No fewer than 600 students of Shanahan University, Onitsha, Anambra State, have been matriculated for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The matriculation ceremony, which marked the second edition of the exercise since the establishment of the institution, took place at the Shanahan University Auditorium shortly after a Holy Mass presided over by the Archbishop of the Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke, who also serves as the Proprietor and Chancellor of the University, urged the matriculating students to remain focused and committed to their academic pursuits.
He encouraged them to put in greater effort in their studies and to pursue success through prayer and hard work, noting that God blesses those who help themselves.
The Archbishop reiterated the mission of the University, which is to harness the rich potentials of the country for positive human and national development by prioritising holistic human formation through purposeful research and teaching.
According to him, this mission is aimed at shaping character, advancing societal well-being, and producing efficient and self-reliant graduates.
Delivering the matriculation lecture titled “Excellence in Character and Learning,” Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe advised the students to desist from living hypocritical lives.
He cautioned them, as young people, to be mindful of those they associate with and celebrate as heroes.
Senator Abaribe explained that integrity entails honesty and strong, consistent moral principles, including truthfulness and the ability to act honourably even when no one is watching. The Senator, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, stressed that integrity is the foundation upon which trust is built, relationships are formed, and reputations are sustained.
He urged the matriculants to strive to be worthy in both character and learning.
“Our beloved students, there are many shiny things out there. In this age of information overload, you will encounter a lot of misleading information. My advice to you today is to remember that excellence shines beyond all else and endures. Let excellence in character and learning guide you,” Abaribe 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. We sincerely thank Archbishop Valerian Okeke, our Chancellor and Proprietor, for his encouragement and guidance,” he said.
Inspiring the students, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, recalled that he was once a student like them.
He noted that he was born in Onitsha, attended Trinity Primary School at the Basilica, proceeded to Christ the King College, and later to the university.
He encouraged the students to work hard and take their studies seriously, assuring them that they could one day become like the people they admire.
“You must make the effort and take your studies seriously so that you can become great like those you emulate. Your future is bright as students,” Obi stated.
Also speaking, one of the benefactors of the University, Sir Francis Anyakwo, urged the students to remain focused on their studies.
He stressed that while it is the responsibility of parents to pay school fees, the students themselves are responsible for shaping their future.
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