Overview and History of Shanathan University Onitsha, Anambra State

 
Nestled in the commercial heart of Onitsha, Anambra State, Shanahan University, Onitsha emerges as a bold new vision for higher education in the region. For decades, Onitsha has been recognised as a hub of commerce, culture and enterprise in southeastern Nigeria—but ironically lacked a full-fledged university of its own. Shanahan University (SUO) now seeks to fill that gap. With its focus on academic excellence, moral formation and service to society, the institution offers more than just degrees; it aims at nurturing well-rounded individuals who are ready for leadership, innovation and transformation in a rapidly changing global environment. 

The founding leadership took seriously not only the intellectual formation of students but their character, ethics and potential to effect positive change. In a time when Nigerian higher education faces challenges of relevance, employability and alignment with national development goals, the university’s mission is timely. 

Moreover, the institution draws on a rich heritage—tied to the Catholic Church’s commitment to education in the region—and positions itself as a university in service of both local community and global opportunity. With its permanent site at Trans-Nkisi Layout, Onitsha and an ambitious academic portfolio (including medicine, natural sciences, law, social sciences, allied health) the university is stepping into a dynamic space. 

In this blog we will explore the official website, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation and recognition, academic structure and key facilities, campus life, and the early signs of notable alumni of Shanahan University — so you can better understand what the institution stands for and what it offers to prospective students, families and communities.

##Official Website
The official website of Shanahan University, Onitsha is https://shanahanuni.edu.ngThis portal serves as the primary digital gateway for prospective students, parents and stakeholders—publishing information on programmes, admissions, news & events, scholarships, and contact details. On the homepage you’ll find a friendly welcome message, three-step admissions guide, and an overview of academic programmes across faculties. 
shanahanuni.edu.ng

If you’re seriously considering applying to the university, the website is your first stop: you’ll find application portals, programme lists, and news on scholarships (such as the pioneer 50 % tuition scholarship). 

##Motto
The guiding motto of Shanahan University is inspired by a biblical passage: “That they may have life, and have it in its fullness” (John 10:10) — indicating a commitment not just to academic credentials but to the fullness of human life (temporal and eternal).

This phrase suggests that the institution places equal emphasis on intellectual growth, moral-spiritual formation, leadership readiness and societal contribution. In its wider communication, SUO speaks of a “culture of excellence”, of building the “human person”, and of producing graduates who are creatives, innovators, problem-solvers — not just certificate-holders. 

##Founder
The university is founded under the auspices of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, with the key role of its proprietor being Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke (Archbishop of Onitsha). 

As proprietor, Archbishop Okeke envisioned the university as a continuation of the Church’s longstanding mission of educational and moral formation in the region. He emphasised that Onitsha needed its own university, and that this institution would reflect values of integrity, academic rigour and service to society. 

##History
Shanahan University’s history is short but ambitious—and rooted deeply in context. The decision to establish the university stemmed from multiple motivations: Onitsha, despite being a commercial and educational hub, lacked a dedicated university until now. 

In the interview with Archbishop Okeke, he explains that the process began in earnest around 2021, the official application to create the university was submitted in 2022, and the academic activities were slated to commence in October 2024. 

The university commenced academic activities in October 2024 with 19 programmes, and by early 2025 added another five (bringing the total to 24) following a resource-verification exercise with the National Universities Commission (NUC). 

During its maiden matriculation on March 1/2 2025, around 495 pioneer students were formally ushered in. 

From the outset, SUO prioritized infrastructure: laboratories, digital library, medical anatomy facilities, moot court for Law students, animal house etc. as reported in interviews. 

All of these combine to show that though the university is new, it is carefully planning its growth and placing emphasis on establishing strong foundations. The fact that it is faith-based and values-driven adds a distinctive flavour to its history. In Onitsha’s narrative of education and commerce, SUO stands as a new chapter: aiming to produce graduates who will serve the local region, Nigeria, and beyond.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor (ceremonial head) of Shanahan University is Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha. 

A brief biography:

Archbishop Okeke has served as Archbishop of Onitsha; under his leadership the Archdiocese has invested heavily in education, healthcare and social services.

His vision for SUO is explicitly to combine academic excellence with moral and spiritual formation; he has spoken publicly about ensuring the university staff are selected with attention to character and competence. 

At the maiden matriculation he addressed students emphasising perseverance, discipline, faith and service – orienting them toward being change-agents. 

In this role he provides institutional oversight, vision and the moral-ethical anchoring of the university.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation is essential for any university; while SUO is newly established, the following points are noteworthy:

Shanahan University is referenced as the first university in Onitsha, Anambra State. 

The university reports adding new programmes after resource verification with NUC (for example the addition of Law, Medicine, English, Anatomy & Physiology). 

The university emphasises its commitment to quality assurance, the recruitment of qualified staff, infrastructure readiness and ethical standards. 

For prospective students, it is recommended to verify that your specific chosen programme is accredited (especially professional programmes like Medicine, Nursing, Law) through NUC or the relevant professional regulatory body. Given the pace of development, such verifications are prudent.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Shanahan University’s academic structure is organised into a number of faculties/units and is supported by substantive facilities. Here are at least six key aspects:

Faculties/Programmes: The institution offers various faculties including: 

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Medicine

Faculty of Basic Medical and Allied Sciences

Faculty of Natural Sciences & Applied Sciences

Faculty of Arts & Social Management Sciences. 


##Campus Life and Facilities
Life at Shanahan University, Onitsha is shaped by its faith-based ethos, modern facilities and student-centred services. Some points to note:

The university’s temporary site is located at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Mission Road, GRA, Onitsha, while the permanent campus is at Shanahan University Avenue, Trans-Nkisi Layout, Onitsha. 

Student support & moral formation: The university emphasises chaplaincy, moral guidance, discipline and formation of the “whole person” – not just academic performance. 

Scholarship and access: The pioneer intake received half-tuition scholarships; the Shanahan Education Foundation offers grants and scholarships to support access. 

Infrastructure for student life: WiFi coverage across hostels and campus, digital library, computer labs, entrepreneurial centre, modern labs and libraries. 

Opening orientation and matriculation: The university held its first matriculation in March 2025 where students were admonished to embrace discipline, hard work and leadership.

Community & values environment: Given the Onitsha location, students will have access to the city’s commercial, cultural and social life; the university’s mission encourages engagement with local environment, research and service.

Together, these describe a campus environment that is ambitious, value-driven and designed to equip students beyond the classroom.