Overview and History of Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede, Delta State

 
The Margaret Lawrence University (MLU), located in Galilee, Ute-Ogbeje/Owerre-Olubor Road, Ika North-East LGA, Delta State, Nigeria, is a bold and fresh addition to the nation’s tertiary education landscape. Established in 2022, MLU embodies the ambition to offer a world-class, technology-driven, research-oriented university experience grounded in strong moral and service values. In an era when higher education is rapidly evolving, MLU seeks to equip its students not just with knowledge, but with the skills, innovation-mindset and character to thrive in a globalised and competitive world. The founding vision emphasises “morally competent and knowledgeable graduates who will conquer the sciences, the humanities and the business world and help make the world a better place.” 

Situated in a serene yet strategic setting, MLU aims to deliver an environment where students can focus, engage in meaningful research, collaborate internationally, and emerge as solution-makers. The university is part of a broader commitment by its founding foundation to human development, outreach and community service, thus creating an institution that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance. 
Fountain of Joy and Comfort FoundationAs Nigeria continues to expand its private higher education sector, MLU presents an opportunity for students seeking fresh, modern alternatives to traditional institutions—institutions that are flexible, forward-looking and poised to respond to 21st-century challenges. With its nascent status, the university offers potential for growth, innovation and a strong sense of community belonging among early-stage cohorts. In this blog post we will explore the official website, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation, academic structure & facilities, campus life, and any notable alumni of Margaret Lawrence University.

##Official Website
The official web portal of Margaret Lawrence University can be accessed at https://mlugalilee.edu.ngOn the site you will find an overview of the university’s mission and vision, admissions information, news and events, academic programmes, and contact details for its campuses (Delta and Abuja). It serves as the primary gateway for prospective students, staff and stakeholders to learn about MLU’s offerings and ongoing activities.
The website emphasises key value-propositions such as “All our programmes are duly approved by the NUC”, “A secure and serene environment with state-of-the-art facilities suitable for learning”, and “International partnership and collaboration”.If you are considering applying or simply researching the university, the official website is the recommended starting point for up-to-date information on application forms, academic calendar, fees, programmes, and campus news.

##Motto
While I did not locate a publicly-certified motto phrase for MLU explicitly in my research, the university’s vision statement declares its aim to “become a world class institution committed to the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and excellence to meet the challenges of economic and human development.” Thus, it is evident that MLU’s guiding principle centres around knowledge + innovation + excellence in service of society. Given its Christian-foundation context (via the founding foundation), the moral-service dimension is implied in its ethos. The absence of a short “Latin motto” or tag-line may simply reflect its newness and evolving brand identity.

##Founder 
The university was founded by Paul Odili, who serves as Pro-Chancellor and Visitor of MLU.
Mr. Odili is also the founder of the philanthropic organisation Fountain of Joy and Comfort Foundation, and its sister ministry. His vision for MLU is rooted in his foundation’s mission of outreach — for example in eye-care and maternal health services — and now advancing into higher education. 

According to an interview, he emphasised that MLU is not established primarily for profit:
“My vision is to build technology-driven university where our students can compete favourably with their counterparts in world class universities across the globe … So, it is not a profit making venture.” 
In short, Paul Odili’s founding role situates MLU as part of a broader social-impact endeavour rather than purely a commercial enterprise.

##History
Margaret Lawrence University’s story begins in 2022, when the institution was granted a provisional licence by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to operate as a private university in Nigeria. The licence was awarded on 12 May 2022. 

The main campus, known as Galilee, is located in Ute-Ogbeje/Owerre-Olubor Road, Ika North-East LGA, Delta State. The Abuja campus (Rivers Park Estate, Airport Road, Lugbe District) houses certain faculties such as Medical Sciences. The genesis of the university is traced to the philanthropic foundation: the Board of Trustees of the Fountain of Joy and Comfort Foundation resolved to establish the university as an extension of its humanitarian and educational outreach. 

