..22 bag First Class as 660 new graduates emerge
The proprietor, GO University, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, rendering his speech, during 13th convocation ceremony of the University.
From Maurice Okafor, Enuguv
Rev. Fr. ( Prof.) Christian Anieke, the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye (GO) University, Enugu, says the institution has continued to excel tremendously in academic, banking on the exponential enabling environment and facilities available in the University.
At the 13th Convocation ceremony of the institution held at its permanent site at Ugwuomu Nike, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that Godfrey Okoye University has established its own Teaching Hospital.
He appraised GO Varsity as one of the private universities in Nigeria, whose College of Medicine has its own Teaching Hospital.
He said that the University Teaching Hospital with over 200 beds is eqquiped with modern facilities,such as X-rays machine, CT Scans, general surgery,etc. Is located at Trans Ekulu axis of Enugu metropolis.
His words, “We have become one of the few private universities with their own functional teaching hospital.
” We the GO University Teaching Hospital, we are completely in charge of the quality of our medical students and doctors.
“Our teaching hospital has one of the biggest and most beautiful accident and emergency units, including a Children’s unit more than any Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.”
He assured that the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital will soon be ready.
A step further, he said, the GO university in partnership with Enugu state government is expanding it DNA learning Centre for Parternity tests, forensic analysis and state of the art laboratories for all manner of biological science research and DNA sequencing humans, animals and plants.
His words, “Our DNA Centre is the biggest of such a centre in the whole of Africa.I express my gratitude to our Governor and Enugu state government for facilitating this efficacious partnership with our DNA Centre”.
He emphasised that the sophistication and standard the University management raised it’s college of Medicine is already yielding results.
He stated, “In the second MBSS examination,Our first set of Medical students set a record with nine distinctions in Anatomy and many distinctions in other areas.Members of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria,who were the external examiners we’re incredibly fascinated and commended our staff and students.
“Besides, the serene environment here in Ugwuomu Nike is certainly a very good setting for teaching medical and nursing science students in the first part of medical education, which is the medical sciences. On this campus, there is neither room for distraction nor for such social space that breeds cultism, rascality and foolishness”.
He expressed happiness that the students of the University are doing well both in learning and character.
A total of 660 new graduates of the institution participated in the Convocation ceremony out of which 22 of them made first class honours, the highest in the history of the University.
Professor Anieke said from the University ‘s first Convocation in 2013 till date, the University has produced 4,431 graduates, who are in different parts of the world reading, working or engaged in other justful endeavours.
“From a humble beginning with just 215 students, we have risen to over five thousand students, spread in 87 fully accredited programmes of our University, as well as five certificate programmes. Our University has remained one of the fastest growing private unversities in Nigeria”,Rev Prof.Anieke stated.
He mentioned some other academic achievements recorded by the University to include the Winner of Nigerian debate championship, in 2024, Abuja City Journal National Essay, 2025, Chartered Institute of Personnel ,South East Regional quiz , among others
Rev Prof Anieke urged the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of Godfrey Okoye University..
The Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Mbah, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai commended the graduands, saying the state government will continue to support the institution in it’s commitment to excell in academics.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Godfrey Okoye University, Prof.Dr Christian Nwachukwu Okeke, in his address commended the graduands for their dedication and perseverance which to achieve success.
His words, “Today,we have gathered to celebrate with you because you have accomplished the onerous task of academic excellence. As you go into the wider society to face further challenges of life, remember your Alma mater and be it’s good ambassador. At every point in time,you should be able to show the world the evidence of your excellence in character and learning, knowing quite well that you are showing the world your success story and that of the University”.
The Chancellor, Most Rev.Dr. Ignatius Kaigama, the Archbishop of Abuja in his own address, tasked the graduands to maintain the core values they imbibed from Godfrey Okoye University.
He stated, “I challenge you to remain anchored in your values as defined in the vision of the University. Let your success be defined not by what you achieve for yourselves,but by what you contribute to the lives of others and the society as a whole.”
The Proprietor of Godfrey Okoye University, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev.Dr.Callistus Onaga, commended Godfrey Okoye University management for being steadfast in celebrating it’s Convocation ceremony annually.Unlike many universities who can no longer convoke annually due to economic hardship.
He commended the accelerated success the University has been making over the years.
“The University has been growing and expanding in both infrastructure and structure. The several accreditations of many new courses and disciplines smack of great ingenuity,creativity and unimpaired committment”.
He mentioned the College of Medicine of the University which started a few years back, to have been accredited by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria,for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery,MBBS, examinations.
He also commended the speed and consistency of execution of projects at Ugwuomu Nike permanent site of the University.
He also commended the graduands for working so hard from matriculation to graduation.
“Few years ago, during your matriculation,you were not sure of today due to uncertainties of life.You have toiled in the day and burned candles in the night to see this day. Here you are, having your convocation ceremony.We thank God for his grace upon you all through this year’s. As we wish you well in life,we advise you to continue to be beacons of excellence in every nook and cranny of the society where you will practice what you have learnt here.Do not forget to adhere to the discipline and decorum that you have imbibed here,and also be true Ambassadors of Godfrey Okoye University.
The 13th Convocation ceremony of Godfrey Okoye University was also money spinning for graduands who excelled meritoriously in their academic works as there were various prizes from different organizations for the best students in different fields.
Miss Mary Nkenna Azubuike of Psychology department won cash gifts as the best overall graduate and a one day student Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University.
There was Governor Peter Mbah cash gift of one million naira for the best graduating law student.
Almost all the departments had gifts donated by the GO UNI Alumni, Corporate organizations and influential personalities for the best graduating students.
Mr Philip Ezeh ,who read microbiology was awarded scholarship by Godfrey Okoye University to pursue his master’s degree in the University, for taking a carrier in education amidst the odds.
