Professor Uchechukwu Lucy Onyekwelu has emerged as the pioneer vice-chancellor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, in Abia State.
Prof Onyekwelu, a consummate scholar/researcher and influential human capital development expert, made history as the first female appointed vice chancellor of Enugu State.
She was the Head of the Department of Accountancy at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and a member of the University’s Senate.
Lux Mundi University was established with support from a team of experts from Apollos University, Montana, USA and Home Health Aide Training Institute, New York, USA, who assisted with the formation and take off/laying the foundations of the University.
The ceremony, which took place at the university’s Auditorium, included the inauguration of another university Principal Officer, the first enrollment of its pioneer students, and the foundation laying of His Excellency Dr Ikedi Ohakim Faculty of Management Sciences Complex, an endowment sponsored by the former Governor of Imo State.
Another memorable endowment, in memory of Her Excellency, the late wife of the Governor of Akwa-Ibom state, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo, was the Faculty of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences Complex.
Dr Ohakim and His Grace Most Rev. Archbishop Chibuzo Opoko performed the foundation-laying ceremonies at the university’s permanent site.
The Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor/Founder of the university, Prof. Gabriel Obiamaraije Chinedum Okenwa, disclosed during the unveiling that he led a consortium of local and international investors (including top retired public officials, bankers, Catholic clergy, other professionals, and academics) that screened applicants for the post of VC from several universities in the country and abroad.
He stated that Prof. Onyekwelu emerged as the founding Vice-Chancellor after confirming that she holds the required pedigree and experience to administer a complex institution of that nature.
The unveiling of the University and subsequent investiture of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, and Vice-Chancellor were performed by His Grace, Most Rev Ignatius Ayua Kaigama, and the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and former President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
Archbishop Kaigama was the appointed mentor of Lux Mundi University by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The University’s chancellor is Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and current President of the CBCN. During the investiture, Prof Onyekwelu charged the students to always align with the top-notch academic programmes offered at the university to achieve their desired academic excellence and attain the heights of global competitiveness.
She further charged them not to be derailed by unnecessary distractions but to remain focused on their academic programmes. She wanted them to become global citizens who would be the change agents needed in Nigeria.
Numerous goodwill messages from critical stakeholders in academia were delivered during the ceremony, including from Ambassador Dr Kema Chikwe, Founder/Chairman of the Women Leadership Institute, and Prof. John Kennedy Opara, Chairman/CEO of CSS FARMS, who announced a scholarship endowment fund for 22 students of Lux Mundi University from the Mbaise cultural zone, effective from the 2024/2025 academic session.
Equally, the Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University Abuja, Quadrangle Media Limited, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, and Ambassador Robin R. Sanders of FEEDS and CSS Group, among others, graced the occasion.
Prof. Onyekwelu was Head of the Department of Accountancy at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu; founding Consulting Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences at Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Nsukka, Enugu State; chairman of the National Education Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Vice-Chairman of the National Education Committee of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).
