MEET OUR ESTEEMED PRO-CHANCELLOR: MR. PAUL U. ODILI
Mr. Paul U. Odili, the visionary Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University (MLU), is a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and devout Christian leader whose extraordinary life and career are guided by divine purpose and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity.
Over the past decades, Mr. Odili has carved a niche for himself as a serial, world-acclaimed entrepreneur with a proven track record of excellence, integrity, and innovation. As the founder of Paulo Ventures Limited, he established a foundation for business success that grew into the illustrious Paulo Group of Companies, a conglomerate comprising:
➢ Margaret Lawrence University Teaching Hospital
•Paulo Communications Limited
•Paulo Homes Limited
•Pauliham Hotels and Resorts
•Paulo Oil and Gas Limited
and many others.
These companies are recognized for delivering quality services, demonstrating leadership, and upholding efficiency. Mr. Odili’s reputation as a man of vast talents and strategic business acumen has earned him widespread respect both nationally and internationally.
A Heart for Humanity: The Vision behind MLU
The founding vision of Margaret Lawrence University stems from a divine revelation granted to Mr. Odili more than a decade ago. In a profound encounter, he saw two groups of people: one group rejoiced in joy and abundance, while the other languished in helplessness and suffering. God’s words to him— “I am sending you to the helpless and wounded people, to give them joy”—ignited a passion for empowering lives through education and development and directly led to the formation of “Fountain of Joy and Comfort Foundation” a foundation which today is the parent company and sponsor of MLU.
MLU was born from this vision to address the challenges of economic and human development in Nigeria and the world. The University reflects Mr. Odili’s unwavering commitment to improving society by equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to create positive change.
A Life Dedicated to Philanthropy
Mr. Odili’s philanthropy extends far beyond his entrepreneurial achievements. Through his foundation, Fountain of Joy and Comfort Ministries, he has touched thousands of lives since its establishment in October 2011. Guided by his Christian principles and personal mantras—
“The gift of a man makes way for him” and “It is better to light a candle than to cause darkness”—Mr. Odili has embarked on countless charitable endeavors, including:
•Administering free eye care services, distributing over 16,000 eyeglasses, and sponsoring more than 1,000 eye surgeries.
•Providing antenatal care for indigent mothers.
•Building and equipping state-of-the-art health centers in rural communities.
•Granting academic scholarships to children from destitute homes.
These humanitarian efforts have expanded beyond Nigeria to other African nations, such as Ghana and South Africa, exemplifying his global outlook and commitment to uplifting humanity.
In addition to his philanthropic outreach, Mr. Odili has contributed significantly to nation-building by funding and constructing churches, mosques, hospitals, and schools across Nigeria. His work embodies a holistic approach to community development, combining spiritual, educational, and health-focused initiatives.
Mr. Paul U. Odili’s remarkable contributions to the Nigerian economy, philanthropy, and society have been celebrated with numerous national and international awards. These accolades highlight his enduring impact on economic growth, community development, and humanitarian service.
Legacy of Leadership
At the heart of Mr. Odili’s journey is his steadfast commitment to transforming lives and creating opportunities for all. As the Pro-Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University, he envisions the institution as a beacon of hope and excellence, nurturing future leaders equipped to tackle the challenges of a dynamic and complex world. Through his life’s work, Mr. Paul U. Odili stands as a testament to the power of faith, vision, and dedication to serving humanity.