Owerri, Nigeria. Claretian University of Nigeria (CUN) continues its impressive upward trend in student enrollment with the completion of its second matriculation ceremony on May 19, 2023. With its matriculation event, the university welcomed 152 students from 12 different states across the federation, signifying a significant increase from the 71 students admitted during the inaugural matriculation held in 2021.
Representing the Major Superior of the East Nigeria Province, Vicar Fr. Ekwujuru Stanislaus, CMF, was in attendance alongside other dignitaries, including the Traditional ruler of Nekede, the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, and in the name of the university’s proprietor, Fr. Marcel Obilor, CMF. The event, held at the university’s premises in Maryland, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, began with a Holy Mass led by the vice chancellor and several Claretian priests. A noteworthy aspect of the Mass was the extensive participation of students in various liturgical roles, indicating a vibrant student community.
The Vice Chancellor of CUN, Fr. Professor Wence Madu, expressed optimism about the university’s future, describing it as “a university for tomorrow.” Fr. Madu stated that the management is committed to turning the institution into a center of excellence in all areas, and to this end, the university has already expanded from two schools to three, with the addition of the School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.
Expressing gratitude to Fr. Matthew Vattamattam, CMF, the Superior General of Claretian Missionaries and Proprietor of the University, Fr. Madu emphasized the university’s commitment to instilling sound moral values and fostering an enduring academic culture. He said:
“We believe that students’ religious and spiritual upbringing play significant roles in shaping their moral values and orientation.”
The matriculation ceremony at the university’s auditorium was marked by parents, older students, staff, and guests from academia and religious institutions. Highlights of the ceremony included the new students taking the matriculation oath and an award of excellence given to six students recognized for outstanding use of the library.
With this successful second matriculation, the Claretian University of Nigeria underscores its continued growth and dedication to fostering an academically rigorous and morally grounded learning environment. The consistent growth in the number of students demonstrates the trust in CUN’s vision for high-quality education, underpinned by a robust religious and spiritual upbringing.
Source | Mark Irechukwu, Public relations Office, CUN.