On 15 March 2024, the maiden matriculation ceremony for the 2023/2024 academic session was held in style at the Galilee campus, marking an important milestone in MLU’s operational journey. During the early years, the founder emphasised that lands had been donated by the host communities (Ute-Ogbeje and Owerre-Olubor) and pledged to drive infrastructural development in support of the university. 

In its short history, the university has moved quickly to establish administrative structures, appoint a Vice-Chancellor, define academic programmes, and position itself for growth. For example, in November 2022 a pioneer Vice-Chancellor was appointed and by March 2024 the university was matriculating its first sizable cohort. 

Although still in its infancy compared to longer-established institutions, MLU is positioning itself as a modern, purpose-built institution anchored on technological, research, and community-service goals—even while acknowledging the infrastructure and resource challenges that new private universities typically face. Prospective students and stakeholders should keep in mind that as a young institution, some traditions, alumni networks, and accreditation outcomes may still be under development, but the opportunity for early-adopter status, shaping culture and participating in institution-building is real.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University is Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON. 
Brief biography:
Dr. Okowa is a medical doctor by training, having studied Medicine & Surgery at the prestigious University of Ibadan and graduated at the age of 22. 

He transitioned from medical practice into public service and politics. He served as Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Commissioner for Agriculture, Water Resources and Health in Delta State, Secretary to the State Government, Senator of the Federal Republic (Delta North), and Governor of Delta State (2015–2023) under the People’s Democratic Party. His leadership in Delta State focused on human-capital development, infrastructure, healthcare reform (including the introduction of mandatory health insurance for residents) and youth empowerment. 

As Chancellor of MLU, Dr. Okowa brings to the institution his decades of leadership experience, commitment to education and development, and his regional influence in Delta State and beyond. 

This combination of academic, healthcare and political leadership lends weight to MLU’s ambition of combining academic excellence with societal development.

##Accreditation and Recognition
MLU was granted its provisional licence to operate by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 12 May 2022. 

The university appears on the NUC’s approved list of private universities, as indicated in listings (e.g., the 8th May 2023 Summary List) showing “Margaret Lawrence University, Galilee, Delta State - 2022”. 

The university brand describes that “All our programmes are duly approved by the NUC”. 


Nevertheless, as a young institution, full accreditation/validation of individual programmes, national/international rankings, alumni outcomes and other recognition metrics are likely still in progress. Prospective students should check the specific accreditation status of their intended programme at the time of application.
In summary, MLU is officially recognised by the Nigerian regulatory body for universities, and is legitimate for degree programmes. As always with new institutions, it is prudent to monitor accreditation progress as the programmes mature.

##Academic Structure and Facilities
Although still developing, MLU offers a number of academic faculties and complementary facilities which demonstrate its ambition. Below are key features:

Academic Structure

Faculty of Computing & Information Technology

Faculty of Management & Social Sciences 

Faculty of Environmental Sciences 

Faculty of Basic & Allied Medical Sciences 

Faculties of Law 


##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at MLU is shaped by its location, infrastructure, and emerging culture of excellence. Being a newer institution, there are both opportunities (being among the first cohorts, shaping culture) and considerations (some traditions still forming).

The campus in Galilee (Delta) is described as a “purpose-built education city” in a serene environment, enabling students to focus on studies without excessive urban distractions. 

Accommodation: Hostels and residential facilities are part of the design, ensuring on-campus living for students. Modern lecture halls and administrative infrastructure enhance the learning environment. 

Technology & Resources: Emphasis on uninterrupted power, IT infrastructure, laboratories (especially for computing, medical and allied health sciences) suggests a focus on resource-rich experience. 

Community & Outreach: Given the founder’s philanthropic background, the university encourages scholarship awards (e.g., 30 slots to indigenes of the host communities) and community development orientation. 

Student Experience: The inaugural matriculation in March 2024 was held with ceremony and dignity, marking the university’s commitment to ritual, belonging and academic culture. 

Student Support & Development: The website promises employment opportunities after graduation through affiliated organisations, international collaboration, and flexible payment of tuition.