Archbishop Okeke, Obi, Abaribe Charge Students On Hard Work At Shanahan Varsity Matriculation Ceremony

By Chuks Eke–

Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke; the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi; and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Zone, have urged Nigerian students to remain focused on their studies, work diligently to pass their exams, and maintain the integrity of the country’s education system.

The trio made these remarks during the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony of Shanahan University at the Basilica of Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The ceremony saw the matriculation of an impressive 694 students at the two-year-old institution, with the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Oguejiofor, assuring that the institution is committed to quality education and has set high standards to be achieved.

At the Thanksgiving Mass preceding the matriculation ceremony, the University Chancellor, Proprietor, and Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, delivered a homily titled “Do Not Be Distracted.”

He noted that the university has shown signs of greatness and expressed optimism that the vision of excellence and moral rectitude for which the university was founded would continue unabated.

“In terms of performance, it has shown signs of greatness, and we pray that it continues,” the Archbishop stated.

He urged students to ensure that they achieve the moral goals and objectives of attending the university, adding that the institution was established to instil educational excellence and develop students’ talents to the fullest extent.

The Archbishop further encouraged students to avoid distractions that do not relate to their studies; otherwise, their goal of obtaining a university education would be thwarted.

In addressing the matriculating students, Obi and Abaribe urged them to aim for the highest achievements and make hard work their guiding principle.

Obi recounted, “I was born here in Onitsha, and I attended Waterside Primary School and later Christ the King College, which is also here. If there had been a university in Onitsha, I would have attended. You are fortunate to have universities in Onitsha today.

“I urge you all to take your education seriously. I am where I am today because of education. I remember when Gen. Gowon was Head of State, he visited Onitsha, and I was one of the primary school children who went to receive him. Later in life, I found myself in discussions with him. That is what education can achieve. I challenge you to take your education seriously.”

Abaribe, who served as the event’s keynote speaker, emphasised the need for young people to cultivate integrity, reject the get-rich-quick mentality, and embrace hard work.

He stated, “As young people, you must strive to steer clear of the numerous alluring, yet fleeting, paths to success that have become so prevalent in our society today.”

“I assure you that none of these paths will endure; instead, you will soon find yourselves with nothing but regrets. I caution you against participating in schemes such as ‘YahooYahoo,’ engaging in social media-influenced immorality, cultism, political sycophancy, and boot-licking.

“These are not sustainable paths. What they provide is temporary gratification, only to fade into emptiness that reveals a lack of value. Embrace excellence in both character and academics. Together, they prepare you for success in the world and allow you to make a significant impact as future leaders.”