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By Madu Obi
Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged students of the newly established Shanahan University, Onitsha, to prioritize their studies, emphasizing that education remains the most valuable global currency for competition.
Speaking during the official opening of the university at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Obi highlighted that both the Catholic and Anglican Churches have established some of the best educational institutions in the world and should therefore be encouraged.
He explained that his decision to continue to support humanity through the church, was because of his confidence that they make judicious use of resources.
He also called on the institutions to continue admitting students without regard to denomination, tribe, or nationality, revealing that his next port of call will be the University on the Niger and the School of Midwifery at Iyienu, owned by the Anglican Church.
At the School of Midwifery at Waterside and the School of Nursing Sciences at Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha, Obi reminded the students that from humble beginnings, they are destined for greatness.
He assured them that they have chosen the right path, noting that studies predict a shortage of over 20 million healthcare practitioners in the coming years.
Obi, who recently pledged N120 million to the Sisters of the Holy Rosary for their educational and health apostolate, donated an additional N70 million yesterday to the Diocese of Onitsha to support their educational and healthcare missions.
Of this amount, N50 million was allocated to Shanahan University, N10 million to the School of Midwifery, Waterside, and N10 million to the School of Nursing Sciences at Borromeo Hospital.
During the Mass, the Archbishop, who oversees these institutions, expressed gratitude to God for His continued blessings.
The Vice Chancellor of Shanahan University, Professor Josephat Oguejiofor thanked the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke for his tireless efforts in establishing the university.
He also commended those who contributed to its development and lauded Mr. Peter Obi for standing out among politicians. Oguejiofor assured that Shanahan University would soon become one of the greatest institutions in Nigeria.
He said: “At present, we are constructing a 1,500-seater auditorium, I am also pleased to inform you that the Archbishop has granted a 50% scholarship on tuition fees for all students. I encourage all parishes to sponsor at least one underprivileged student as part of the Church’s mission to care for the poor.”
At both Waterside and Borromeo, the Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr. Basil Ekwunife, recalled Obi’s past contributions towards the rebuilding of the two institutions and thanked him for his continued support, even after leaving office.
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