Overview and History of PeaceLand University, Enugu State

 
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge of private universities dedicated to expanding access to higher education and raising standards of professional training. Among these emerging institutions is Peaceland University, located in Enugu State. This university seeks to position itself not just as a place for lectures and examinations, but as a community that prepares young people for life in its fullness — intellectually, socially and ethically. From its founding vision through to its modern facilities, Peaceland University endeavours to create an environment in which young minds are nurtured, challenged and prepared for the complexities of our globalised world. What makes the university especially compelling is its dual emphasis: on the “academic” — rigorous study programmes across the sciences, social sciences, education and allied health — and on the “human” — character development, service to community, and an outlook that places the graduate not simply in the labour market but in society, contributing meaningfully. Situated in Enugu, a city with rich culture, history and dynamism in southeastern Nigeria, the campus enjoys proximity to urban amenities while offering space for academic reflection and growth.

Prospective students who consider Peaceland University will find more than just classrooms and degree titles: they will find a vision in which education is a tool of “complete living” — preparing individuals to adapt, innovate and serve. For families and stakeholders, the university represents a modern option in Nigerian tertiary education: private, purposeful, mission-driven, and positioned to contribute to national development. In what follows, we unpack the key features of the university: its official website, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation, academic structure and facilities, campus life, and any notable alumni. By the end of this article you should have a well-rounded understanding of what Peaceland University offers and how it fits into Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

##Official Website
The official website for Peaceland University is www.peacelanduni.edu.ngOn the site you will find comprehensive information about admissions, faculties, programmes, campus news and events. The website plays a key role in the university’s communication strategy, showcasing its vision, faculty listings, course structures and contact details. It is a helpful starting point for anyone considering applying, wanting to verify accreditation, or simply exploring what the institution stands for. 

##Motto
The university’s motto is “Integral Human Development.”
This phrase speaks volumes about the institution’s philosophy: it is not enough to train students purely in technical skills or knowledge; the ambition is to develop the whole person — intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually. By emphasising “integral” development, the university commits itself to producing graduates who are well-rounded, capable of leadership, critical thinking and contributing positively to society. In a context where higher education often focuses narrowly on employability or examination performance, Peaceland University’s motto indicates a broader, richer aim.

##Founder
The founder and funder behind the Peaceland project is the Swiss philanthropist known as Mama Pia Meier-Knüsel (often affectionately “Mama Pia”). Mama Pia visited Enugu in 2008 and, moved by the widespread poverty, lack of opportunities and limited access to quality education for youth, decided to invest her life-earnings into establishing educational institutions in Nigeria. She not only donated funds, but in fact sold her private residence in Switzerland to channel the proceeds into educational infrastructure in Nigeria. Thus the roots of Peaceland University are grounded in philanthropy, mission and a commitment to expand educational access.

##History
Peaceland University’s history is both recent and rich with meaning. Established initially as part of the “Peaceland” project, the university evolved from earlier institutions under the same umbrella. For example, the Peaceland College of Education in Enugu was founded (via Mama Pia’s funding) to train teachers and serve as a stepping-stone for tertiary education in the region. 

The Peaceland project also included a College of Health Sciences and Technology in Enugu, designed to build capacity in Nigeria’s health workforce. 

In 2019, the promotors and planning/implementation committee of Peaceland University approached the National Universities Commission (NUC) for establishment of a full university. 

In June 2023, the Federal Executive Council approved the institution as one of the private universities. 

The university saw its first matriculation ceremony soon after, marking the transition from concept to full-fledged institution. A celebration of the one-year anniversary of operations highlighted the physical campus, the student body, workshops and seminars and the university’s commitment to its vision. 

Peaceland University’s location is in Enugu, Enugu State — specifically address “No. 1 Old Path Close, Independence Layout, opposite ESUT MSP, by Nkpokiti Junction, Enugu”. 

The campus environment is described as modern, serene and conducive to academic activities. 

In summary: from a philanthropic vision by Mama Pia, through teacher-education and health-education institutions, to the formal university established in 2023, Peaceland University is the latest evolution of a project aimed at transforming lives through quality education in Enugu and beyond.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of Peaceland University is Prince Arthur Eze (OFR). 
Prince Arthur Eze is a prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, known for his oil and energy interests and for wide philanthropic engagements. 
He was appointed Chancellor in November 2024. 

