Godfrey Okoye University Sets Ph.D. as Minimum Qualification for Teaching from 2025-2026 Academic Session

The Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Reverend Father Professor Christian Anieke, has announced a significant policy change, stating that a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree will be the minimum qualification for teaching at the institution starting from the 2025-2026 academic session. This announcement, made during a spiritual retreat for academic and senior administrative staff, aligns with the guidelines set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to elevate the standard of education across the country.

During the retreat, held at the university, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anieke underscored the importance of mentorship in shaping students into impactful members of society. He warned against any abuse of the university’s mentorship programs and called on staff to ensure that students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Sister Professor MarySylvia Nwachukwu, echoed these sentiments and pledged to intensify supervision efforts to maintain high teaching standards. She emphasized that the new Ph.D. requirement would foster a more rigorous academic environment, encouraging lecturers to stay at the forefront of their fields.

The retreat also featured a spiritual reflection led by Reverend Father Doctor Liberatus Isife, who reminded the staff that continuous growth and periodic evaluation are key to the success of any institution. He identified key challenges such as outdated lecture materials, lack of personal development, and boundary violations, urging the staff to embrace sacrifices that would speed up the university’s progress.

The retreat was attended by the university's principal officers, professors, heads of departments, directors, and other senior officials. A parallel spiritual session was also held for students at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Convocation Arena, reinforcing the university’s holistic approach to education.

Godfrey Okoye University’s decision to raise the bar for academic qualifications reflects its commitment to producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of making a lasting impact in society.