The University on the Niger (UNINIGER), Umunya, Anambra State, will officially commence academic activities on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This follows the university’s receipt of a take-off license from the Federal Government in 2023.
The announcement was made by the Chancellor of the university and Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, during the diaconate ordination of four ministers at All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha.
Bishop Nwokolo highlighted that while the university has been operational at Iyi-Enu Teaching Hospital, its permanent site at Umunya will now serve as its administrative headquarters. “Not all faculties will move to Umunya, as some will remain at Iyi-Enu, which is a permanent campus of the university,” he stated.
The official opening of the Umunya campus will be presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba. The ceremony will be attended by federal and state government officials and coincide with the annual retreat of bishops in the diocese, scheduled from January 7 to 11, 2025.
During the ordination ceremony, four deacons were ordained: Rev. Nonso Stanley Anene, Rev. Amos Onwe Nkwoeze, Rev. Chinedu Samuel Obi, and Rev. Lotanna Uchechukwu Unegbu. Bishop Nwokolo reminded the new deacons of their responsibilities to serve the Church, minister to the needy, and preach the gospel.
In his sermon, Ven. Angus Umeh urged the newly ordained to embrace transparency, accountability, and selflessness in their ministry. He also encouraged them to respect God and humanity, emphasizing prayer as a critical aspect of their duties.
UNINIGER’s commencement of academic activities marks a significant milestone for the institution and the Anglican Diocese on the Niger.
