Godfrey Okoye University Raises Minimum Qualification for Lecturers to PhD
Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI) in Enugu has announced that starting from the 2025-2026 academic session, the minimum qualification for its lecturers will be a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This decision, announced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Christian Anieke during a staff retreat, aligns with National Universities Commission guidelines.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI) in Enugu has announced the elevation of the minimum qualification for its lecturers to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) starting from the 2025-2026 academic session. This directive was revealed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christian Anieke, during a “Spiritual Retreat” for academic and senior administrative staff on Friday.
Prof. Anieke urged lecturers currently holding lower degrees to upgrade their qualifications, emphasizing that those who fail to comply may need to resign. The new policy aligns with guidelines set by the National Universities Commission, reinforcing GOUNI's commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
In addition to the new qualification requirements, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted that graduate assistants would not be permitted to teach independently unless qualified lecturers were present. He further encouraged staff to prioritize mentorship while warning against the misuse of mentorship programs.
Addressing concerns over lecture attendance, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. MarySylvia Nwachukwu, noted a troubling trend of low attendance among lecturers in the first week of the new academic session. To combat this, she announced that the university’s academic monitorship committee would intensify supervision to identify and address absenteeism among faculty members.
During the retreat, guest speaker Rev. Fr. Liberatus Isife, a member of the university’s Department of Philosophy and Religion, reminded attendees that the success of educational institutions hinges on the quality of knowledge imparted to students. He highlighted the need for continuous self-development and updating of lecture materials as critical factors in overcoming productivity challenges.
The retreat brought together principal officers, professors, heads of departments, and directors from the university and its affiliated institutions, reflecting a unified commitment to enhancing the academic environment at Godfrey Okoye University.
