Connect with us

Education

Uzodimma endows Chair at UNN, urges Universities to lead way for a new Nigeria

Published

on

 

The pursuit of learning and research at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka was given a boost on Thursday as the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma endowed a Chair in the Political Science Department of the Social Science Faculty just as he challenged Nigerian universities to lead the way for a new Nigeria.

The endowment to be called “Hope Uzodimma Chair for good governance and civic responsibility” is in sync with the content of the 52nd Convocation Lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka which Governor Uzodimma delivered at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium on Thursday.

The theme was: Why Universities Should Lead the Way to a New Nigeria.

One time Governor of old Imo State, who was also a Foreign Affairs minister and Senator, General Ike Nwachuku (rtd) was the Chairman of the UNN 52nd Convocation Lecture which had in attendance, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the Chancellor of the University, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, among other dignitaries.

Governor Uzodimma challenged the Nigerian Universities to rise up to their expected role of leading the way for a new Nigeria, taking up their leadership and innovative roles, and contributing to the all round development of the country, the way it is done by their counterparts in other parts of the world.

He congratulated the graduands of the prestigious university despite the challenges they faced and advised them to roar into the world to make a difference.

As Governor Uzodimma rounded off with his lecture, he announced the endowment of the Chair as part of his contribution to advance the course of erudition and research at the first indigenous University of Nigeria even as urged the UNN to lead the way towards Nigeria’s rebirth.

He reminded his audience that Universities all over the world are known as centres of learning and excellence and that the society looks up to them for guidance and learning, and advised the students and all faculties of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to be ambassadors of truth.

Governor Uzodimma disclosed that he carefully chose the topic for the lecture taking into account what will best align with the current mood of the nation, and considering also, that the University is the brewer of fresh ideas.

 

His lecture brought to the fore what roles Universities play, through research and scientific inventions in the economic development of nations and more importantly, why the Universities in Nigeria must do the same. He challenged Nigeria’s Universities to assume the role of drivers of social change and lead the way to a new Nation.

 

“A recent study on the economic impact of the University of California got me thinking on how we can improve the economic impact of our own universities. In the report, the University of California was described as an essential economic engine for the State of California, contributing about 82 billion U.S dollars annually, to the economic output of the State.”

 

Governor Uzodimma posited that Nigerian Universities should not only provide high level manpower for national development, but should also produce disciplined and well cultured graduates, adding that, “Universities must certify that their students are of good character before graduating them.”

 

“It is not in doubt, the role Universities should play, is to serve as the compass to lead the society to technological breakthrough and informed leadership. Our own Universities must lead us to the new Nigeria of our dreams, especially in technology and governance.”

 

Governor Uzodimma reeled out names of Nigerians, most of them graduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka who are making waves globally in their chosen fields and posited that Nigerian Universities can be part of that great change agent for a new country of our dream.

 

He suggested that the Universities must key into the new ways of smart and digital learning processes that help to produce skilled manpower that cannot only be exported but help to drive development and competitiveness locally.

 

“There is no doubt that the future surely holds great prospect for Nigeria’s digital economy when all our higher education institutions are transformed into smart universities imbued with the knowledge base and competitive edge to match their contemporaries in other parts of the world,” he said.

 

He added: “I dream of a time when new political and economic theories will emerge from our lecture rooms and scientific discoveries and revolutions are announced in our laboratories. A time when our campuses become places where ideas are hatched, where new theories are examined and where new philosophies are debated. In this University of my dream, young adults should be nurtured and turned into thinkers, innovators, analysts, dreamers and sceptics.”

 

Governor Uzodimma decried some of the maladies that go on in the Universities today that impede our dream of Universities as agents of development and insisted that deployment of sanctions could go a long way in helping to save the situation.

 

To improve the ability of Nigerian Universities to play the roles expected of them, Governor Uzodimma proposed the following: establishment of ICT centres in all Universities and possibly, in both Secondary and Primary schools; strengthening the law establishing the Nigerian Universities Commission; empowering Universities to be able to withdraw the certificate of any of their graduates indicted in any form of criminality or corruption.

 

Others include; De-robing and withdrawal of all certificates of any lecturer indicted in any form of corruption, sexual assault or any other form misdemeanour while similar faith should be visited on University authorities who misappropriate funds meant for research and administration.

 

His words: “If you are wondering why I am insisting that our Universities must lead us to the new Nigeria of our dream, it is because I see the Universities as the sculptors, while Nigeria is the rock. The sculptor owes it as a duty to mould the rock into a monument to behold. In truth, there is no alternative to the pivotal role of Universities in our country and indeed every country.

