Anglican Church to reposition varsity for human, national development

Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is to partner critical stakeholders to reposition Paul University, Awka (PUA), Anambra State for human and national development.

The Primate, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, made the disclosure at a conclave of major stakeholders and leadership of the tertiary institution in Enugu.

The event, which attracted captains of industries, the academia, politicians and the clergy east of the Niger, deliberated on the development of the permanent site and growth of the ivory tower.

Describing the citadel of learning as a regional heritage, Ndukuba stated stressed the need to address the infrastructure deficit and recalibrate the mission for the university to achieve its mandates.

According to the Primate, the institution stands for the greatest investment of the church in human capital development and engagement with its future and the society.

He said: “The university is a unifying factor of the church and recovering of the vision of a training institute for kingdom service. And as an agent of change, it must not be compromised. The transformation of this institution must remain pivotal”.

“God has called us participants in rebuilding and restoring. Government and the church need to work together. We must restore our Niger heritage through rebuilding Paul University, Awka. It will strengthen us as a church and reposition us to engage the next generation.”

The cleric added: “The development of the university is essential to the Anglican mission in the East of the Niger and brings focus to the mission of the church in addition to creation of jobs, engagement in professional human development and social and moral re-engineering in the 21st Century.”

The proprietor and Chairman, Joint Episcopal Council of the 5 Ecclesiastical Provinces (EON) and Archbishop of Enugu Province, Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma, urged support for the expansion of the university.

Also speaking, former deputy governor of Rivers State and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the university, Sir Gabriel Toby, pointed out that the institution was a legacy body that metamorphosed from the old Saint Paul’s College, Awka.

He called on bishops to relate well with their colleagues for the survival of the university.

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Chris Okoye, said the higher institution was anchored on core values of spirituality, excellence, diligence and moral rectitude.