By Mike Odeh James
Kaduna, Nigeria
The President General of the Igbo Community in Kaduna State, Chief Francis Uchenna, has heaped praise on High Chief Engr. Simon Nwakacha, the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Greenfield University, for his unwavering commitment to educational empowerment and national unity.
Speaking during a thank-you visit on Tuesday, May 26, 2025, Chief Uchenna expressed deep appreciation to the university’s Pro-Chancellor for awarding full scholarships to nine underprivileged Igbo students. The delegation, which included the Secretary-General and other senior officials of the Igbo Community in Kaduna, described the gesture as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s youth.
“We are here today to say a heartfelt thank you to High Chief Simon Nwakacha for his generosity and dedication to humanity,” Uchenna told journalists. “By offering nine scholarships to our sons and daughters, he has shown what it means to invest in the future. Greenfield University is one of the leading academic institutions in Nigeria, and for our youth to gain access to such a place is nothing short of transformational.”
Greenfield University, located in Kaduna State, has emerged as a hub for academic excellence, drawing students from across Nigeria and beyond. Its Pro-Chancellor, popularly known as Onwa of Umueri, has consistently championed education as a tool for social change.
Adding to the tributes, Sir Vincent Anagwonye, Secretary-General of the Igbo Community in Kaduna, emphasized the inclusive philosophy of High Chief Nwakacha.
“He is not only an illustrious son of Igbo land but also a detribalized and patriotic Nigerian,” Anagwonye stated. “Beyond this gesture to Igbo students, we commend him for building a world-class university outside his home region. This is a shining example of national integration and selfless leadership.”
Sir Anagwonye stressed that Nwakacha’s actions serve as a model for others, saying: “He does not ask where you come from; he simply sees a Nigerian child deserving of opportunity. Nigeria needs more people like High Chief Nwakacha if we are to build a stronger, united country.”
In response, High Chief Nwakacha reaffirmed his commitment to educational equity, revealing that his scholarship initiatives go well beyond the Igbo community.
“Last year alone, I awarded scholarships worth millions of Naira to thirty indigent students from a northern community,” he said. “Every year, I commit to helping more young Nigerians get an education. It is the only way to lift families out of poverty and build a resilient nation.”
He added, “I won’t relent in my mission. Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education regardless of background, religion, or ethnicity.”
High Chief Simon Nwakacha’s philanthropic work and commitment to education continue to attract national admiration, positioning him not only as a successful entrepreneur and academic leader but also as a unifying force in a diverse and complex Nigeria. His legacy is one of vision, inclusion, and hope for the next generation
