assembly, the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Dr Leonard Nkameme in an address described the matriculation ceremony as a significant milestone in the lives of the new students whom he said have taken a bold step into their academic journey by subscribing to Legacy University, Okija
Dr. Nkameme said the matriculation was a celebration of resilience, vision, and strong dedication to producing globally competitive graduates.
He recounted the harrowing moments following the 2012 plane crash, which nearly shattered their accreditation pursuit, but expressed gratitude that hope was rekindled to reposition the University for Greatness.
He noted that the institution currently boasts of an impressive accreditation status of over 95%, pointing to its high academic standards and quality assurance mechanisms.
He proudly mentioned that the university has produced alumni who are excelling globally, including the pioneer SUG President, Chisom Okeke, making waves in Japan, and a manager at Dangote Refinery, Lagos, who is also a product of Legacy University. He revealed that on August 6, some of these notable alumni would be returning to the university to appreciate the institution that shaped them.
Dr. Nkameme also highlighted their partnerships, including with the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, in relevant medical courses, and the addition of new departments such as Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Cyber Security, Public Health Sciences, History and International Relations, and Software Engineering. He further disclosed plans underway to establish a Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.
While acknowledging the progress, he appealed to both the Federal and State governments for support in accessing interventions like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Education Trust Fund (ETF) to tackle infrastructural challenges, even as he appealed to the state government for intervention, especially on the deplorable access road leading to the university. He also appealed for scholarships to assist indigent students and emphasized the necessity for parents to fulfill their financial obligations to enable the university maintain and improve its services.
“Our graduated students are making significant strides across various sectors of the society. They are not just finding employment, they are excelling in their careers, showcasing the skills and knowledge they acquired during their time at Legacy University. Furthermore, many of our graduates are pursuing their master’s degrees overseas, demonstrating the global competitiveness of our alumni. Their achievements serve as inspiration to current students proving that with hard work and dedication, they too can make remarkable heights” he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ezekiel Ihionu, congratulated the matriculants and reminded them that matriculation formally admits them into the university system. He urged them to remain focused, warning that the quality of their degree would reflect their dedication and commitment throughout their academic journey.
Prof. Ihionu affirmed that all programmes offered by the university are fully accredited, and that the 2024 re-accreditation exercise by the National Universities Commission (NUC) was successful. He expressed pride in the university’s growing academic offerings and infrastructure, including the establishment of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences and the speedy equipping of appropriate laboratories and workshops in the university.
The VC sternly warned against cultism, improper dressing, and any form of misconduct, emphasizing the university’s zero tolerance for social vices.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, represented by Dr. Babangida Aliyu, commended the university’s efforts in sustaining high academic standards, while expressing confidence in the university’s future contributions to nation-building through sound education. He described Legacy University as a shining example of private education development in Nigeria, and commended it for its rapid growth and commitment to quality education.
While assuring the institution of the NUC’s support in its continuous growth; Dr. Aliyu also urged the matriculants to maximize the opportunity provided by the institution.
Member representing Ihiala 2 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Eze Golden Chukwuebuka Iloh in a chat with reporters during the ceremony, lauded Legacy University for contributing immensely to education in the region . He pledged to advocate for the government’s intervention in improving the institution’s infrastructure, especially the access road and other infrastructural needs.
In their separate remarks, the Secretary Board of Trustees of Legacy University, Sir Lawrence Obetta and Vice Chairman of the Board , Chief Festus Onyima, reaffirmed their strong passion and commitment to promoting standard and accessible education in Nigeria. They emphasized that their sacrifices in advancing Legacy University stem from a noble vision of making quality university education accessible to less-privileged Nigerians, rather than a luxury for the wealthy alone.
According to them, Legacy University is not just focused on producing academically sound graduates, but also on creating an inclusive environment where indigent students can reshape their destinies through affordable education. Obetta noted that Legacy University remains one of the most affordable private universities in Nigeria — a deliberate policy he said is aimed at easing the financial burden on parents while maintaining high academic standards.
While commending the Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Leonard Nkameme, for his foresight and resilience in establishing the institution on a solid foundation, they appealed to the Anambra State Government and relevant federal agencies to complement their efforts by addressing critical infrastructure needs, especially the access road to the university, which they described as a major challenge. They concluded by urging the new matriculants to take full advantage of the opportunities the university offers, excel academically, and uphold the core values of integrity, diligence, and service to humanity upon which Legacy University was founded.
Earlier, there was a solemn Holy Mass celebration to commence the matriculation ceremony officiated by Rev. Fr. Basil Umunna (who is also the Registrar of the University), Rev. Fr. Jude Ezike (Rector of St. Paul’s Seminary, Ukpor), and Rev. Fr. Ethelbert Ifenatuora.
Delivering his homily, Rev. Fr. Jude Ezike reflected on his personal witness of the university’s founding and its remarkable journey of growth. Drawing inspiration from Matthew chapter 10, he emphasized Christ’s injunction to “fear not,” encouraging both the Management and the students of Legacy University to remain steadfast, undeterred by challenges, and focused on their mission.
Fr. Ezike admonished the matriculants to build themselves on good character, morality, and academic excellence and urged them not to be disheartened by speculations of job scarcity but to diligently prepare themselves to create opportunities through hard work, self-determination, and faith in God.
