Tomorrow, Thursday 21st December, 2023, all roads will lead to Paul University Awka –the pride of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion –for the epoch making event of the handing over of the institution owned by the fifty-five Dioceses, East of the Niger to the Diocese of Awka as her private institution.
The handing over ceremony bearing the torch of continuity will be performed by His Grace, The Most Revd Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). The torch with the flag of ownership will be received by His Grace, The Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, Ph.D, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka on behalf of the Diocese and Board of Trustees. We give all glory to the Almighty God for leading us all the way by His grace.
Briefly, Paul University, Awka was established by the Archbishops and Bishops of the five Ecclesiastical Provinces comprising 55 Dioceses of Anglican Communion East of the Niger. The laudable vision of the proprietary Church Fathers led by His Grace, The Most Revd Maxwell S.C. Anikwenwa, the then Bishop, Diocese of Awka, Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Dean Church of Nigeria became a reality on November 3, 2009. It was on the same day that the University received a provision license from the Federal Government of Nigeria to operate as a full-fledged private University. The inaugural ceremony followed on November 30, 2009 with His Excellency, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, former Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, who worked assiduously to achieve accreditation for the University as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Historically, the advent of Christianity in Awka was in the year 1899 with the arrival of Christian Missionaries of the Anglican Communion. The permanent site of Paul University, Awka is the premises of former St. Paul’s College, Awka founded by the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S.) under the leadership of Revd G. T. Basden in 1904 as a College for the training of evangelists, catechists and teachers before the coming of the British Government to establish itself in Awka town in 1905. The “Ajo ofia” land being the University’s site was happily donated by the Agulu-Awka people in 1903.
Therefore, the campus is a hallowed ground and it provides excellent academic environment where staff and students, under Christian discipline, spirituality and administrative guidance concentrate in their academic researches and pursuits without distraction. Suffice it to say here that a site for the satellite campus of the University located at Oji River, Enugu State will soon be developed.
The goal of Paul University, Awka is hinged on the records of excellence made by the fore bearers of Anglican Church in pioneering primary and secondary education in Nigeria as well as in inculcating sound morals added with impeccable intellectual preparation of students.
The University offers many courses or programmes of study in three Faculties with the Institute of Theology. Ideally it has put its stamp of achievement in both character and learning on its well-trained students. The acquisition of practical and entrepreneurial skills enhances the versatility of the students in their professional fields and places of work.
Without mincing words, Paul University, Awka is anchored on the core values of spirituality, excellence, diligence and moral rectitude. Its foundation is on Christ, the Solid Rock -1 Corinthians 3:11 and its motto says, “Here Am I send me” –Isaiah 6:8.
With the current package of a dynamic proprietor, prudent administration and management, the University will be propelled to a higher pedestal from its present position.
We envision and pray that Paul University, Awka would remain an enviable institution, a model faith-based University in our contemporary society with predictable academic calendar, highly qualified and dedicated staff who will be producing enterprising graduates, sound in character and learning, future leaders who would drive development and enterprise in our own time.
On this premise, we sincerely thank the Almighty God and appreciate the Leader of our National Church, Archbishop Ndukuba, the Archbishop on this important event.
May God bless you all, Amen.
VEN. DR REX KANU
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