HISTORY OF GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY – Godfrey Okoye University

HISTORY OF GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY – Godfrey Okoye University
Home
About Us
About the University
About GoU
HISTORY OF GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY
Administration
Scorecard
Rankings
Accreditation
Liaison Offices
Units
Exams & Records
Works
Security
Centers
Entrepreneurship
Chinua Achebe Studies
More about GOU
GOUNI Teaching Hospital
Achievers Corner
A-Z Courses
How to find us
Online Conferences
Media & News
Institutional Collaborations
Work for us
Contact us
Directorates
Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance
Directorate of Medical Education
Directorate of University Research, Publications and Rankings
Directorate of Alternative Energy Research and Use
Directorate of Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme
Directorate of Inter-disciplinary Research
Directorate of Vigilance, Discipline and Dress Code
Directorate of Ethics
Directorate of Institute of Caregiving Education
Directorate of General Studies
More Directorates
Directorate of Linkages and International Collaborations
Directorate of Gender Affairs and Equality
Directorate of Spirituality and Inter-Religious Dialogue
Directorate of ICT
Directorate of Entrepreneurship (DOE)
Directorate of Physical Planning
Directorate of Sports
Directorate of Health Services
Directorate of Student Mentorship and Parent Relations
Directorate of Investments
Directorate of Competition
Admissions
Publications
Repository
Journals
GOUNI Journal of Management and Social Sciences
THINKERS JOURNAL
International Journal of Communication & Social Sciences (IJCSS)
JOURNAL OF RESEARCH (JRSVE)
Godfrey Okoye University International Journal of Education
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION (IJOE)
ResearchGate
Google Scholar
OER
Inaugural Lectures
Institutional Collaborations
Project ESME
Academics
Faculties
Arts
Education
Management And Social Sciences
Natural Sciences And Environmental Studies
LAW
College of Medicine
Library
University Library Catalog
Online Resources
e-library
ERP
Students & Staff
Student Services
School Fees Payment Procedure
Hostel Accommodation
Check Semester Result
Staff Portal
Logo
info@gouni.edu.ng | 09134273215 | 09121963049 | 07061756730
Login
Mail
Repository
Study Online
DNA Learning Centre
ERP
NYSC
HISTORY OF GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY
Godfrey Okoye University (GO University) was established by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu under the visionary leadership of Emeritus Bishop A. O. Gbuji and the Founder and Vice-Chancellor Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke. Conceived as “Cor Unum” (One Heart), the university was later named in honor of Bishop Godfrey Okoye, a key contributor to the diocese’s growth.
After rigorous planning by a dedicated planning and Implementation Committee (PIC), Go University received provisional approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2009, becoming one of Nigeria’s leading faith-based private universities.
Our Philosophy
Education is a dialogical journey rooted in the belief that human beings are social, knowledge-seeking individuals destined for holisric growth.
GOU’S MISSION
To provide quality education that fosters intellectual, moral and spiritual development, promoting dialogue across cultures, religions, and knowledge systems.
GOU’S VISION
To provide outstanding graduates who excel in learning, character, and commitment to unity in knowledge.
EXPERIENCE OUR CAMPUS
Prospective students are invited to explore Go University through our guided campus tours, where you’ll discover state-of-the-art facilities, vibrant student life, and our unique faith-inspired learning environment. Meet with admissions representatives to learn how our graduate and professional programs can empower your future.
GRADUATION
Our annual graduation ceremony is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students. More than a rite of passage, it’s a celebration of excellence rooted in Catholic values, where graduates are commissioned to make appositive impact in their careers and communities.
POWERFUL ALUMNI
Go University takes pride in its growing community of alumni who are making meaningful contributions across industries and continents. Through mentorship programs, career networking, and alumni events, we foster lifelong connections that strengthen both individuals and our institution.
