The Archbishop of Owerri Province of the Catholic Church, His Grace, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, at the weekend, emerged as the first Chancellor of the first Umuahia-based Lux Mundi University.
This was as the university also held its inaugural matriculation ceremony, and the foundation laying ceremony for the former governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim Faculty of Management Sciences building, and that of the late wife of Akwa Ibom governor, Pst. Mrs. Patience Umoeno Memorial Nursing Building.
Speaking on the occasion, the founder and Pro-Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, Prof. Gabriel Okenwa said, “Today, we celebrate an extraordinary milestone, marking the official unveiling of Lux Mundi University. Nestled in the heart of Umuahia, Abia State. This institution is the first approved university on this sacred soil, established with the vision to inspire, educate, and uplift.
“In establishing Lux Mundi University, we sought to embody the belief that education is transformative. Lux Mundi, light of the world, is not merely an institution of higher learning, but a legacy built for posterity, a beacon of hope in Umuahia, Abia State, and beyond.
“Our motto, ‘Illuminating Humanity,’ encapsulates our mission to enlighten minds and foster a spirit of study and innovation. We are dedicated to ensuring that our students not only gain knowledge but also develop the skills to contribute meaningfully to society and lead by example.
“We are also committed to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly, SDG 17, by fostering partnerships that promote knowledge sharing and development. We are therefore open to further collaborations with local and international institutions, sharing in the vision of a world where education knows no boundaries.”
Addressing the congregation, the former governor of Imo State, Ohakim expressed his dream that the university will become the best in West Africa, even as its graduates will excel in different fields of endeavours and pledged his support for the university.
He also approved ‘Ikedi Ohakim Scholarship’ for students of the university and assured an alignment with his contacts for the university.
In his speech, the governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, described the occasion as “significant, symbolic” and in line with his vision of revitalizing education in the state to enable Abia students to compete favourably anywhere in the world.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Otti commended the choice of Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the Chancellor as he “can do so” and urged the students to be determined to succeed.
In his acceptance speech, the Archbishop of Owerri Province of the Catholic Church, His Grace, Archbishop Ugorji thanked members of the university council, faculty, and administration for their tireless work and dedication, stating that their commitment has laid a strong foundation for Lux Mundi, even as he expressed his honour to join hands with them “in our shared pursuit of excellence.”
Also speaking, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, the Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, advised Archbishop Ugorji, “Your investiture as Chancellor is a recognition of your unwavering commitment to the service of the church and society. As the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, you have been a steadfast leader, advocating for peace, unity, and justice across the country.
“You have proven yourself to be a shepherd of the people – wise, compassionate, and resolute in your efforts to build a just and equitable society. The Catholic community, and indeed the broader society, has benefited immensely from your leadership, and it is only fitting that Lux Mundi University will now benefit from your vision and guidance.”
Representatives of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Joint Admission And Matriculation Board, the National University Commission, the Archbishop of Umuahia, Methodist Church Nigeria, Chibuzor Raphael Opoko and other ministers of God, as well as traditional rulers were at the occasion. The Archbishop of Owerri Province of the Catholic Church, His Grace, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, at weekend emerged as the first Chancellor of the first Umuahia-based Lux Mundi University.
This was as the university also held its inaugural matriculation ceremony, and the foundation laying ceremony for the former governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim Faculty of Management Sciences building, and that of the late wife of Akwa Ibom governor, Pst. Mrs. Patience Umoeno Memorial Nursing Building.
Speaking on the occasion, the founder and Pro-Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, Prof. Gabriel Okenwa said, “Today, we celebrate an extraordinary milestone, marking the official unveiling of Lux Mundi University. Nestled in the heart of Umuahia, Abia State. This institution is the first approved university on this sacred soil, established with the vision to inspire, educate, and uplift.
“In establishing Lux Mundi University, we sought to embody the belief that education is transformative. Lux Mundi, light of the world, is not merely an institution of higher learning, but a legacy built for posterity, a beacon of hope in Umuahia, Abia State, and beyond.
“Our motto, ‘Illuminating Humanity,’ encapsulates our mission to enlighten minds and foster a spirit of study and innovation. We are dedicated to ensuring that our students not only gain knowledge but also develop the skills to contribute meaningfully to society and lead by example.
“We are also committed to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly, SDG 17, by fostering partnerships that promote knowledge sharing and development. We are therefore open to further collaborations with local and international institutions, sharing in the vision of a world where education knows no boundaries.”
Addressing the congregation, the former governor of Imo State, Ohakim expressed his dream that the university will become the best in West Africa, even as its graduates will excel in different fields of endeavours and pledged his support for the university.
In his acceptance speech, the Archbishop of Owerri Province of the Catholic Church, His Grace, Archbishop Ugorji thanked members of the university council, faculty, and administration for their tireless work and dedication, stating that their commitment has laid a strong foundation for Lux Mundi, even as he expressed his honour to join hands with them “in our shared pursuit of excellence.”
Also speaking, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, the Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, advised Archbishop Ugorji, “Your investiture as Chancellor is a recognition of your unwavering commitment to the service of the church and society. As the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, you have been a steadfast leader, advocating for peace, unity, and justice across the country.
“You have proven yourself to be a shepherd of the people – wise, compassionate, and resolute in your efforts to build a just and equitable society. The Catholic community, and indeed the broader society, has benefited immensely from your leadership, and it is only fitting that Lux Mundi University will now benefit from your vision and guidance.”
Representatives of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Joint Admission And Matriculation Board, the National University Commission, the Archbishop of Umuahia, Methodist Church Nigeria, Chibuzor Raphael Opoko and other ministers of God, as well as traditional rulers were at the occasion.