By Jude Michael
Peter University, Achina/Onneh, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, has held an orientation programme for its pioneer students in what will go down as an epochal moment.
The orientation programme which had the theme, “Developing the Total Man”, took place from 18 to 20 October 2023 at the Faculty of Law Auditorium of the University and was featured lectures on both academic, moral and other aspects of life as an undergraduate which were delivered to the fresh students by experts in different fields of study.
Trinitas notes that top-notch facilities now dot the University environment such as a gigantic building assigned to the Faculty of Law which houses the Law Library, auditorium, classrooms, moot court, offices, among others.
It also includes a large building for administrative functions, a well-furnished cafeteria, a church building, male and female hostel blocks, among other buildings assigned to different faculties and designed to develop spiritually aware intellectuals.
Also some of the staff members and newly admitted students looked ready to carry out their duties and commence their academic activities respectively.
It will be recalled that the work of building the University by the Old Catholic Diocese of Awka under the leadership of His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, commenced in 2014 before the creation of Ekwulobia Diocese. The institution was approved by the Federal Executive Council on 12 may 2022 and now has the bishops of Awka and Ekwulobia Dioceses as its trustees.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel Umezinwa, disclosed while speaking in an interview, that the students would begin classes, starting with General Studies and Basic Introductions on Tuesday, 24 October 2023. He also pointed out that the academic year would be fast and thorough and that the school would be currently offering about 24 programmes.
He further stated that the institution, being a Catholic University, was one of the reasons it was highly recommended as Catholics were known for education. He added that the institution would advocate for quality in everything to prepare the students for the certificates they hoped to get, both in character and in learning. Fr Umezinwa assured that all hands would be on deck in developing the students efficiently and all round.
One of the resource persons and the school’s Acting Dean of Students Affairs, Prof Stanley Udedi, a Professor in Applied Bio-Chemistry at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, described the institution as one built on Christian faith and moral values.
His words: ‘The packaging of the University excites me because of the vision of the University which is built on Christian faith and moral values which is what the world needs today.
‘When you are sending your children to the university, you are sure they are safe, given the litany of insecurity and children’s misdemeanors. The vision of the founding fathers is to have a morally filled, spiritually lifting University where the total man is trained, because man is trained in spirit, soul and body. It is not only to make first class but to be morally sound, hence, degrees are awarded in character and in learning.’
He added that the University would keep growing.
The enthusiastic Admissions Officer of the institution, Miss Obi Chinenye Anthonia, expressed joy, noting that the school was a wonderful initiative of the Church to educate the children in a proper way.
She noted that the school had been well equipped with adequate facilities and workforce, adding that many parents who had visited the institution for enquiries were thrilled and showed great approval to the plans and programmes of the school.
Some of the pioneer students, Amanda Okafor, the first student to report to the school; and Alexander Nwankwo, expressed delight with the edifices, organization and conducive environment the school had provided, even as they assured that they would study hard and graduate with distinction.
The institution already has about 35 students ready to commence their academic programmes and more who applied but are not yet in the school.
Highlights of the orientation programme were lectures and presentations on “University Academic Regulations and Administration Structure”; “Ethics, Morals and Integrity on Campus”; “Exploring the digital and ICT world,” among others.
The event was concluded with some words of encouragement and closing prayer by the School Project Manager, Rev. Fr. Johnmark Okafor.
