Lux Mundi University Appoints New Vice-Chancellor
Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Abia State, has announced the appointment of Prof. Uchechukwu Onyekwelu as its inaugural Vice-Chancellor.
Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Abia State, has announced the appointment of Prof. Uchechukwu Onyekwelu as its inaugural Vice-Chancellor.
Renowned for her expertise in human capital development, Prof. Onyekwelu brings a distinguished academic background, including her roles as Head of Accountancy and Senate member at Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
The historic inauguration ceremony, held at the university’s auditorium, also featured the investiture of principal officers, matriculation of its first cohort of students, and groundbreaking ceremonies for new faculty complexes. Among the highlights was the foundation laying of the Dr. Ikedi Ohakim Faculty of Management Sciences Complex led by the former Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim. Additionally, the Faculty of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences Memorial Complex was dedicated to the late Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo, wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Prof. Gabriel Okenwa, Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, described Prof. Onyekwelu’s selection as the result of a rigorous process overseen by a consortium of local and international experts.
The unveiling ceremony was presided over by His Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayua Kaigama Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and former President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, who also serves as the university’s mentor, as appointed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, urged students to seize the opportunities provided by the institution’s robust academic programs, emphasizing the goal of producing globally competitive graduates.
In her inaugural speech, Prof. Onyekwelu called on students to focus on their academic pursuits and align with the university’s mission to shape future change-makers.
“Remain focused on your academic goals and avoid distractions. We aim to produce globally competitive graduates who will become the change agents Nigeria desperately needs,” she said.
The event attracted goodwill messages from prominent figures, including Ambassador Dr. Kema Chikwe, Founder of the Women Leadership Institute, and Prof. John Kennedy Opara, Chairman/CEO of CSS Farms, who announced a scholarship endowment for 22 students from the Mbaise cultural zone starting in the 2024/2025 academic session.
Representatives from Veritas University, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, and international organizations such as FEEDS and CSS Group were also in attendance.
Prof. Onyekwelu’s career includes leadership roles with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. She previously served as the founding Consulting Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences at Maduka University, Nsukka.
With this appointment, Lux Mundi University embarks on a journey of academic excellence, underpinned by a commitment to nurturing globally competitive graduates.
