The Vice Chancellor and Founder of Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI), Enugu, Prof. Christian Anieke, has attributed the establishment of the institution to divine provision rather than financial loans.
Anieke made this known during the 17th Founder’s Day Celebration of the university on Tuesday at its main campus in Enugu.
GOUNI, a mission-driven institution under the ownership of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, was described by the founder as a manifestation of God’s grace and miracle.
He explained that, unlike many other institutions that relied heavily on bank loans for take-off, Godfrey Okoye University began operations without borrowing a single kobo.
According to Anieke, the university received its operational licence within two years—one of the fastest approvals ever granted by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Reflecting on its growth, he said the school started with just 250 students but has since expanded significantly, producing outstanding scholars and achievers.
“When we celebrate this university, we celebrate God’s special grace and miraculous works,” he said. “From the beginning, we were not discouraged by financial challenges; our focus was on building a university that would transform the academic landscape of Enugu and Nigeria.”
He commended the students’ academic performance and competitive excellence, noting that the institution had grown from two faculties at inception to several thriving ones today.
Delivering the 17th Founder’s Lecture, Enugu State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, urged students to turn their ideas into tangible achievements in business, governance, and service, stressing that resilience, hard work, and creativity remain key to success.
Also speaking, former Ohanaeze Ndigbo Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, applauded the university’s progress and encouraged students to emulate the determination and foresight of the vice chancellor.
Anieke reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining GOUNI’s mission of transforming higher education and fostering excellence grounded in faith and innovation.