The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, South-Eastern Nigeria, has taken over a new hostel facility for students of the newly established Shanahan University, Onitsha from a traditional ruler on lease.
This disclosure is contained a statement by Igwe Michael Okonkwo-Etusi of Eziowelle, who informed the public that he “has formally announced the leasing of his property known as Owelle Estate, located at No. 37 Limca Road, Obosi, Idemill North Local Government Area, known as Owelle Estate, having leased the entire property to the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha.”
He indicated that he acted in good faith to enable the archdiocese “to utilise the premise as a hostel facility for the newly established Shanahan University, Onitsha.
“This decision was made in deliberately and in good faith as a personal contribution to promotion to the moral and educational formation of the youth in our society.”
The property, situated in Obosi within Idemili North Local Government Area, will now serve as student accommodation as the university begins operations.
The traditional ruler also appealed to members of the public and former tenants of the estate to refrain from acts capable of disrupting the “peaceful use of the premises for its news purpose.”
He assured that his action is backed by the law as the arrangement was made through the professional services of a lawyer.
“This statement serves as an official clarification of ownership, purpose of the lease and management authority concerning” the said property, Okonkwo-Etusi maintained.
Poised to ease accommodation problems for students, the move is signalled as providing the Archdiocese the opportunity to complete its own infrastructure in the new permanent site of the University.
Established as a private Catholic University with its official launch and first intake for the 2024/2025 academic session on 7 October 2024, its campus is temporarily located within the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, GRA, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria.
While the permanent site is currently under construction, the University is supported by the Shanahan Educational Foundation, headed by the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke.
Approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) with full accreditation for Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) programme since March 2025, the University also offers a variety of undergraduate programmes across several faculties such as Medicine and Surgery, Basic Medical and Allied Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Arts, Social and Management Sciences as well as Law.
