Overview and History of University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra

 
Situated in the heart of Anambra State, the University on the Niger (UNINIGER) in Umunya stands at the nexus of faith-inspired mission and higher-education ambition. At a time when Nigeria’s educational ecosystem is grappling with the twin demands of quality and relevance, UNINIGER offers a compelling model—a private, Anglican-faith-linked university rooted in one of the country’s oldest mission traditions, yet clearly oriented towards modern, globally competitive scholarship. Its location in Umunya (along the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway) positions it within reach of commerce, culture and connectivity, while retaining a setting conducive to study and reflection. What makes UNINIGER particularly interesting is its dual commitment: first, to the spiritual and character dimension of education (reflecting its promoter, the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion); and second, to cutting-edge fields of study such as medicine, allied health sciences, computing and cyber-security. Together, these strands respond to Nigeria’s contemporary needs—skilled professionals in health and technology, graduates who can launch enterprises or lead institutions, and citizens with ethical grounding.

For prospective students, parents and educators, UNINIGER offers a fresh choice. Being new, it also presents opportunities to be part of its formative cohort—one where students might shape the ethos, culture and reputation of the institution rather than simply inherit it. In the chapters that follow, we’ll explore the official website, motto, founder, history, chancellor, accreditation and recognition, academic structure and facilities, campus life and facilities, and (as far as available) notable alumni of University on the Niger.

##Official Website
The official website of the University on the Niger is https://uniniger.edu.ng/On the website you can find admission details, academic calendar, prospectus, programmes offered, campuses information and student support links. It serves as a useful starting point for anyone interested in applying or learning more about the university’s vision, mission and operations.

##Motto
The motto of UNINIGER is “Lux fiat via Sapientia”, which translates as “Let light be the way through wisdom”. This phrase captures the institution’s intent: to illuminate society through knowledge, to advance wisdom, and to make the path of learning a vehicle of ethical leadership. It reflects both the mission of the founding church body and the global demands of tertiary education—that graduates not only know, but lead wisely and serve well.

##Founder
The University on the Niger is founded and promoted by the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion. While a single individual is not always highlighted as “the founder”, the vision and leadership rest with the Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo (Bishop on the Niger), who has publicly articulated the university’s purpose and overseen foundational milestones. 

Thus UNINIGER is a faith-based initiative rooted in a church body which historically has had a prominent educational legacy in the region.

##History
The roots of the University on the Niger trace back to the educational mission of the Diocese on the Niger, a legacy of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and the subsequent Anglican presence in Igbo land. 
The Diocese was instrumental in establishing many firsts in formal education in the region: for instance the first formal schools east of the Niger in the 19th century.

The idea for the university emerged as the Bishop observed the growth of the Diocese’s educational and health infrastructure and felt a “desire to crown the great contributions” with a university-level institution. 

In May 2023 the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of the university as part of a first batch of new private universities. 

The university secured its take-off license and began preparations for admissions and faculty establishment. 


The formal opening of its permanent site at Umunya was carried out in early January 2025, with dignitaries including the Primate of the Church of Nigeria attending. 

The university adopted a multi-campus model: a main campus at Umunya on the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway, and a teaching-hospital campus at Iyienu (for the medical & allied health faculties). 

In its short history the university has already matriculated its pioneer students (e.g., June 2024 for the first cohort). 

The institution heralds itself as a “unique multilingual university” and emphasizes character, leadership and global competitiveness alongside academic excellence. 

Given its recent establishment, many of the structures and programmes are still in a formative phase—but strategic investments in infrastructure, programmes and partnerships are underway.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of the University on the Niger is Rt Revd Dr Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo (Bishop on the Niger). 

Brief biography:
Born 19 June 1967, Bishop Owen Nwokolo hails from Ebenesi Nnobi in Idemili South LGA, Anambra State. 

He attended All Saints’ Primary School, Amaifeka, Orlu; Central Primary School, Akokwa; Boys’ Secondary School Uga; Federal School of Arts & Science Aba; and proceeded to tertiary theological and academic training (including a PhD). 

Before his episcopacy, he served in various clerical capacities and took on leadership within the Anglican Communion. As bishop—and now chancellor—he drives the vision for UNINIGER, emphasizing the integration of faith, character formation and academic excellence.

##Accreditation and Recognition

UNINIGER has obtained its take-off licence and is recognised by the Federal Government and the National Universities Commission (NUC). 

News reports indicate that the university was among those approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2023. 

The university’s admissions announcement states that the university has approval from NUC and its courses are accredited by various professional bodies. 

However, prospective students should check the accreditation status of their specific programme or faculty (especially in high-stakes fields like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy) since new universities often begin with provisional approvals and must meet full accreditation standards over time.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Academic Structure

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry 

Faculty of Allied Health Sciences 

Faculty of Science & Computing 

Faculty of Management & Social Sciences

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences 

Law & Arts 


##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at University on the Niger is in its nascent phase (given the university’s recent launch) but shows promising hallmarks:

The serene location at Umunya, set away from extreme urban congestion, offers a conducive study environment, while still accessible via the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway.

Dual campus model (Umunya for most faculties; Iyienu Teaching Hospital for medical/health faculties) gives both residential and clinical-professional learning settings.

Investment in hostels, cafeteria, technology-enabled lecture theatres and campus roads suggests intention to provide full student experience (academic, residential, social). 

The university emphasises character formation, servant leadership, ethical conduct and discipline—students will find a values-driven culture. For example, when an incident involving a security officer and a student occurred, the university publicly suspended the officer and reaffirmed its commitment to dignity and ethical conduct. 

Student intake is still early; this means there is opportunity to shape student leadership, societies and culture. But also means some traditions, alumni networks and routines are still developing.

The academic calendar is available online, and the application process is digital-friendly—this shows administrative readiness.