By Ononye VC
It was a dream come true as the new Shanahan University,was on Monday 14th October 2024 inaugurated by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Maduka Okeke with an inaugural Mass celebrated at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity,Onitsha.
About 300 pioneer students of the university were present at the inaugural Mass and lectures with dozens of members of the clergy,the academic board of the university,the religious,lay faithful,secondary school students from across the city and other diverse groups.
The colourful event was also attended by some high profile personalities including former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party,Mr Peter Obi whose presence was greeted with thunderous applause, renowned Professor of Mass Communications,Prof Stella Okunna, ASUBEB chairperson Dr Vera Nwadinobi,Onitsha North LGA chairman,Hon Nwora,CWO Director,Dame Dr Ngozi Nwanosike among others.
Delivering his homily which elicited excitement and applause by the congregation,the Archbishop pointed out that a university of the kind of Shanahan University was overdue in the ancient city of Onitsha and that it’s birth will make a great difference in the entire horizon.
“It is going to be a university with a difference and a fulfilment of God’s own time which is the best.Today opens a new page in the history of Onitsha.We now have a university;the Shanahan University,Onitsha.For this we thank God”,the Archbishop declared.
The Archbishop thanked all donors who helped in facilitating the university project adding,”we are all beneficiaries because it is happening in our own time”.
Reflecting further,the Archbishop said the Shanahan University is not going to be only a certificate awarding institution but will train it’s students to acquire skills,knowledge and transform them through creative ideas to make them better leaders of the society.
He recalled that the major idea of the university is to train people of discipline,integrity, excellence and fear of God.He urged the students to make excellence their way of life,set goals for themselves,make the right choices and avoid unnecessary distractions in their academic works.
“Chose today to be a first class student.Take a decision today.I welcome you to the house of the wise and learned”,the Archbishop declared.
He introduced the Vice Chancellor of the university,Professor Obi Oguejiofor.In his remarks,Prof.Oguejiofor expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for his perseverance in ensuring that the university became a reality and for also allowing himself to be God’s channel of inspiration.
He thanked the Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese Rev Fr Dr Basil Ekwunife,members of the university board and others who assisted in seeing to the successful birth of the university.
In his remarks,the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections,Mr Peter Obi,hailed Archbishop Valerian Okeke for his dogged disposition in making the Shanahan University a reality.According to Obi,what will certainly shape the world in the coming years is education and health and that it was a huge achievement that the Shanahan University has been put in place to make it possible.
Obi defended his entry into politics saying he went into it to work for the betterment of the youths and Nigeria in general.He made a donation of N50 million to support the new Shanahan University.
In her vote of thanks,one of the new students of the university,miss Oluebube Onwuma,expressed joy at the decent facilities and accommodation provided at the hostels for comfort of the students and thanked the Archbishop and the university authorities for making them feel at home.
In addition to the comfortable accommodation,the Archbishop announced free lunch for the students for a period of time and also awarded scholarships to a good number of deserving students.
After the inaugural Mass,the students moved to the Shanahan auditorium where the Vice Chancellor of the university,Professor Obi Oguejiofor and other lecturers delivered the inaugural lecture.
