Brief History of Spiritan University Nneochi, Abia State
The story of Spiritan University Nneochi (SUN) is deeply rooted in the rich history of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and its enduring commitment to education and faith.
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The story of Spiritan University Nneochi (SUN) is deeply rooted in the rich history of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and its enduring commitment to education and faith. The word "Spiritan" finds its origin in the Latin term "Spiritus," meaning "Spirit," and it refers to the Religious Order, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, to which the proprietors of the university belong.
The Congregation of the Holy Spirit, an International Religious Order in the Catholic Church, was founded in France on May 27, 1703. The first Spiritan Missionaries arrived in Nigeria in 1885, embarking on a mission of education and evangelization. Their dedication and tireless work have left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Nigeria. Presently, the Congregation boasts an indigenous membership of over six hundred members, engaged in various areas of youth apostolate through educational ministry both nationally and internationally. Their commitment is specifically dedicated to the Holy Spirit, who embodies qualities of knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and fortitude. It is from these divine attributes that the name of the university, Spiritan University Nneochi, draws its inspiration.
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The Spiritans are renowned in Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to education as an essential element of their evangelical work. They see education as a gateway to enhancing the integral development of local communities. The Spiritan Missionaries have played a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of Nigeria, particularly in the South-East and the middle belt (Benue-Plateau) regions. Their contribution to primary and secondary education has been substantial, and they have established numerous schools and teacher training colleges throughout the country. These educational institutions have produced leading national figures, including politicians, professionals, and industrialists, who are products of Spiritan schools.
The commitment of the Spiritan Missionaries to education culminated in the establishment of two higher institutions: Spiritan International School of Theology, Attakwu, Enugu, and Spiritan School of Philosophy, Isienu, Nsukka. These institutions are affiliated with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and offer NUC accredited degree programs. Under the leadership of Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Chukwuemeka Agbonome, CSSp, the Holy Ghost Congregation, Province of Nigeria, South East, made the decision to establish a university. The dream of Spiritan University Nneochi began to take shape, and the congregation applied for its establishment in Abia State, Nigeria, to provide access to university education for the country's youth.
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The university received its approval and license as a private university on December 6, 2017, through the recommendation of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the endorsement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The Provisional License was presented to the Proprietors by Prof. Abubakar A. Rasheed, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, on December 19, 2017. Spiritan University Nneochi officially welcomed its first cohort of students in the 2018/2019 academic year, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the legacy of the Spiritan Missionaries in Nigeria. Spiritan University is a response to the national call for private participation in the provision of university education, as articulated in the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act No. 9 of 1993.
The proprietors are committed to complementing the government's efforts by providing quality university education at an affordable rate. SUN stands as a testament to the enduring values and commitment of the Spiritan Missionaries, who have dedicated themselves to education and faith for over a century. It continues to embody the spirit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that defines its mission, offering students a holistic education that integrates both faith and learning.
