Umuahia Welcomes First Private University
Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, is set to witness the establishment of its first private university after 32 years.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a groundbreaking development, Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, is set to witness the establishment of its first private university after 32 years. Lux Mundi University, founded by Professor Gabriel Okenwa, is gearing up to commence academic activities in the upcoming 2024/2025 academic session.
The Abia State capital, previously hosting a campus of the state-owned ABSU, has long awaited the establishment of a private institution within its borders. Professor Gabriel Okenwa, the visionary behind Lux Mundi University, expressed his commitment to giving back to his birthplace, stating, "This land raised me to what I am today. I have to honor this land by siting this university here."
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Lux Mundi, which translates to "light of the world," aims to set itself apart and revolutionize the academic landscape in the state. Professor Okenwa outlined the university's vision and mission during the unveiling of principal officers and management at the take-off campus, New Ndagbo City, Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia.
The founder emphasized Lux Mundi's technological focus, promising to produce graduates with unique skills that will make them global brands. He assured stakeholders that the university would be affordable to average parents in terms of fees and other charges, with scholarships provided by foreign partners to ensure that no student drops out due to financial constraints.
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In defense of the proliferation of private universities in Nigeria, Professor Okenwa pointed out the overwhelming demand for higher education. He stated that in the South-east alone, over 90,000 individuals could not secure admission to existing universities.
Religious leaders and royal figures present at the event commended Professor Okenwa for his thoughtfulness and patriotic spirit in establishing Lux Mundi University in Umuahia. The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, represented by Rev. Father Henry Maduka, praised Professor Okenwa for "hearing the voice of God and responding positively."
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The high point of the event was the display of the provisional license of approval issued by the National University Commission (NUC), authorizing Lux Mundi to operate and offer university education in Nigeria. Clergymen and royal figures also blessed the university's permanent site, expressing prayers for its success.
Lux Mundi University has commenced operations with three faculties: Management Sciences, Law, and Arts/Social Sciences, with plans to expand into Medical Sciences, Engineering, and other disciplines in due course. This development marks a historic milestone for Umuahia and Abia State, ushering in a new era of educational advancement and opportunity.
