Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Dr Maduka Onyishi, Founder and Chancellor of Maduka University, Ekwegbe in Igboetiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, says the university will produce great entrepreneurs in the country.
Onyishi said this during the maiden matriculation of its 550 pioneer students for the 2023/2024 academic session.
The chancellor said the university had the desire to redefine higher education by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the modern world.
According to him, I will teach students how to make legitimate money while in school through entrepreneurship.
The founder, who is also the Chairman of the Peace Group of Companies, admonished students to always attend classes, assuring them that the university would not disappoint them.
“That which God gave me, I will use it to serve you but we will not pamper any student,” he warned them.
He commended the Enugu State Government for curtailing insecurity around Opi road as well as other universities in the state for their support towards the university.
In a welcome speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Ogbulogo, said its intervention in tertiary education transcended the drive for business exploits.
The vice chancellor said the institution was the authentic entrepreneurial institution with clear pathways in leadership praxis.
According to him, the research philosophy anchors on addressing skill gap and local content development in a true sense of global education.
“We salute the courage of our esteemed parents, guardians and sponsors for believing in us.
“The university is pleased to announce that we have received the best-behaved young men and women ready to take responsibility even with the challenges of the pioneer experience.
“We reiterate our commitment to engage very constructively with your wards to birth the transformation we all desire,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, acknowledged that Onyishi’s entrepreneurial spirit made him found the university with innovation in entrepreneurship.
Mbah represented by the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, pledged to support the university whenever the need arises.
“On behalf of his Excellency, I appreciate the proprietor of the school and for the matriculating students, count yourselves lucky that you found yourselves in this beautiful university,” Mbah said.
Speaking on the topic “Evolving the Authentic Entrepreneurial University: The Nigerian Imperative,” the Guest/Matriculation Lecturer, Dr Linus Okorie, said Universities should actively support students in establishing and running their ventures.
Okorie added that students running their ventures would serve as practical laboratories for applying entrepreneurial concept in real world scenarios.
A student, Rosemary Odu, from Nursing Department, said she was delighted to be among the pioneer students of the university.
“I expect the university to give us the best in our academics and I rate the university 80 per cent on facilities put in place,” she said.
