Samuel Maduka Onyishi (born November 1963) is a Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Peace Group of Companies, including the widely known Peace Mass Transit (PMT). He is from Nsukka, Enugu State.
Early Life and Education
Born in Nsukka, Enugu State, Onyishi faced hardship early in life following the death of his father during his first year in secondary school. As the eldest child, he took on the responsibility of supporting his widowed mother and siblings.
- Attended Enugu Road Primary School, Nsukka (1971–1976)
- Admitted to Bubendorf Grammar School, Adazi (present-day Anambra State)
Though he considered abandoning education at one point, a turning point came through a chance encounter with a former schoolmate. He later returned to school:
- Diploma in Social Works – University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1993–1996)
- B.Sc. in Social Works and Community Development – University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1996–1999), graduated with Second Class Upper
- MBA in Entrepreneurship – University of Arizona, Phoenix, USA, via the Institute for Transformative Thought and Learning
Career
In 1994, while still in school, Onyishi founded Peace Mass Transit with just 2 buses. The company has since grown to a fleet of about 4,000 vehicles, forming one of Nigeria's largest transport brands.
- In May 2019, he was appointed Non-Executive Director of May & Baker Nigeria Plc
- On 7 January 2021, he acquired 55.82% majority shares in C&I Leasing from Actis, through Peace Mass Transit
- On 4 January 2020, the foundation for Samuel Maduka University was laid by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Agu-Ekwegbe, Enugu State
- On 9 June 2023, Maduka University received its operating license from the NUC, with admissions beginning in September 2023
Charity and Social Impact
Dr. Onyishi has remained deeply committed to community development:
- In 2018, he funded the construction of a 1.6 km road in his hometown Amaukwa, Nsukka, commissioned by the Governor of Enugu State and the Vice-Chancellor of UNN
- He is the founder of the Samuel Maduka Onyishi African Entrepreneurship Foundation (SAMOAEF), which:
- Offers annual scholarships to over 150 students across Nigeria
- Supports local infrastructure and youth empowerment projects
Awards and Recognitions
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) – awarded on September 17, 2012 by President Goodluck Jonathan
- Honorary Doctor of Business Administration –
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (May 2013)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (his alma mater)
- Outstanding Nigerian Advocate on China/Nigeria Relations – awarded in 2019 by the Chinese Alumni Association of Nigeria
- 2019 Prestigious Business Integrity Award – awarded by Business Hallmark, on 10 November 2019