The Beginning
The idea of establishing a Catholic University by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu was first conceived and presented by the Emeritus Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. A. O. Gbuji, to all priests of the diocese. He wanted a university with the name “Cor Unum”, a university that could represent the unity of all educational institutions and activities of the diocese. In spite of the effort of the bishop to see the project take off immediately, it did not. Bishop Gbuji later discussed his plan with Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, whom he had appointed the provost of the Institute of Ecumenical Education in February 2006. Rev. Fr. Prof. Anieke understood the importance of a university in the diocese and took the bull by the horn. He assured the bishop that he would use all the resources he had to ensure that he built a university for the diocese. At a meeting in the Council Chamber of the Institute of Ecumenical Education, Thinker’s Corner, Enugu, on 9 November 2007, the convener of the meeting, Rev. Fr. Professor Christian Anieke, Provost of the Institute, informed the participants that he had applied for a university that would belong to the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. He also assured the members that he would bring all the financial resources needed for a takeoff of the project. In attendance at the meeting were: Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, Barr. (Mrs.) B. N. Ugwu,  Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, Barr. Anthony Mogboh (SAN), Prof. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke, Prof. Julius Onah, Arch. C. O. Orji, Rev. Mother Ifechukwu Udorah DDL, Prof. Edwin Onyeneje, Engr. R. C. Odumodu, Prof. Joseph Ikechukwu Chidobem and Prof. Festus C. Eze. The meeting was the official inauguration of the Planning and Implementation Committee (PIC), comprising the clergy, reputable public officers and experienced university administrators, some of whom had received training in the National Universities Commission and had a good knowledge of the approved guidelines for the establishment of universities in Nigeria. The Committee, with Prof. Julius Onah as chairman, met several times to brainstorm and agree on the critical issues of the vision, mission, philosophy and objectives of the proposed university and the preparation of the three strategic documents: Academic Brief, University Law and Masterplan. The Planning and Implementation Committee and its sub-committees carried out the assignment not only expeditiously but also with a high degree of commitment, inspired by the sincerity of purpose demonstrated by the Rev. Fr. Professor Christian Anieke, who provided all the logistics needed for the smooth execution of the assignments of the Committee and its subcommittees. Indeed there is always an aura of success and victory surrounding a person of goodwill, and so given his sincerity of purpose and support, the PIC with its subcommittees was ready in record time to invite the National Universities Commission Standing Committee on Private Universities (SCOPU), the NUC committee responsible for the assessment and recommendation for approval of all proposed universities, for the first verification visit of the proposed university. Meanwhile, in one of the meetings, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anieke informed the members that Prof. Julius Okojie had advised him and Prof. Onah to name the university after a bishop who had worked in the diocese since the proposed university would belong to the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. They settled for Bishop Okoye, who contributed a lot to the growth of the diocese, including acquiring 95 percent of the land used as the permanent site of the university. The first name was written as Bishop Okoye Ecumenical University ( BOEcU), which was later modified as Godfrey Okoye University (GO University or, as students fondly call it, GO).
The First Verification Visit
The visit took place on 10 June 2008. The Standing Committee on Private Universities (SCOPU) of the National Universities Commission, under the leadership of Professor O. C. Onwudike, arrived at the Institute of Ecumenical Education, Thinker’s Corner, Enugu, to inspect the take-off campus of the proposed university as well as its proposed permanent site at Ugwuomu-Nike, 15 kilometres from Enugu. Apart from the members of the Planning and Implementation Committee who were present, the Enugu Catholic Community, the Governing Council of the Institute of Ecumenical Education, members of the Diocesan Curia and priests of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu were all present to receive the SCOPU members. Present also were the representatives of tertiary institutions in the state and friends of the proposed university from Austria. In fact, if physical presence was an accurate reflection of stakeholder interest and people’s desire, the Enugu Christian Community had by the quantity and quality of people on that occasion indicated its interest in the proposed university. It was clear from the massive turnout and support that the Enugu Christian Community was fully in support of a new approach to university education, where discipline would not be an appendage but a central creed, an approach that would give the youth the opportunity to have a sound intellectual and spiritual growth, deep-rooted understanding of the unity of knowledge and commitment to the philosophy of dialogue. The outcome of the first visit was very good. Indeed the chairman of SCOPU had this to say before their departure: “There is not much to be done in the Academic Brief and the Law. You have to work on the Masterplan. Thank you for welcoming us, taking care of us and showing us around. You can count on us that we will be able to come within the shortest possible time for the second visit, once you have incorporated our agreements and taken care of the Masterplan.”