Brief Biography:
Born on 27 November 1948 in Dunukofia, Anambra State, Nigeria, Arthur Eze obtained his secondary education at St Augustin Secondary School, Nkwere, Imo State, and later graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Mechanical and Chemical Engineering. 

He founded Atlas Oranto Petroleum in 1991 and has since engaged in many infrastructure and humanitarian projects across Nigeria. His appointment as Chancellor of Peaceland University underscores the institution’s ambition and its connections with Nigerian philanthropic leadership.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation is a critical factor in judging any higher institution. Peaceland University is approved by Nigeria’s regulatory authorities for its programmes and operations. The university’s own site lists a broad range of undergraduate programmes (e.g., LL.B, B.Sc Computer Science, Nursing Science, B.Ed Educational Management) indicating that it has obtained the necessary Federal and NUC approvals. 

In addition, the associated Peaceland College of Education (which preceded the university) has received FULL accreditation status in several subject areas via NUC accreditation technical reports. For example: for Religious Studies the programme scored 78.50% and was given full accreditation. 

Also, for Biology Education programme the score was 82.52% in the accreditation review. 
National Universities Commission

While the university is young, these accreditation outcomes indicate that the institution is moving in alignment with the regulatory benchmarks set for Nigerian higher education. Prospective students should nonetheless verify the latest accreditation status of the specific programme they intend to enrol in, directly with NUC.

##Academic Structure and Facilities
The academic structure of Peaceland University is organised into faculties and departments with modern facilities supporting teaching, research and student life. Here are at least six key components:

Faculties / Schools – The website lists faculties such as: Faculty of Law; Faculty of Allied Health Sciences; Faculty of Arts, Management & Social Sciences; Faculty of Education; Faculty of Science & Computing. 

This structure allows students to select from a diverse range of programmes: law, health sciences, computing, education, arts and more.

Modern Classrooms & Laboratories – According to news reports, the campus boasts standard classrooms and well-equipped laboratories. The one-year anniversary coverage emphasised “state-of-the-art facilities like standard classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, digital libraries for e-learning …” 

This is important in fields like computer science, health sciences and engineering where practical work is key.

Digital Library & E-Learning Resources – The institution mentions digital libraries for E-learning, supporting both in-person and blended learning. 

This means students have access not only to physical materials but online resources, enabling research and study flexibility.

Hostels / Student Accommodation & Campus Services – Reports state that the university offers “standard hostels, neat restrooms, luxurious canteens, constant water and light supply, and many other facilities that make life easier in school.” 

A good residential environment contributes significantly to student wellbeing and academic success.

Sports & Recreation Facilities – As part of its student-life commitment, the university’s celebration event included activities like a novelty football match between staff and students. 

This suggests the campus has sports fields, recreational spaces and supports extracurricular life.

Specialist Health/Allied Science Infrastructure – Given the programmes in nursing science, public health, medical laboratory science, environmental health etc., the university appears to invest in specialist labs and health-science training spaces. For example, the earlier college (Peaceland College of Health Sciences & Technology) had departments for pharmacy technicians, medical laboratory technicians, environmental health tech, etc. 

In addition to these six, other facilities worth noting: “serene environment” of the campus (for focus and reflection), modern lecture halls, and readily accessible urban location (Independence Layout, Enugu) which supports connectivity and social engagement. 

Overall, Peaceland University offers a solid mix of academic breadth, infrastructural support, residential life and modern pedagogical resources — making it a promising environment for tertiary education.

##Campus Life and Facilities
Beyond academics, campus life at Peaceland University in Enugu is designed to support holistic student experience. The campus is described as being located in a “serene environment very conducive for academic activities.” 

Students benefit from convenient urban access (Enugu city) yet have space for study, reflection and community. The availability of hostels with constant water and electricity, luxury canteens and supportive rest-rooms means that students can focus on learning rather than logistics. The student environment encourages engagement: from extracurricular sports, cultural activities, seminars and workshops (as noted during the anniversary celebrations), to the broader goal of character development and social responsibility. The management emphasises a “student-centric approach” and friendly administration that listens to student needs. 

Students should expect a lively campus where learning merges with personal growth, community engagement and social life. The fact that the institution also emphasises paying tuition in instalments (making it more accessible) shows an understanding of student realities.