- Targets Togo, Ghana, Benin Republic
From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
While Federal government tightens noose on accreditation of educational certificates from neighbouring countries, Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, says it has extended its admission scope to accommodate foreign students.
The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim disclosed this during the inauguration of members of the governing council of the university.
Ibezim said Paul University, owned by Anglican diocese of Awka would henceforth extend the scope of its admission to students in Sub-Saharan Africa of Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana and beyond.
He said the institution would begin to run purely as a business venture, adding that he had put together a team that would pioneer the activities of the institution, with the aim of making it a world-class university that would enrol students across the world.
The Bishop while inaugurating the new governing council, which had Prince Dr Emeka Eze as Pro Chancellor, alongside 25 other members, including :House of Representatives member, Prof Lilian Orogbu, Prof Ben Osisioma, Prof. Carol Umeoji, Prof Rose Nwankwo among others; admonished them to work round the clock to ensure speedy implementation of the blueprint of the University.
In his acceptance speech, the Pro Chancellor, Emeka Eze nephew of oil mogul, Prince Arthur Eze said, “Members of this council were distilled, and from all walks of life. We have come together to build a university that will be an icon for the next generation. Paul University that will create a better Nigeria and build human resources. Let’s work with zeal, clean heart and forthrightness”
“This business will not be easy. It will require time and intellect. We will mobilise a huge amount of funding to be able to move the university forward, and I trust that we have men and women who can drive it.”
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Venerable Prof. Obiora Nwosu, said the University has been struggling to survive but succour has come with the Awka Diocese taking over of the university.
He added that under the present management of the university that came on board in the mid 2021, 19 old academic programmes had been
re-accredited .
“The last six programmes were visited by the NUC in December, 2023. All the re-accreditation have always been very successful. By the grace of God, the last 6 will be successful too.