Wikipedia

Shanahan University

Shanahan University (established 2023) is a private university, located at Onitsha, in Onitsha North local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is one of the private universities that has the approval of the National University Commission (NUC).[1][2] It was founded by His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha.[3] The Archbishop in an interview, stated that, "we decided to establish a university to help take care of the holistic civilization and moral formation of those we started forming from childhood to the university level."

Shanahan University Onitsha
TypePrivate University
Vice-ChancellorProf. Josephat Oguejiofor
Location
Onitsha
,
Anambra
,
Nigeria
Websitehttps://shanahanuni.edu.ng/
Map

History

edit

The foundation stone of Shanahan University was laid in 2020 by the Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke. It was said that the ceremony had the support of the Christian faithful, government and the institutions in the church. In attendance at the foundation stone laying ceremony were the technocrats, congregation of priests, religious, academics and school children. The foundation stone was laid at the university's main campus, 3-3 Onitsha.[4]

The institution was created as part of the archdiocese’s broader mission to contribute to educational development and human capital formation in Nigeria.[5]

The university takes its name from Joseph Shanahan, an Irish Catholic missionary bishop who played a significant role in the early development of Catholic education in southeastern Nigeria during the colonial era. Bishop Shanahan is widely remembered for his dedication to evangelization, education, and community development in the region.[6]

The establishment of Shanahan University reflects the desire of the Catholic Church to continue this legacy by creating an institution that trains students academically while also instilling strong ethical values.[7]

Location and Campus

Shanahan University is situated in Onitsha, a major commercial and cultural city in southeastern Nigeria. Onitsha is widely known for its vibrant economic activities, historical importance, and educational institutions.[8]

The university campus is located within the Trans-Nkisi Onitsha.[9] As a relatively new institution, the campus is still undergoing development, with ongoing efforts to expand Lecture halls, laboratories, administrative buildings, and student facilities.

Being located in Onitsha offers both advantages and challenges. On one hand, the city’s economic importance creates opportunities for partnerships and exposure to real-world economic activities. On the other hand, the busy commercial nature of the city requires the university to maintain a structured academic environment that supports learning and research.

Vision and Educational Philosophy

edit

The philosophy of Shanahan University is rooted in Catholic educational principles. The institution aims to combine academic excellence with moral formation, emphasizing the development of the whole person rather than focusing solely on academic achievement.[10]

The university seeks to produce graduates who are:

  • Academically competent
  • Morally upright
  • Socially responsible
  • Capable of contributing positively to society

In line with this philosophy, discipline, integrity, and service to humanity are strongly emphasized within the academic environment.

National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation

edit

Shanahan University was of the 37 new private universities Issued with a Provisional License in 2023.[11][12][13] It was listed in the NUC Bulletin of 16 October 2023 as one of the universities approved for operations in Nigeria.[14] In another development, National Universities Commission (NUC) approved 19 programs for Shanahan University. It also approved more five programs which are Medicine, Physiology, Anatomy, English Language and Law.[15]

Academic activity

edit

The university had its first matriculation ceremony on March 1, 2025.[16][17] The matriculation was a maiden event for the 2025/2026 academics session.[18] It took place at the Basilica field in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. In his speech at the matriculation ceremony, the Archbishop stated that, "Shanahan University stands for integrity, truthfulness, positive revolution and excellence. The aim of building this university is to use the institution to start a very positive revolution in this part of the world."[19]

At the university's opening ceremony in Onitsha, Mr. Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) donated N50 million for the growth of education.[20][21]

Faculty of Basic Medical and Allied Sciences

edit

This faculty focuses on foundational programmes that support careers in medicine and healthcare.

Courses include:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Medical Laboratory Science

These programmes provide students with strong scientific backgrounds necessary for careers in healthcare and biomedical sciences.

Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences

edit

The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences focuses on scientific and technological education.

Programmes include:

  • Computer Science
  • Software Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry

The aim of these programmes is to train graduates who can contribute to scientific research, technological innovation, and industrial development.

Faculty of Social and Management Sciences

edit

This faculty prepares students for careers in business, administration, and social development.

Courses include:

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Mass Communication

These programmes aim to develop managerial, analytical, and communication skills necessary for leadership roles in society.

Faculty of Law

edit

The Faculty of Law is designed to train legal professionals with strong ethical foundations and a commitment to justice.

