Maduka University Matriculates 664 Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Value-based Education

Maduka University, Ekwegbe Nsukka, has matriculated 664 students at its second matriculation, with a firm commitment to offering value-based education in Nigeria and beyond.

In his address, the Chancellor and Founder, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, emphasized the importance of education that responds directly to the needs of society. He noted that the era of the university as a detached ivory tower is long gone. “Value-based education goes beyond the classroom,” he said. “It is about creating an environment where teaching and learning are rooted in universal values and geared toward solving real-world problems.”

Dr. Onyishi explained that Maduka University’s programs are designed with a clear understanding of the shortcomings in Nigeria’s educational system. This awareness, he said, drives the university’s efforts to offer training that combines academic rigour with entrepreneurial thinking — a core pillar of the institution’s philosophy.

“We are committed to transparency, excellence, and creating the right environment for transformative education,” he declared.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles Ogbulogo, in his remarks, described the university’s approach as “learner-centred,” focusing on meeting the needs and aspirations of students. He highlighted the quality of faculty and the engaging nature of classroom instruction, which he described as “interactive and transformative.”

Prof. Ogbulogo noted that the university currently runs programs in the College of Medicine and six schools: Health Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, Law, Business and Social Sciences, and Engineering and Computing. He thanked the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies for their support, stating that the university has never launched a program without securing the necessary approvals.

“In just one year and five months of academic operations, we have enrolled close to 1,300 students,” he said. “This growth reflects the trust people have in our model of education. While it may be early to see it as validation, it certainly points in the right direction.”

He expressed appreciation to parents and sponsors for entrusting the university with their wards and congratulated the matriculating students. “We are proud to have some of the most promising young minds here — students who are ready to take on leadership and responsibility,” he added.

Delivering the matriculation lecture, former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, praised the university’s rapid growth and development, describing it as “phenomenal,” especially given the country’s challenging economic climate.

“Establishing a university under these conditions is no small feat,” he said. “The speed of development, the quality of staff, and the state-of-the-art facilities reflect the deep commitment and sacrifice of the founder, Dr. Onyishi. He is clearly driven by a passion to uplift society.”

Chief Nwodo expressed concern over the declining standards in education in the country but expressed hope in institutions like Maduka University. “It pains me so much that you, as our children, cannot get the quality of education we, your parents, got. Those of you in Maduka University are privileged. You have good buildings, power supply, water supply, and lecturers hungry and anxious to teach in an institution with facilities. Above all, you have a proprietor who has a passion to make the society he met a better place for those coming after him.”

He urged the students to make the most of the opportunities before them, using their time at the university to grow intellectually and personally. “The next four years — or more — will shape your skills and broaden your understanding, equipping you to contribute meaningfully to your own future and to the progress of our society. Knowledge remains the foundation for understanding the world, making sound decisions, and pushing the boundaries of human advancement. As you begin this academic journey, commit yourselves to deep, purposeful learning.”

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