Excitement as Shanahan University Matriculates 694 Students
As Obi, Abaribe charge students on hard work, excellence
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The first university in the city of Onitsha, Shanahan University has matriculated the second set of students admitted into the institution.
In a colourful ceremony held during the weekend at the university temporary site auditorium, about 694 students took the matriculation oath pledging to abide the rules of the institution
At the Thanksgiving Mass before the matriculation ceremony, the University Chancellor, Proprietor and Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, in a homily titled, “Do not be distracted”, said the university has shown signs of greatness and expressed wish that the vision of excellence and moral rectitude for which the university was established will continue.
"In terms of performance, it has showed signs of greatness and we pray that it continues”, the Archbishop said.
The Archbishop admonished the students to ensure that the moral motive and objective of attending the university was achieved adding that the university was established to instil educational excellence and develop talents of the students to the maximum.
He further admonished the students to avoid being distracted by things not related to their studies otherwise their motive of getting university education would've been defeated.
University education the Archbishop said, is for character development and learning and vowed that the university will provide the best for the students.
"Study as if everything depends on you and pray as everything depends on God", the Archbishop said.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Obi Oguejiofor, disclosed that Shanahan University commenced formal academic activities in October 2024, adding that the institution has inducted over 600 young people as university students this academic year.
He told the students that they were receiving the tools and enabling environment to make a meaningful difference, noting that this difference would be more evident if they paid special attention to the formation and values imparted by Shanahan University.
“You must pay special attention to the spirit of Shanahan University and be prepared to utilise the quality education and values the University will impart in your service to God and humanity. In doing so, you will contribute your quota towards lifting our country from moral decay and hopelessness,” Fr. Oguejiofor said.
He emphasised that the University is determined to distinguish itself as a university of difference—one that harnesses the God-given potentials of Nigerians for positive and noble purposes.
He advised the matriculants to cultivate essential virtues such as discipline, hard work, honesty, and compassion for humanity.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that within its first year of operation, Shanahan University secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence programmes in Medicine and Surgery, Law, Physiology, Anatomy, and English Language.
He added that the University has also applied to introduce programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Doctor of Pharmacy, expressing optimism that these programmes would commence by October.
“My dear matriculants, the best way to show appreciation is to make the best use of the opportunities available at Shanahan University.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for his spiritual and material support to the university and to all the stakeholders including the chairman of the matriculation planning committee and Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev Fr Basil Ekwunife for their cooperation and generosity towards the growth of the university.
Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in 2023, Mr Peter Obi and the Senator representing Abia North Zone, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe charged students on the need for hard work, and to maintain integrity.
Speaking to the matriculating students, Obi and Abaribe charged them to aim for the top and make hard work their watchword.
Obi said: "I have always told this story, I was born here in Onitsha, and I attended Waterside Primary School over there, then I proceeded to Christ the King College, here in Onitsha too. If there was a university in Onitsha, I would have attended one here. You are lucky we have universities in Onitsha today.
"I want to charge you all to take your education seriously. I'm where I am today because of education. I remember when Gen. Gowon was Head of State, and he visited Onitsha, and I was one of the primary school children who went to receive him. But later in life, I and Gowon started sitting on the same table. That is what education can do. I charge you to take your education seriously."
Abaribe who was the keynote speaker at the event harped on the need for young people to strike to have integrity, shun get-rich-quick syndrome and embrace hard work.
He said: "As young people, you must endeavour to steer clear of the many shiny, but temporary paths to success which have become so pervasive in our society today.
"I promise you, none of these paths will last; rather in a short while, you will be left with nothing but regrets. The paths I warn you to desist from include “YahooYahoo", other social media-influenced immorality, cultism, political sycophancy and boot-licking.
"These are not sustainable pathways. What these can offer you is temporary gratification, which suddenly fizzles into an emptiness that reveals a lack of value. Embrace excellence in character and academics. Together, they equip you to succeed in the world and make definitive impact as leaders."
Chairman Board of Trustees of the university, Chief Sir Cletus Ibeto commended the proprietor of the university , Most Rev Valerian Okeke for the steady progress the university was making and urged the students to take advantage of the opportunities laid out for them.
