Overview and History of Paul University, Awka

 
Paul University is located in Awka, the capital of Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. Founded in 2009 by the Bishops of the five ecclesiastical provinces—comprising 55 Dioceses—of the Anglican Church East of the Niger, the university stands as a beacon of Christian education, moral formation, and academic excellence. Nestled on what was once the site of St. Paul’s University College (established by the Church Missionary Society in 1904), its campus carries a rich heritage of faith-based education. With a commitment to holistic development, Paul University blends rigorous academics with spiritual values, preparing graduates who are intellectually competent, ethically grounded, and ready to serve—in line with its motto “Ecce Ego, Mite Me” (“Here I am; send me”).

##Motto
“Ecce Ego, Mite Me”—Latin for “Here I am; send me.” This powerful declaration captures the spirit of readiness and service that the university seeks to instill in its students.

##Official Website
To explore the latest information on admissions, academic programs, faculty, and campus life, visit the official website at www.pauluniversity.edu.ng.

##Founder
The university was founded in 2009 by the Bishops of the five ecclesiastical provinces—now totaling 55 dioceses—of the Anglican Church East of the Niger. Their collective vision aimed to establish a tertiary institution that would uphold Christian values, academic excellence, discipline, and service to humanity.

##History
Paul University’s roots trace back to St. Paul’s University College, established in 1904 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to train church workers and teachers. In 2009, this heritage evolved into Paul University when the NUC granted a provisional license on November 3, and the university was inaugurated on November 30 of the same year. The foundational leadership came under the Board of Trustees chaired by former Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme (GCON), who also oversaw key infrastructure, including the Senate Chamber within the administrative block. Over time, the institution expanded its academic offerings, establishing three main faculties—Arts, Management & Social Sciences, Natural & Applied Sciences—and preserving its legacy Institute of Theology. Designed as a fully residential campus, Paul University offers a structured, serene, and value-driven environment for learning and character formation.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of Paul University is The Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). As the spiritual head, he plays a pivotal role in guiding the university’s ethos and governance.

##Vice Chancellor
The Vice Chancellor, entrusted with academic leadership, is Ven. Prof. Obiora Nwosu. He oversees curriculum development, faculty oversight, and institutional growth. The academic team also includes Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) and Prof. Godwin Onu serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), in adjunct capacity.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Paul University is fully licensed and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), authorizing it to offer recognized undergraduate degrees. It has also received notable support from the Anambra State government, including infrastructure funding and vehicle donations—evidence of its growing stature and regional trust.

##Academic Structure and Facilities
Paul University offers a balanced academic environment across several faculties, reinforced by functional infrastructure:

1. Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences: disciplines include Biochemistry, Computer Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Pure & Industrial Physics, Mathematics, and Biological Sciences.

2. Faculty of Management and Social Sciences: comprising Economics, Business Administration, Accountancy, Banking & Finance, Marketing, Public Administration, Sociology & Psychology, Political Science, and Management & Entrepreneurial Studies.

3. Faculty of Arts: includes Mass Communication, English Language & Literature, Religious Studies, History & International Relations.

4. Institute of Theology: inherited from the former St. Paul’s University College, continuing the ecclesiastical training legacy.

5. Library Facilities: The university library, established on November 30, 2009, expanded from its predecessor’s collection, with both print and e-library resources accessible to students and faculty.

6. Residential Campus: With modern dormitories, a bookshop, cyber café, ICT training center, and dedicated spaces fostering academic and spiritual growth.

##Campus Life and Facilities
Paul University’s campus life revolves around its fully residential model, offering a tranquil, disciplined, and spiritually enriching environment. Students benefit from close-knit fellowship, spiritual activities, routine academic schedules, and supportive infrastructure—all designed to nurture "total man" development—intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually.

##Notable Alumni
While Paul University is still comparatively young and a full directory of alumni contributions is still emerging, among its early leaders:

Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna – Appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at Paul University in 2022. She is a distinguished communication scholar, notably the first female professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, and served previously at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Additional names of high-profile alumni are not widely documented in publicly available sources as of now. As the university matures and more graduates rise to prominence, its alumni portfolio is expected to enrich accordingly.