Second Verification Visit
The project was very fortunate indeed to have as its pilots the Chairman of PIC, Professor Julius Onah, and Rev. Fr. Professor Christian Anieke, whose strong logistic support, display of pastoral care and profoundly illuminating capacity to manage uncertainty kept members of the subcommittees so fully alert and well-focused that they did what needed to be done to qualify for the second verification visit. SCOPU arrived on 11 April 2009 for the second verification visit under a new leader, Professor J. D. Amin. As in the first visit, there was a mammoth crowd of Catholics and other Christians to welcome the team. The newly appointed Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Valentine Chukwuma Onaga, was not only present but also accompanied the team to the proposed permanent site at Ugwuomu-Nike where a lot of work had been done. He left no one in doubt about his commitment to the success of the project. The new Chairman of SCOPU and the desk-officers could not conceal their satisfaction. In fact at the wrap up session, the Chairman said, “You have worked hard and well. It remains for us to go back and report to the National Universities Commission, whose decision regarding any further action would be communicated to you.” As the team departed, everybody was happy and prayed for the approval of the university as soon as possible. The newly appointed Bishop of Enugu was convinced that we had done all things well and would get the licence. He therefore went ahead to appoint the following as members of the Board of Trustees of the proposed university (as required by the NUC): Professor Joseph Ikechukwu Chidobem – Chairman Rev. Fr. Professor Christian Anieke – Member, Dr. Mrs. Veronica Egonekwu Mogboh – Member, Professor Julius Onuorah Onah – Member, Professor Edwin Onyeneje – Member, Very Rev. Fr. John Nwafor – Member, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike – Member, Prof. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke – Member. Their names were forwarded to the NUC for the normal process of security screening and confirmation of freedom from criminal records. The Board of Trustees started its work immediately. Its work included the intensification of renovation of the take-off site of the proposed university, commencement of serious work on the permanent site and undertaking of a study visit to certain private universities by the Chairman of the Board, Professor Joseph Ikechukwu Chidobem, the Provost of the Institute of Ecumenical Education, Rev. Fr. Professor Christian Anieke, and Professor Festus C. Eze (a member of the PIC). The first private university visited was Cetep City University, Lagos, which took place on Tuesday, 21 October 2009. The second university visited (on Wednesday, 22 October) was Babcock University, Illisham-Remo, Ogun State, a faith-based university founded in 1999. It was in the midst of a most illuminating and productive engagement with the President/Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor J. A. Kayode Makinde, and his team, which included the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Ademola Tayo, that the information that the National Executive Council sitting in Abuja had approved Godfrey Okoye University as one of the seven new private universities in Nigeria was given to Prof. Anieke. Prof. Anieke could not hide his emotions; he broke into a dance as he shared the news with all those in the office of the VC/ President of Babcock University. On 27 October 2009, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission formally informed the proprietor (the Catholic Bishop of Enugu) that consequent on having satisfied the requirements of the NUC for the approval of private universities, Godfrey Okoye University had been given a provisional approval to take off as a private University in Nigeria. The terms and conditions of the approval were carefully stated. The proprietor was also invited to the NUC in Abuja for the formal presentation of the provisional licence on Tuesday, 3 November 2009. It was such a joyous moment for the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. C.V.C. Onaga, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anieke and many people from Enugu who accompanied the Bishop to receive the licence.
