Overview and History of Lux Mundi University, Ekwegbe, Enugu State

 
In the heart of Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, a new chapter in higher education is being written with the establishment of Lux Mundi University (LMU). For decades, Umuahia had been the seat of state governance and regional development, yet it lacked a private university on its soil—until now. The arrival of LMU brings hope to thousands of students in the South-East who often find admission into public institutions limited, and underscores a commitment to build an institution that is locally grounded yet internationally aware.

LMU is more than just another university—it is envisioned as a “light of the world” (as its Latin/Italian name suggests) for the region. The founder’s deep connection to his community and his desire to give back are evident in the choice of location: New Ndagbo City, Isiama Afaraukwu/Ibeku, Umuahia North LGA. By combining academic programmes in law, management sciences, arts and social sciences with entrepreneurial orientation, international affiliations and modern facilities, LMU aims to produce graduates who are intellectually equipped, morally grounded and practically ready to engage the world.

The significance of LMU cannot be overstated: it becomes the first private university to be licensed and sited in Umuahia, filling a gap in regional access to university education. Moreover, it sets out not only to be good, but to strive for excellence, international linkage and relevance in a rapidly changing global environment. For students seeking a university that blends community roots with a global outlook, LMU presents a promising option. In the following sections, we’ll delve into its official website, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation, academic structure & facilities, campus life, and the early stage of its alumni profile.

##Official Website
While a fully detailed and consistently maintained website URL was not always clearly published in all sources, online references list the website as luxmundi.edu.ngor variations thereof) as the institution’s official online portal. For example, one university news site lists the website link as “luxmundi.edu.ng”. 

Through the website, prospective students and stakeholders can expect to find: the university’s vision and mission statements, admission information, list of faculties and programmes, news and events (such as matriculation ceremonies and foundation-laying ceremonies), contact details and updates on campus development. It serves as the first digital gateway to the institution’s culture, opportunities and policies.

##Motto
The university’s motto is “Illuminating Humanity.” This phrase was cited during the investiture of the chancellor and matriculation of students. 

This motto reflects a dual aspiration: firstly, to enlighten minds—imparting knowledge, critical thinking, and innovation; secondly, to serve humanity—preparing graduates not just for personal success, but to contribute positively to society, to lead change, and to uplift communities. It signals that LMU seeks to be a beacon—both intellectually and ethically—in its region and beyond.

##Founder
The founder (and Pro-Chancellor) of Lux Mundi University is Gabriel Chinedum Okenwa (often styled as Prof. Gabriel Okenwa). According to media reports, he is an indigene of the host community, Isiama Afaraukwu, and was motivated to establish the university as a way of giving back to his land of origin. 

He emphasises that “this land raised me to what I am today; I have to honour this land by siting this university here.” 

Under his leadership, LMU has secured the licence, set in motion academic faculties, acquired land for its permanent site, and established international affiliations. His founding vision blends community development, access to tertiary education and global perspective.

##History
The history of Lux Mundi University is brief—yet significant. As of early 2024, LMU is recognised as the first private university to be established and licensed in Umuahia, Abia State. 

Key historical milestones include:
In January 2024, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State publicly welcomed the university and the presentation of its provisional licence to operate by the founder.

In January 2024, media reported that LMU had acquired over 106 hectares of land (including donations by the host community and purchases by the founder’s family) as its permanent site. 

In October 2024, LMU formalised a mentorship arrangement with Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI) in Enugu State, in line with the directive of the National Universities Commission (NUC) for new universities to have mentorship arrangements. 

LMU obtained its operational licence (provisional) to commence academic activities, initially with three faculties: Law; Management Sciences; and Arts & Social Sciences. 

The maiden matriculation, investiture, foundation-laying and inauguration of principal officers took place in late 2024.

Thus, the university’s history is one of rapid establishment, community engagement, infrastructural ambition and a commitment to modern education. While still very young, its positioning and early milestones point to deliberate groundwork for growth.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of Lux Mundi University is Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). His appointment was announced during the university’s matriculation ceremonies in November 2024. 

