By Karren Jay G. Asgar & Mikee N. Norico
23 years ago, Prince Moses began his Centralian journey, returning today to celebrate the memories and experiences that shaped his life.
Some journeys begin with a clear destination in mind, while others unfold in ways we never expect. For Prince Moses Chidi Nwajiuba, his journey to Central Philippine University (CPU) was not something he originally planned, but it became one of the most meaningful chapters of his life.
Coming from Nigeria, Prince Moses first learned about the Philippines through a simple suggestion to visit the country. At the time, his plan was to pursue an Aircraft Maintenance program. However, when he arrived at CPU, he found himself captivated by the beauty of the campus, the warmth of its community, and the welcoming spirit of the people around him. What started as a visit eventually led him to become a Centralian.
Prince Moses pursued his Bachelor of Science in Commerce at the CPU College of Commerce, (now CPU College of Business and Accountancy) and graduated in 2006. Throughout his years at the university, he did not only focus on academics but also immersed himself in various activities that allowed him to serve, lead, and share his talents with the CPU community.
When asked why he chose CPU, Prince Moses shared that the university’s commitment to quality education and Christian values immediately resonated with him. “CPU has a very good education. Its education is top-notch,” he said, describing the university’s vision of providing “Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL)” as one of the reasons he felt that he had found the right place. Coming from a Christian family, he found that CPU’s values aligned with his own beliefs and purpose. “When I first heard about it, I said, ‘Oh, I’m in the right place,’” he recalled.
For Prince Moses, what made CPU special was not only its beautiful campus but also the people who became part of his journey. “Anybody who studies at CPU, aside from the beautiful campus and its attractions, will experience the best teachers and the best people. I love it here,” he shared.
Prince Moses became a Senator of the CPU Republic and served as President of the Foreign Student Office from 2003 to 2005. His leadership was anchored on his desire to support fellow international students who, like him, were far away from their homes and adjusting to a new environment.
One of the most significant moments of his student leadership journey was his effort to establish an office dedicated to foreign students. Prince Moses recalled approaching the late Dr. Juanito Maca Acanto Sr., former CPU President, to discuss the possibility of creating a space where international students could receive assistance and guidance. With Dr. Acanto’s support, the Foreign Student Office was established and was previously located at Stuart Hall. Through this initiative, Prince Moses and his fellow student leaders were able to provide a stronger support system for foreign Centralian students and help them feel more connected within the university community.
Prince Moses shares a memorable moment with the members of the Office of Communications, who became part of his Centralian journey.
Beyond leadership, Prince Moses also became known for his active involvement in campus life as a black belter in Taekwondo who proudly represented CPU in various competitions and as a member of the College of Commerce Editorial Team.
Music and the arts also became an important part of his Centralian experience. Prince Moses shared his talents by playing musical instruments and singing during Christ Emphasis Week convocations. He also became part of a singing segment featured on CPUTV Channel and joined the College of Commerce Chorale Team.
In 2004, he took another opportunity to showcase his talents by joining Mr. CPU, where he earned the award for Best in Talent.
Despite the many accomplishments he achieved as a student, Prince Moses considers the people he met at CPU as one of the greatest blessings of his journey. One of his most memorable experiences during his years at CPU was visiting the Chaplain’s Office, where he found a family away from home through the guidance and support of Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, and many others who became an important part of his journey.
For Prince Moses, CPU became more than just a university where he earned his degree; it became a second home where he found acceptance, built lasting friendships, and experienced spiritual growth. The people he met along the way became an important part of his journey and helped shape the person he is today.
He described the Central Spirit as something that continues even after graduation, saying, “The relationship and friendship through the years as CPU alumni, you never feel left out. Even if I’m in Nigeria, I still feel like I’m here.” For him, being a Centralian means carrying the connections, values, and memories of CPU wherever life takes him.
These meaningful experiences at CPU also inspired him to share his story through his book entitled Dreams Come True, a reflection of his personal journey and a testament to his belief that with faith, perseverance, and determination, dreams can truly become a reality.
Looking back, Prince Moses believes that his journey to CPU was a blessing that he never expected. No one personally invited him to enroll at the university. A simple suggestion to visit the Philippines opened the door to an experience that changed his life forever.
His journey serves as an inspiration to students and alumni alike, showing that sometimes the paths we do not plan lead us to the places where we are meant to grow.