The faculty offers:

  • Law (LL.B)

Students are expected to receive training in legal theory, practice, and ethics in preparation for careers in legal practice and public service.

College of Medicine

edit

The College of Medicine represents one of the university’s long-term ambitions to contribute to healthcare education in Nigeria.

The college offers:

  • Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)

Like other new medical programmes in Nigeria, the development of the college requires extensive infrastructure, laboratories, and teaching hospitals.

Administration and Leadership

edit

The governance of Shanahan University reflects a combination of academic leadership and oversight from the Catholic Church.

The university is owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, with Valerian Maduka Okeke serving as the founder and proprietor. The institution is managed by a university administration headed by a Vice-Chancellor and supported by other principal officers such as the Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian.

Founder and proprietor: Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke.[22]

Vice Chancellor: Prof. Josephat Oguejiofor.[23]

Registrar: Rev Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Emenu

Shanahan Education Foundation, Nigeria Board Member: Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi.[24]

This administrative structure follows the standard system used in Nigerian universities, ensuring proper academic management and institutional governance.

Faculties

edit

Basic Medical and Allied Science

Natural and Applied Science

Social and Management Sciences

Law

Medicine

References

edit
  1. ↑ "Private Universities". National Universities Commission. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  2. ↑ Tolu-Kolawole, Deborah (27 November 2023). "FULL LIST: 147 private varsities in Nigeria". The Punch. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  3. ↑ Okogba, Emmanuel (7 November 2020). "Shanahan University Onitsha". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  4. ↑ Rapheal (8 April 2020). "Shanahan varsity begins to take shape". The Sun. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  5. ↑ "Shanahan University Onitsha – Applying knowledge for innovation and productivity". Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  6. ↑ "Shanahan University Onitsha – Applying knowledge for innovation and productivity". Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  7. ↑ "Shanahan University Onitsha – Applying knowledge for innovation and productivity". Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  8. ↑ "Shanahan University Onitsha – Applying knowledge for innovation and productivity". Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  9. ↑ "PUBLIC NOTICE ON TRANS NKISI PHASE III, ONITSHA – MINISTRY OF LANDS, ANAMBRA STATE". www.mol.anambrastate.gov.ng. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
  10. ↑ "Shanahan University Onitsha – Applying knowledge for innovation and productivity". Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  11. ↑ "NUC Issues Provisional License to 37 New Private Varsities". National Universities Commission. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  12. ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (9 June 2023). "NUC issues provisional licenses to 37 new private varsities". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  13. ↑ FATUNMOLE, Marcus (9 June 2023). "37 more private varsities get provisional licence". The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  14. ↑ National Universities Commission (16 October 2023). "NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION Monday Bulletin" (PDF). nuc. Retrieved 23 February 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ↑ Obianeri, Ikenna (4 March 2025). "Shanahan varsity matriculates 495 students, expands academic programmes". The Punch. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  16. ↑ Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh (14 April 2025). "SHANAHAN UNIVERSITY: An exclusive interview with His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, the proprietor of Shanahan University, Onitsha". nigeriacatholicnetwork. Retrieved 24 February 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ↑ NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION (14 August 2023). "NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION MONDAY Bulletin" (PDF). NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION MONDAY Bulletin. 18 (31): 1–14 – via nuc.
  18. ↑ Obianeri, Ikenna (24 December 2025). "Obi, Abaribe counsel students as Shanahan varsity matriculates 694". The Punch. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  19. ↑ CADO (3 November 2023). "Shanahan University". Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  20. ↑ Abiola, Adenle Ahmed (14 October 2024). "Obi donates N50m to Shanahan University, Onitsha |". The Eagle Online. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  21. ↑ Nwafor (14 October 2024). "Peter Obi donates N50m to Shanahan University, Onitsha". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  22. ↑ Media, Csn. "Bishop Ajakaye Calls for Spiritual Renewal and Commitment to Common Good in Nigeria". NIGERIA CATHOLIC NETWORK. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  23. ↑ Onitsha, Emma Elekwa (21 December 2025). "Embrace hard work, integrity, Obi, Abaribe charge Shanahan varsity students". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  24. ↑ CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF ONITSHA, NIGERIA (2025). "PERSONNEL PLACEMENT 2024/2025 CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF ONITSHA, NIGERIA" (PDF). onitshaarchdiocese. Retrieved 24 February 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shanahan_University&oldid=1360332978"