Brief biography & significance

Archbishop Ugorji is a senior leader in the Catholic Church in Nigeria, known for his ecclesiastical leadership, moral standing and community influence.

His investiture as Chancellor lends the university moral and symbolic gravitas, aligning LMU with faith-based values and standards of integrity.

His role as Chancellor places him as a figurehead—providing oversight, moral guidance and external representation of the university’s mission.
With his involvement, LMU gains the advantage of ecclesiastic endorsement, which may benefit its community standing, partnerships, and aspirational goals.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Lux Mundi University has been granted a provisional licence by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to operate as a private university in Nigeria. For example, the certificate was presented to the Abia State Governor in early 2024. 

The NUC also mandated that LMU enter into a mentorship arrangement with a more established university (GOUNI) as part of regulatory oversight for new institutions. 

Press reports indicate that LMU commenced academic activities in the 2023/2024 or 2024/25 academic session with approved faculties and programmes. 

While full accreditation for all individual programmes is still in progress (as is common with new universities), the institution is officially recognised as a university capable of awarding degrees and is listed as such among Nigeria’s private universities.
Prospective students should of course verify accreditation status of specific programmes (especially professional or technical ones) in line with NUC updates.

##Academic Structure and Facilities
Although still in its early phase, LMU has actively laid out its academic structure and facilities. Here are six key features:

Initial Faculties & Programmes – LMU began with three faculties: Faculty of Law; Faculty of Management Sciences; Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Programmes include LL.B Law; B.Sc. Business Administration; B.Sc. Project Management; B.Sc. Entrepreneurship; B.Sc. Accountancy and Forensic Studies; B.A. English & Literary Studies; B.Sc. Political Science; B.A. International Relations & Diplomacy. 

International Affiliations – LMU is affiliated (or stated to be) with foreign institutions (e.g., Apollos University, Florida, USA) and emphasises the possibility of students completing degrees abroad after three years. 

Land & Campus Development – The university has acquired over 106 hectares of land, with plans for a permanent site, showing the scale of infrastructure planning. 

Mentorship & Governance Support – Through its mentorship agreement with GOUNI, LMU gains access to best practices in academic governance, quality assurance and institutional development. 

Skills-Rooted Curriculum – The founder emphasises that LMU will not only teach theory but imbue skills, entrepreneurship and employability so graduates become job-creators, not just job-seekers. 

Modern Administrative & Academic Systems – The university has appointed key principal officers, deans and faculty, launched matriculation, foundation buildings and started academic sessions—indicating administrative readiness. 

Together, these features reflect an academic structure that is modern, ambitious, internationally oriented and anchored in local relevance.

##Campus Life and Facilities
While LMU is still establishing full campus life (as expected for a newly launched university), the available information points to several promising aspects:

Location: The campus is sited at New Ndagbo City, Isiama Afaraukwu/Ibeku, Umuahia North LGA – a serene environment suitable for study and growth. 

Facilities under construction: Foundation stones have been laid for major faculty buildings such as the “His Excellency Dr Ikedi Ohakim Faculty of Management Sciences Complex” and the “Patience Umo Memorial Faculty of Nursing & Allied Medical Sciences” building. 

Student support & affordability: The founder pledged that fees would be affordable, and that no student would drop out because of fees—with scholarships tied to foreign partner foundations. 

Extracurricular & culture: At its unveiling, the university emphasised not only academic excellence but moral formation, global citizenship and community engagement. The chancellor and VC encouraged students to avoid distractions and stay focused.

Infrastructure growth: The land acquisition and permanent site planning signal large scale future development of residential hostels, labs, lecture theatres, sport/recreation and ICT infrastructure. 

Community connection: Being based in the founder’s home community means students may benefit from strong local networks, mentorship, community ties and the energy of a growing institution.