By Noel Ihebuzor, (FITD, MIoD)
Today marks a historic milestone as we celebrate the official birth of Amadeus University. This occasion is a testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment of the Chairman, BOT of the University as well as those of the Project Implementation Committee and the Steering Committee, which were set up to work with the Chairman to actualize the dream. The journey to this point has been long and fraught with challenges, yet perseverance and dedication have prevailed. The project implementation committee undertook the arduous task of establishing a new private university, navigating complexities with determination. This collective effort culminated in the granting of our license by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2023.
With the license secured, a flurry of activities commenced to ensure that we could welcome students for the 2024/2025 academic session. Today’s opening ceremony stands as a testament to the hard work and strategic planning of both the project implementation committee and the Amadeus University Steering Committee. It is a day of celebration, not just for the birth of a new institution but for the promise it holds in addressing critical gaps in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Amadeus University is committed to tackling some of the persistent flaws in our educational landscape. These include:
- An overemphasis on rote learning rather than critical thinking and creativity.
- A traditional pedagogical model that relies heavily on behaviourist approaches.
- Insufficient focus on fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.
- A lack of curricula designed for real-world relevance.
- Overcrowded classrooms that hinder quality learning experiences.
Situated in the serene, green environment of Ikwuano, Amadeus University whose name aptly means “loved by God” will redefine higher education. The institution aspires to be a thought leader in innovative pedagogies that seek to unlock the vast creative potential of our youth. Our learner-centered approach emphasizes constructivist and reflective teaching methods, fostering intellectual curiosity and independent thinking.
Our curriculum is designed to merge depth with breadth, theory with practice, and innovation with tradition. We shall provide an academic experience that nurtures versatility, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. By integrating digital technologies with traditional academic values, Amadeus University is set to offer a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
The Amadeus University brand is rooted in fundamental values that align with our vision and mission. These include:
- A commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.
- Dedication to academic excellence and relevance.
- Encouraging a culture of curiosity
- A firm belief in constructivist pedagogy, which reinforces problem-solving capacities through experiential learning and reflective practice.
In addition to academic rigor, Amadeus University upholds the highest ethical and moral standards, including:
- Integrity in all endeavors.
- Ethical principles guiding all engagements.
- A commitment to truth, fairness, and enduring values.
- Knowledge acquisition and application driven by ethical considerations.
Amadeus University prioritizes skills and values for societal impact and personal growth. Our commitments include:
- Imbuing students with a spirit of industry and entrepreneurship.
- Ensuring industry relevance in all programs.
- Promoting sustainability in all processes.
- Cultivating accountability, responsibility, and transparency.
- Encouraging creativity and resilience, qualities exemplified by our founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustee, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka.
As an institution, we recognize the financial constraints that may hinder access to quality education. To bridge this gap, we offer scholarship programs to support students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that financial limitations do not obstruct academic aspirations.
Our institutional colors symbolize the dignity and excellence that define our philosophy. The university crest further encapsulates our values:
- The Open Book: Represents the belief that knowledge is an evolving and ever-expanding system, fostering continuous learning and innovation.
- Light: Signifies our commitment to dispelling ignorance and illuminating the path of discovery.
- The Palm Tree: A symbol of sustainability, resilience, utility and economic activity in the region, reflecting our dedication to relevance and practical education.
Amadeus University today, opens its doors to students eager to learn, explore, and innovate. We welcome all who aspire to excellence, offering them a 21st-century, digitally driven learning experience grounded in academic tradition and service to society. Here, the synergy between academia and community flourishes in an environment of serenity, innovation, and intellectual growth.
As we embark on this journey, we invite students, scholars, and stakeholders to join us in shaping a future where education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about creating solutions, inspiring change, and making meaningful contributions to the world.
Welcome to Amadeus University, a citadel of learning for the truly curious and ambitious.
- Noel ihebuzor is Chairman of the Governing Council of Grooming Microfinance Centre, a senior UNESCO – IBE fellow in Education and Development and a member of the Governing Council of Amadeus University, Amizi.