Overview and History of Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State

 
Located in Mary-Land, Old Nekede Road, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, the Claretian University of Nigeria (CUN) stands as a burgeoning private university committed to delivering holistic education that combines academic rigor with moral and character formation. Nestled within the thriving town of Nekede—just outside the state capital Owerri—the University draws on the rich educational tradition of the Claretian Missionaries of Nigeria, a Catholic religious congregation known for its apostolate of education. Since its approval in 2021, CUN has set out to become more than just a place where degrees are awarded. It aims to be a community of scholars, innovators and socially responsible graduates capable of contributing to the development of Imo State, the South-East and Nigeria as a whole. The institution’s philosophy emphasises not only knowledge acquisition but also values, research, entrepreneurship and responding to societal needs. 

In an era when Nigerian higher education faces challenges including overcrowding, strike disruptions and mismatches between academic offerings and industry needs, the emergence of CUN offers an alternative pathway. It seeks to create a modern environment—combining technology, research, and character formation—to equip students for the future. As such, for students, parents and stakeholders exploring tertiary options in the South-East, understanding the background, accreditation, academic structure and campus life of CUN is imperative. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key dimensions of the university: official website, motto, founder, history, chancellor, accreditation and recognition, academic structure and facilities, campus life and facilities, and notable alumni.

##Official Website
The official web portal of Claretian University of Nigeria is claretianuniversity.edu.ngit serves as the principal online gateway for prospective and current students, staff and partners. On the site one finds information about admissions, programmes, faculties, news & events, governance and contact details. The website emphasises the University’s identity as “A Community of Scholars – Redeeming the future through education” and showcases its academic offerings, virtual tours and student-support services.For anyone investigating the institution, the website is a good starting point to verify details such as application procedures, programme lists, entry requirements and institutional updates.

##Motto
The motto of Claretian University of Nigeria is “Securing the future through Education.” This succinct phrase encapsulates the University’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding needed to navigate and influence their futures. It suggests that education is not just a credential but a means of empowering individuals and societies for long-term growth and stability.

##Founder
The founder of Claretian University of Nigeria is the Claretian Missionaries of Nigeria (CMF) under their subsidiary, the Claretian University Education Foundation (CUEF). While the institution is owned and run by this Catholic congregation, the key individual listed as Chancellor (see next section) is Most Rev. Dr. Anthony J.V. Obinna (Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri) who serves as the titular head of the University. Thus the founding framework is a faith-based educational mission rooted in the Claretian values of service, scholarship and human development.

##History
The history of Claretian University of Nigeria begins with its formal approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of Nigeria on 3 February 2021, when it was among the twenty new private universities approved that day. 

Following that approval, the university commenced operations on its listed campus in Mary-Land, Old Nekede Road, Imo State. The founding document states that the take-off campus sits on approximately 21.597 hectares in Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Area, with additional campuses in Nkwerre and Nwangele Local Government Areas. 

From its inception, the University was born out of the recognition that Imo State had a high number of candidates participating in tertiary entrance examinations, yet limited additional capacity in the private sector to absorb them. The Claretian Missionaries, with a longstanding record in education, responded to this pressing need. 

In May 2022, the University held its maiden matriculation ceremony, marking the formal induction of the first cohort of students. In this event, the Chancellor urged matriculants to allow the Word of God to permeate their being and to be “Christ-animated”. 

By May 2023 the institution had admitted 152 new students for the 2022/2023 session, representing a second matriculation. The Vice-Chancellor indicated growth from 71 students at the first matriculation, and pointed out that academic offerings had expanded to include the School of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences (Nursing Sciences, Public Health, Physiotherapy) among others.

Thus, CUN is relatively young but already demonstrating momentum: establishing campus infrastructure, admitting students, gaining accreditation visits by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and forging academic partnerships. 

Over time, the University aims to deepen its research capacity, expand postgraduate programmes, and position itself as a hub of scholarship and innovation in the region.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of Claretian University of Nigeria is Most Rev Dr Anthony J.V. Obinna, Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri. 

