University in Nigeria
Onitsha, Anambra State
University profile
Shanahan University, Onitsha is a Catholic, faith-inspired university owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria. It is named after Bishop Joseph Ignatius Shanahan, the missionary educator whose work shaped education across the region. Its motto is "applying knowledge for innovation and productivity", and its stated mission is to use purposeful research to harness the potential of the country for human and national development. The proprietor and Chancellor is Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha; the Vice Chancellor is Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Obi Oguejiofor and the Registrar is Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Emenu.
The university teaches from a temporary site at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, No. 1 Mission Road, GRA, Onitsha, while its permanent campus is under construction on Shanahan University Avenue, Trans-Nkisi Layout, Onitsha. Work at the permanent site includes golden-roofed academic buildings, paved walkways, solar-powered street lighting and a gatehouse and perimeter wall.
Academic work is organised in a College of Medicine and six faculties, with 26 NUC-approved undergraduate programmes:
A Faculty of General Studies serves all students, and coordinators oversee Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics.
Student life is residential: students are allocated hostel accommodation, with free Wi-Fi included in the accommodation fee. A campus chapel is open to students of all faiths, and chaplaincy services include worship services, prayer and meditation spaces, spiritual counselling, Bible study and prayer groups, retreats, interfaith dialogues, community outreach and wellness programmes. The Student Union Government represents students and is led by an elected executive. A university library serves students and the Office of Global Engagements, directed by Rev. Dr. Aloysius Anyichie, works on international partnerships, student and faculty exchange and research collaboration.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) carried out an accreditation inspection visit on 13 April 2026 as part of the university's application for a permanent licence to operate, and a resource verification visit for the Pharmacy and Artificial Intelligence departments on 16 April 2026. Applications for the 2026/2027 session are made through the university admissions portal alongside JAMB UTME registration.
The Shanahan Education Foundation, a body distinct from the university but committed to its educational mission, awards cohort tuition scholarships: a 10% tuition scholarship for the Year 2 cohort and a 50% tuition scholarship for the Year 3 pioneer cohort (for example, pioneer MBBS students pay N1,500,000 instead of N3,000,000), continuing for the duration of their programmes provided recipients maintain academic excellence and good conduct. These awards belong to existing cohorts and are not offered to newly admitted 2026/2027 students, who pay the actual approved tuition.
The overall best student in each department receives a full tuition scholarship for one academic year.
Scholarships apply only to tuition; they do not cover accommodation, feeding or other compulsory fees. Details: Tuition, Fees & Scholarships; fee schedule: 2026/2027 Schedule of Fees (PDF).
Browse the scholarships listed for Shanahan University Onitsha, Anambra State and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Shanahan University Onitsha, Anambra State →Admission is open to candidates who meet the minimum JAMB (UTME) score for their chosen programme and hold at least five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
Application fee N10,000; on admission, acceptance fee N40,000 and result verification fee N15,000 (2026/2027). Enquiries: [email protected], 08106198827 or 08035446260.
Other undergraduate fees for Year 1 total N381,500 (includes accommodation N140,000, laboratory N45,000, ICT N40,000, GST books N33,500, medical N20,000, CBT/examinations N20,000, caution N10,000, ID card N8,000 plus the application, acceptance and verification fees). Tuition may be paid in full, in two instalments (50% + 50% at the start of each semester) or in three instalments (40% + 30% + 30%, before examinations). Fees paid are non-refundable, and payment gateway (Paystack) charges are separate.
Accommodation is provided in university hostels and the accommodation fee includes free Wi-Fi. A campus chapel and prayer and meditation spaces are open to students of all faiths.
Study programmes offered at Shanahan University Onitsha, Anambra State.
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