Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi

Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and education advocate whose rise from humble beginnings in Nsukka, Enugu State to becoming one of the wealthiest and most respected Igbo businessmen is a story of perseverance, vision, and integrity. Born on November 13, 1963, Dr. Onyishi lost his father at a young age and assumed responsibility for his family while still in secondary school. Despite financial hardships, he pursued education with unwavering determination, eventually founding Peace Mass Transit (PMT)—a transport empire that transformed mobility across Nigeria. His life is a compelling blend of entrepreneurial success, community service, and political engagement, making him a prominent figure in both business and social development in Nigeria.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi was born on November 13, 1963, in Nsukka, located in Enugu State, Nigeria. He is of Igbo ethnicity and was born into a humble background as the first son in a family of nine children. His upbringing was shaped by hardship and responsibility. His father, who worked as a bricklayer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), tragically passed away while Samuel was in his first year of secondary school. This sudden loss compelled him to step up as the breadwinner of the family at a very young age.

Samuel’s early education began at Enugu Road Primary School, Nsukka, where he studied from 1971 to 1976. He then attended Bubendorf Grammar School, Adazi, in present-day Anambra State, for his secondary education. However, his academic journey was interrupted due to financial difficulties, forcing him to temporarily abandon schooling to support his family through petty trading and menial jobs.

Determined to pursue his dreams, Samuel later resumed his studies and enrolled in a Diploma Programme at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka between 1993 and 1996. Following this, he advanced to a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Community Development at the same institution, graduating in 1999 with a Second Class Upper Division.

To strengthen his entrepreneurial capacity and global outlook, Dr. Onyishi pursued further education abroad. He earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona, Phoenix, USA, equipping him with advanced skills in business leadership, strategy, and innovation that would later shape the expansion of his business empire.

His academic journey—from early struggles to international postgraduate training—is a testament to his resilience, self-discipline, and commitment to lifelong learning.

Career and Business Ventures

In 1994, while still a student, Dr. Onyishi founded Peace Mass Transit (PMT) with just two buses. Today, PMT boasts a fleet of approximately 4,000 vehicles, serving various routes across Nigeria .

Beyond transportation, he expanded his business interests:

• C&I Leasing: In 2021, through PMT, he acquired a 55.82% stake in C&I Leasing, becoming its majority shareholder .
• Maduka University: In 2020, he initiated the establishment of Maduka University in Agu-Ekwegbe, Igbo Etiti LGA, Enugu State. The university received its operating license from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in June 2023, with admissions commencing in September .

Philanthropy

Dr. Onyishi is the founder of the Samuel Maduka Onyishi African Entrepreneurship Foundation (SAMOAEF), which annually awards scholarships to over 150 students across Nigeria .

In 2018, he funded the construction of a 1.6 km road in his hometown, Amaukwa, Nsukka, enhancing connectivity and infrastructure .

Political Involvement

Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, renowned for his business acumen and philanthropy, briefly ventured into partisan politics in 2014 when he declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Enugu State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His entry into the race was widely celebrated by political observers, business stakeholders, and grassroots movements, many of whom saw his candidacy as a refreshing deviation from career politicians.

As the founder of Peace Mass Transit and one of the most respected entrepreneurs in South-East Nigeria, Onyishi was perceived as a credible and financially independent candidate who could bring efficiency, transparency, and developmental thinking into governance. His political ambition was driven by a desire to replicate his private sector success in public administration, focusing on infrastructural development, education, job creation, and entrepreneurship support.

Controversy and Withdrawal

However, the 2014 PDP governorship primary in Enugu State was marred by intense political intrigues and internal party conflicts. Onyishi and his supporters raised serious concerns over what they described as irregularities in the compilation and manipulation of the party’s delegates’ list, which they claimed was skewed in favor of another aspirant—Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, a sitting House of Representatives member at the time and the eventual PDP candidate.

