Two days ago, the Anglican Diocese on the Niger moved its University – the University On The Niger – to its permanent site at Umunya, Anambra State. Last year, I was the commencement speaker at the inaugural matriculation of the University at its temporary campus at Onitsha.
The Bishop had appointed me Chairman of the Task Force for the relocation to the permanent site. The plan was to stay three years at the temporary site to enable completion of the permanent site. The plan failed. Application to the university surged. The temporary site became grossly inadequate.
In my speech, at the official opening ceremony of the permanent site, I called on all to support the university that would nurture the next Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. By investing in the University on the Niger, you are not just building structures; you are building lives, careers, and futures.
Mr. Peter Obi was present at the occasion and had previously made and redeemed a large donation to support the university. Sen Tony Nwoye Sen Tony Nwoye attracted a road project of about 1 billion Naira to make the school accessible. Chief Godwin Okeke, founder of GUO transport who had donated a building, Senator Victor Umeh , Valentine Chineto Ozigbo Ozigbo, Hon. Obinna Chidoka and other dignitaries donated generously at the event.
As the Chairman of the Task Force, I had invited some of my friends to the event, and some responded. I want to thank the following eminent Nigerians for their immediate response despite the suddenness
His Excellency Atiku Abubakar,
HE Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara,
HE Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State,
Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto state,
HE, Nasir El Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, and
my committee of friends for their generous donations to the university.
I was touched and humbled by the responses of these Nigerians who prioritised education and realised that the idea of a university is beyond geography.
In his speech, his Excellency Peter Obi said, “Osita, you have done well, but you have more friends than this, so you must raise at least one billion for the University”, and the audience all clapped in support. I agreed to continue the fundraising to meet the one billion Naira target.
To achieve the completion of this worthy project and if you believe in the power of education to transform lives, support this mission by donating. Every one thousand naira brings us closer to the finish line.
Use this account number and act. No amount is small
University on the Niger Umunya
Keystone Bank Ltd
1012608079
Together, we can make the University on the Niger a symbol of what is possible when people of goodwill come together for a common purpose.
Osita Chidoka
9 Jan 2025