NUC issues permanent license to Paul University ▪Ekwueme, Efobi, others laud her achievements

Nigeria University Commission has issued pernanent lincence to Paul University, Awka. Its Vice-Chancellor, Ven. Prof. Uche Isiugo-Abanihe who presented the letter from NUC to that effect to the proprietor of the school, His Grace, Most Rev. Christian Efobi, Dean of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion; the Board of Trustees led by the former Nigeria’s Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme; Chairman, Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, Sir Nnamdi Udensi, and others in a brief ceremony disclosed that the institution had been operating with a provisional license since inception on November 3, 2009.
Prof. Abanihe revealed that “initially the NUC extended the provisional license by two years, and outlined stringent conditions to be met before a permanent license could be issued. We assiduously attended to the prescribed documentations to the satisfaction of the NUC. On September 1, Paul University was issued a letter granting us permanent license to operate as a full-fledged private university. The certificate would be issued on a later day in Abuja. The issuance of this license, however, does not exempt us from the usual periodic NUC accreditation exercise to ensure compliance with the minimum academic standards.”
He affirmed that Paul University would be an enviable institution, a model for faith-based universities in the country with predictable academic calendar and highly dedicated staff and producing enterprising graduates sound in learning and character as well as future leaders who would drive development and enterprise in the country; insisting that “we have the passion and drive; we have the vision of a high pedestal to attain; all we need are the resources to make this institution great.”
Abanihe further posited that the institution is anchored on the core values of spirituality, excellence, diligence and moral rectitude; calling on Anglican faithful East of the Niger to join hands with the  university management to build the institution.
“Our objectives as a university are grounded in the conviction that the records of our Anglican forebears in the establishment and management of primary and secondary education in Nigeria and elsewhere, will be surpassed several folds by the impact, successes and contributions which Paul University will make in tertiary education in Nigeria. Anglican schools in the past, with a structured supervisory system, laid great emphasis on the total man − his intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development, and on his discipline and the fear of the Lord − which is indeed, the beginning of all wisdom.” The university boss further disclosed that the university was ranked in the 27th position in the latest webometrics ranking of Nigerian universities.
In his remark, Bishop Efobi stated that Paul University was born out of the burning desires of the bishops of the five ecclesiastical provinces (currently comprising 55 Dioceses) of the Anglican communion, East of the Niger to build a citadel of learning where graduates who are truly worthy in character and in learning would be churned out; noting that the institution would not relent in achieving those set objectives. He noted that the new status attained by the institution calls for thanksgiving to God; assuring that with this status, the efforts of the proprietors of the university wouldn’t be relented.
Also speaking, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the institution, Dr Alex Ekwueme noted that qualitative education is key to the survival of any nation, even as he congratulated the University for the height it has attained and urged her authority to keep doing the good work for the betterment of the institution.
Present at the occasion include the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most. Revd Alexander Ibezim, members of the university management, and others.