Godfrey Okoye University (GO-UNI) Godfrey Okoye University Enugu, Nigeria held its 13th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, 6 December, 2025 at the Hon. Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Convocation Arena, Ugwuomu-Nike.
The event, which commenced at 11:00am, featured the official award of degrees and prizes to the 2025 graduating set, drawing together top dignitaries, academic leaders, clergy, government officials, families and friends of the university community.
The ceremony began with a Holy Mass at 9:00am celebrated by Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University. In his homily, he prayed for grace upon the graduating students and thanked God for another successful academic year. He also delivered the vote of thanks at the end of the Mass.
Among the notable personalities in attendance were the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus V. C. Onaga, who also is the Proprietor and Promoter of the University; the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu; the Executive Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Dr. Vitalis Chinedu Ndu.
By 11:00am, the academic procession began from the Anthony Mogboh Auditorium. The National Anthem and University Anthem followed, after which Bishop Onaga led the opening prayer.
The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Dr. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke, formally declared the Convocation open, marking the beginning of the academic ceremony.
In his address titled “GO Is Going Higher,” Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke welcomed the graduands, parents, university community and dignitaries. He noted that from 2013 till date, the university has produced 4,431 graduates who are now spread across various countries.
He highlighted major achievements in entrepreneurship, research and innovation. He announced the certification of Mr. Christopher Chidiebere Uwakwe as the first Nigerian Master Trainer on Sustainable Entrepreneurship following training engagements in Germany, Kenya and South Africa. He also celebrated the success of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship in national and international workshops aimed at strengthening vocational training in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that Godfrey Okoye University scholars recently secured two AfricaUniNet research grants worth one hundred and thirty-five million naira, enhancing the university’s global academic visibility. He also acknowledged the accomplishments of the Directorate of Competitions, noting that the university has consistently won medals and prizes at major national and international competitions.
He congratulated the 660 graduates of the 2025 set, announcing twenty-two First Class Honours and celebrating the best graduating student, Ms. Azubuike Nkenna Mary of the Psychology Department.
Prof. Dr. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke, Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, expressed deep appreciation to the governing council, staff and students. He warmly welcomed the graduates and recognized His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, acknowledging him as a strong supporter of educational development. He reminded the graduating students that they represent the university’s success story and encouraged them to uphold excellence as they move forward.
The Chancellor, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, commended the university community for their dedication and resilience. He recalled their recent pilgrimage and interactions with the Enugu State Government, noting the state’s investment in technology-driven smart schools. He praised Bishop Onaga, Rev. Fr. Anieke and the entire university staff for nurturing an institution that continues to produce outstanding graduates.
Emeritus Prof. Dr. Bartho Okolo, OFR, FNS, FASI, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to parents, guardians and all stakeholders for their contributions. He highlighted the university’s significant achievements and reaffirmed the commitment of the Board to sustaining academic excellence and infrastructural development.
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus V. C. Onaga, delivered his address with joy, noting that the 13th Convocation marks another milestone in the 16-year history of the university. He thanked the Vice Chancellor, governing council, senate, professors and lecturers for their tireless effort and consistent innovation. He offered heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, encouraging them to excel as ambassadors of the institution.
The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, attended on behalf of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, was also present. Both delivered remarks acknowledging the growing reputation of Godfrey Okoye University and assuring continued state support for educational advancement.
Following the addresses, the Vice Chancellor presented the graduates to the Chancellor. Certificates were formally issued, and goodwill messages were delivered by several professors and academic leaders. Prizes were awarded to outstanding students, after which Rev. Fr. Prof. Anieke personally gifted items to the best graduating students.
Bishop Callistus Onaga offered the closing prayer. The National Anthem was taken once more before the academic procession recessed from the arena to conclude the ceremony. Group photographs followed.
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