Take-Off Arrangements
A meeting of the Proprietor and the Board of Trustees was held to appoint the pioneer Vice Chancellor and Registrar: Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian C. Anieke – Vice Chancellor, Prof. Festus C. Eze – Registrar. The university later appointed key officers, following the due process specified by its law: Mr. Fabian N. Ugwu – Bursar, Mrs. Mary Ellen Chijioke – Librarian, Prof. Emmanuel N. Adinna – Dean, Natural and Applied Sciences, Prof. Eugene O. Nwadialor – Dean, Management & Social Sciences, Prof. Richard C. Okafor – Director of General Studies, Rev. Sr. Dr. Mary Gloria C. Njoku – Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Alois Bachinger – Director of ICT. The new university, Godfrey Okoye University, quickly advertised for students who had obtained acceptable scores in the 2009/2010 University Matriculation Examinations, and who would opt to be considered for admission into the 9 academic departments (and 17 degree programmes) in the two approved faculties ( 1. Natural and Applied Sciences; 2. Management and Social Sciences) in the first phase of GO University development. A total of 700 candidates applied. These candidates were properly screened and 214 were found suitable for admission. The foundation Vice Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian C. Anieke, and the Registrar, Professor Festus C. Eze, visited the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to formalize the process of admission and to get the candidates formally placed at Godfrey Okoye University (GO University). Students arrived on Monday, 7 December 2009 and commenced lectures immediately. The Senate was inaugurated on Wednesday, 9 December 2009 to ratify actions taken on its behalf and to approve the academic calendar. The Governing Council was inaugurated on Monday, 14 December 2009. The first matriculation, which attracted a large number of people, including the Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum (Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah), representatives of the Governor of Enugu State and representatives of other universities in the geopolitical zone, took place on 13 February 2010.
Expansion, Consolidation and Institutional Growth
Following its successful take-off in December 2009 and the matriculation of its pioneer students in February 2010, Godfrey Okoye University entered a phase of steady expansion, academic consolidation and infrastructural development. Guided by its Catholic identity, philosophy of dialogue, discipline and holistic education, the University steadily broadened its academic offerings, strengthened its governance structures and expanded its contribution to national development.
From its initial two faculties—Natural and Applied Sciences, and Management and Social Sciences—the University grew to establish additional faculties and colleges in response to societal needs, national development priorities and National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines. These now include:
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies
Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Computing and Information Technology
College of Medicine
In line with its commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation and professional training, the University also established the
Godfrey Okoye University School of Postgraduate Studies
, offering postgraduate diploma, master’s and doctoral programmes across relevant disciplines.
To support effective teaching, learning, mentorship, research and student welfare, the University created a wide range of specialized
Directorates and Units
, including but not limited to:
Directorate of General Studies
Directorate of Student Mentorship and Parents Relations
Directorate of Institute of Caregiving Education
Directorate of University Research, Publications and Ranking
Directorate of Spirituality and Interreligious Dialogue
Directorate of Alternative Energy Research and Use
Directorate of Gender Affairs and Equality
Directorate of Sports
Directorate of Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)
Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Directorate of Linkages and International Collaborations
Directorate of Entrepreneurship
Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance
Directorate of Inter-Disciplinary Research
Directorate of Physical Planning
Directorate of Ethics
Directorate of Health Services
Directorate of Medical Education
Directorate of Investments
Directorate of Competitions
Foreign Liaison Offices and Exchange Programmes
As part of its vision of integrated education, research, healthcare and community service, Godfrey Okoye University also developed a network of affiliated institutions and enterprises under the
Godfrey Okoye University Group of Institutions
, which include:
Godfrey Okoye University Teaching Hospital
DNA Learning Centre Nigeria (DNALC)
Godfrey Okoye University Crèche
Godfrey Okoye University Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools
Godfrey Okoye University International Business Park
These institutions strengthen the University’s practical training, research capacity, healthcare delivery, entrepreneurship development and early-childhood to tertiary educational continuum.
Today, Godfrey Okoye University stands as a leading faith-based private university in Nigeria, distinguished by academic discipline, moral formation, innovation, international collaboration and service to humanity. From its humble beginnings at Thinker’s Corner, Enugu, the University has grown into a comprehensive institution committed to producing graduates who are intellectually sound, morally upright, socially responsible and globally competitive.