As Chancellor, he serves as the ceremonial and spiritual head of the institution, lending oversight and moral authority consistent with the University’s Catholic foundation. In the matriculation address, he emphasized the need for graduates to be “Christ-animated” and to allow the transformative power of the gospel to guide their personal, intellectual and social lives. 
Claretian Missionaries

His role underscores the vision of the University to combine academic formation with moral and character development, reinforcing that students are trained not only to excel intellectually but also to serve society responsibly.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Claretian University of Nigeria is duly listed among the private universities approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria via the NUC – in March 2021 list of newly approved universities. 

In December 2023, the NUC sent an accreditation team to the University to assess multiple schools and programmes. 
claretianuniversity.edu.ng

For example, an accreditation tech-report shows that the Nursing Science programme under the discipline of Allied Health Sciences was visited on 12 December 2024 and evaluated. The result shows a programme score of 71.25% (Interim status) with identified areas for improvement (e.g., staffing profile, equipment in laboratories). 
National Universities Commission

What this means for students is that while the University is recognised and legally allowed to award degrees, some of its programmes are still in the process of full accreditation and may be reviewed and improved. Prospective applicants should check current accreditation status of their specific programme of interest.

##Academic Structure and Facilities
Claretian University has structured its academic offerings into several Schools (or Faculties) and Departments, and is developing supporting facilities to deliver quality teaching, learning and research. Notable features include:

Schools/Faculties: According to official information, the University has organized Schools such as the School of Agriculture; School of Science & Computing; School of Arts, Management & Social Sciences; School of Allied Health Sciences. 

In addition, other listings include: School of Health Sciences; School of Engineering; School of Postgraduate Studies

Departments: Within these Schools one finds Departments such as: Computer Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Nursing Science, Public Health, Agriculture, Accounting, Economics, Philosophy, Software Engineering. 

Programme Variety: The University offers Bachelor’s degrees in diverse areas: Nursing Sciences, Public Health, Physiotherapy; Agriculture (Extension, Crop Science, Animal Production, Soil Science); Computing/Engineering; Social Sciences/Humanities (Philosophy, Criminology & Peace Studies) etc. 

Campus Land/Multiple Campuses: The Buk campus (take-off) occupies about 21.597 hectares in Nekede, with additional campuses of 13.047 ha at Nkwerre and 85.530 ha at Abba, Nwangele LGA. 

Research & Innovation Focus: The University identifies research thrusts such as indigenous knowledge and technology via its School of Agriculture and Public Health, e.g., root/tuber storage & processing; dry season vegetable production; alternative livestock feeds/organic fertilisers. 

Infrastructure and Support Services: The website highlights state-of-the-art facilities, virtual campus tours, programmes aimed at soft-skills development, digital skills training, entrepreneurial and consultancy services units. For example, orientation programmes for fresh students (Nov 2024) included tours of the administrative block, library and other major areas. 

International Partnerships: The University has a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with institutions such as EUCLID University (an inter-governmental institution) for hybrid/online programmes, indicating awareness of global education trends and delivery models. 

Altogether, the academic structure and facilities suggest a university in development, with ambitious plans and growing capacity to support a broad range of disciplines.

##Campus Life and Facilities
Although still relatively young, Claretian University of Nigeria is shaping a campus environment that supports both academics and student life. Key elements include:

Orientation & Fresh Student Integration: For the 2024/2025 session, the University held an orientation for over 200 fresh students on 18 November 2024, covering rules/regulations, tours of the library, admin block and major campus areas. 

Moral and Character-Formation Emphasis: In its matriculation ceremonies, leadership emphasises values such as honesty, humility, respect, self-reliance and the “Christ-animated” ethos.

Student-Work Programme & Soft Skills Training: The Vice-Chancellor reported the implementation of a cost-sharing student-work programme, and short courses/training in digital soft skills and primary healthcare to broaden student capabilities beyond academics. 

Library and Study-Spaces: Students were recognized for consistent use of the library in ceremonies, reflecting the availability and importance of such facilities. 

Campus Infrastructure and Space: With expansive land (21ha+ take-off campus and further campuses planned) the physical environment supports development of classrooms, labs, recreation and green spaces. 

Virtual/Online Learning Interface: The University’s online portal and hybrid programmes suggest flexibility for students, including those who might balance work and study. 

From this, one can infer a campus life that prioritises academic focus, ethical development, modern facilities and student-support services, though being relatively new, there may still be room for further expansion of clubs, student housing, sports and other extracurriculars.