In a public statement issued in late 2014, Onyishi decried the lack of internal democracy within the party and announced his decision to withdraw from the primary election, citing that the process had been compromised. His exact words were:

“I came into this race to contribute to the development of our dear state, but I cannot in good conscience participate in a process that is evidently flawed and undemocratic.”
— Dr. Samuel Onyishi, December 2014 (as quoted in Premium Times)

Following his withdrawal, Onyishi filed a lawsuit against the PDP, challenging the validity of the gubernatorial primary and seeking redress over the alleged delegate list manipulation. The case generated substantial attention, especially given his stature as a respected businessman challenging the might of political elites.

Withdrawal of Legal Action

In March 2015, just days before the general elections, Dr. Onyishi voluntarily withdrew the lawsuit, citing the need to preserve peace and unity in Enugu State and within the PDP family. In a reconciliatory gesture, he issued another statement:

“My decision to withdraw the case is based on my personal principles and the greater interest of our people. Politics should not divide us to the point of litigation; rather, we should build bridges of understanding.”
— Dr. Samuel Onyishi, March 2015 (reported by The Nation)

His action was widely praised by political stakeholders and traditional leaders in Enugu, who saw it as a sign of maturity, statesmanship, and selflessness. Rather than pursuing political ambition at the expense of social harmony, Onyishi chose to return to his philanthropic and business pursuits.

Aftermath and Legacy in Politics

Though he has since stayed out of active electoral politics, Dr. Onyishi remains politically influential, particularly among youth, business leaders, and civil society groups. He is often consulted on governance matters in Enugu State and has maintained cordial relationships with successive administrations, including that of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and current Governor Peter Mbah.

There have been periodic calls from supporters and civic organizations for Onyishi to return to politics, with many touting him as a viable future Senate candidate or technocratic administrator at the federal level. However, as of 2025, he has not publicly declared interest in any political office.

Summary

• Party Affiliation: People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
• Position Sought: Governor of Enugu State
• Election Year: 2015 General Elections
• Primary Outcome: Withdrew from race
• Reason for Withdrawal: Irregularities in delegate list
• Legal Action: Filed and later withdrew a lawsuit against PDP
• Current Status: Non-partisan statesman with advisory influence

Awards and Recognitions

• Member of the Order of the Niger (MON): Conferred in 2012 by President Goodluck Jonathan .
• Business Integrity Award: Received in 2019 for returning ₦2.2 billion mistakenly deposited into his company’s account .
• Honorary Doctorate: Awarded Doctor of Business Administration by Enugu State University of Science and Technology in 2013 .

Personal Life

Dr. Onyishi is married and blessed with children. He maintains a private family life, focusing on his business and philanthropic endeavors.

Associations and Collaborations

Dr. Onyishi has collaborated with various Igbo entrepreneurs and leaders, including:

• Prof. Barth Nnaji: Former Minister of Power and founder of Geometric Power.
• Dr. Peter Mbah: Governor of Enugu State and founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas.

Controversies

Dr. Onyishi is widely regarded for his integrity and has maintained a reputation free from major scandals or controversies.

References

• Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Samuel Maduka Onyishi. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Maduka_Onyishi
• Nairaland. (2023). Samuel Onyishi: A Success Story Driven By Integrity. Retrieved from https://www.nairaland.com/8161740/samuel-onyishi-success-story-driven
• BusinessDay. (2020). Peace Transit Chairman Onyishi supports Nigerian entrepreneurship ecosystem. Retrieved from https://businessday.ng/news/article/peace-transit-chairman-onyishi-supports-nigerian-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-shares-lessons-on-business-growth/
• Premium Times. (2022). Maduka University: Peace Mass Transit Boss, Sam Onyishi set to extend Midas touch to university education. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/promoted/556076-maduka-university-peace-mass-transit-boss-sam-onyishi-set-to-extend-midas-touch-to-university-education.html
• Legit.ng. (2019). Samuel Maduka Onyishi: Nurturing the Sino-Nigerian friendship. Retrieved from https://www.legit.ng/1259836-sam-maduka-nurturing-sino-nigerian-friendship.html
• Wikipedia contributors. (2023). 2015 Enugu State gubernatorial election. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Enugu_State_gubernatorial_election

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