The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi has donated N50m to the Shanahan University, Onitsha, describing the gesture as part of his ‘desperate effort’ to see Nigeria work.
Speaking at the Basilica of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Onitsha, during the opening mass marking the commencement of the academic activities in the new university, Obi said education remains the bedrock of every society, pointing out that most educational facilities and universities across the world were all started by the church.
Stating that education and health are the two important things that will last, the former two-term Governor of Anambra State said: “Most of the universities across the world are started by the church and it’s so because in university run by the church, you have two things to learn and the moral aspect of it is also very important. The world has only one currency which is knowledge. It’s not about the minerals you have, what will matter tomorrow is education and not minerals. Knowledge drives the world and I want you to take your education seriously.”
He also donated the sum of N10M to St Charles Borromeo School of Nursing, department of Midwifery, Waterside Onitsha to boost infrastructure and other aspects of learning.
The Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev Dr. Valerian Okeke eulogised Peter Obi for his belief in education and commended him for the donation.
Okeke gave the students free internet and unlimited access from now to January, 2025 and also gave them free lunch for the occasion.
The Vice Chancellor of Shanahan University, Rev Fr Prof Obi Oguejiofor described the university as a great institution.
“We want the best for you and we want the greatness God has given to you to flower to fruition. Today is a very special day and it’s because we have our students already in school. We welcome them because it has taken a long time to prepare for their arrival. Shanahan University, Onitsha, will be greater than all the universities,” he enthused.
Oguejiofor disclosed that the university sits on 18 hectares of land in the 33 area of Onitsha, adding a 1500 capacity auditorium is being built for the university.
According to the VC, over 200 students have so far arrived at the university for their various programmes, which will be offered to them free of tuition fees.