 

“So, the path forward requires a collective effort, s shared vision and a commitment to excellence. It is time to invest in our Universities to prioritise research and innovation. In addition, we must creat an enabling environment for our students to thrive and ensure they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and character necessary to contribute to the development of our nation.

 

“Yes, the Nigeria of our dream is possible and it starts with our Universities. As Nigeria’s first indigenous University, this new or revised consciousness should start here at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.”,

 

In his remarks, Chairman of the Convocation Lecture, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) said “Universities, as bastion of knowledge and innovation, have a crucial role to play in leading Nigeria towards a brighter and more prosperous future.”

 

He said, “since Universities are homes of research and development, through cutting edge research and innovation, they have the capacity to address some of Nigeria’s most pressing issues in all sectors, including insecurity.”

 

While welcoming the dignitaries who accompanied the UNN 52nd Convocation lecturer to the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Igwe said Convocation Lecture requires that the lecturer is carefully chosen are invited to speak on topics of national and global interest.

 

Prof Igwe said Governor Uzodimma fitted the mould as a two term Senator, serving Governor in his second term in office, Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum and a detribalised Nigerian with huge appetite for service. He thanked the Governor for honouring the request by the University to share his experience with them and the public.

 

Adding his voices, both the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Chief Iwuanyanwu lauded the delivery of the topic by Governor Uzodimma and promised to facilitate the distribution in different parts of the country.

 

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, his Deputy, Rt Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, serving and former Ministers, Commissioners, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, and other top government officials attended the lecture.

 

Also in attendance were ranking traditional rulers from Imo State and beyond, captains of industries, All Progressives Congress chieftains from the South East; women, youth and student groups.

 

 

Oguwike Nwachuku

Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor

May 9, 2024.

Education

Student’s killing: Niger govt orders immediate closure of IBBU

Published

on

Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, IBBU, Lapai, following growing security concerns in the area.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, in Minna.

Usman said the move was prompted by recent security breaches and the killing of a student near the campus, which sparked protests by fellow students demanding justice and improved safety.

“The safety of all citizens, particularly students, is a top priority for the government,” Usman said, urging the university community to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

He added that investigations were ongoing to identify and prosecute those behind the attacks.

Usman noted that the government was taking proactive steps to restore normalcy and ensure peace and stability around the institution.

Ekwutosblog reports that the closure came two days after the killing of Abdulkareem, a 300-level student who was attacked in his off-campus residence by suspected phone snatchers.

Continue Reading

Education

Abia panel submits report on suspended College of Education’s provost

Published

on

The panel of inquiry set up by the Abia State Government to investigate the suspended provost of Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, Professor Vincent Onwe, has submitted its report.

The chairperson of the Independent Committee, Professor Regina Ogbonna, while submitting the report to the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, stated that the team was given terms of reference and 21 days to complete its assignment and submit the report.

While thanking Governor Alex Otti for giving the members of the Panel the opportunity to serve the state, she noted that a series of physical and virtual meetings were held, and memoranda and interviews with certain individuals were conducted before the report was finalised.

Receiving the report, the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, represented by the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechuckwu Uwanna, described the review of developments at Abia State College of Education (Technical) as a delicate task.

He pointed out that, from the moment the panel was constituted, it was clear the assignment required not only intellect but also integrity, due process, and principle to achieve its objectives.

Professor Kalu commended the committee for approaching the responsibility with sobriety, diligence, and an evident commitment to the truth, assuring them that the recommendations in the report would guide the government’s next steps.

Continue Reading

Education

UNICAL VC contender threatens legal action over alleged unfair selection criteria

Published

on

Professor Joseph Duke, a contender for the position of Vice Chancellors in the University of Calabar (UNICAL), has threatened legal action if the institution fails to review what he described as a discriminatory requirement

Duke is kicking against the criterion mandating 10 years post-professorial experience for aspirants seeking to succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi.

In a letter dated June 17, 2025, addressed to the University’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council with reference: Unical/VC/2025/001, Duke demanded that the university places another advertisement in reputable newspapers, indicating equitable criteria.

The letter was also copied to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Minister of Education, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, decrying the alleged violation of statutory provisions.

He alleged that the intention of the university’s management was to scheme him and other contenders out in favour of their adopted candidate.

Speaking through his lawyer, Barrister Ubong Akpan, Duke called for withdrawal of earlier advertisement for the position of Vice Chancellor which set 10 years criterion as benchmark.

Duke argued that withdrawing the advertisement will avoid possible discrimination under Section 19, Section 42(1), and Section 14(3).

According to him, the violations undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education governance and may set dangerous precedents for other federal universities if left unchecked.

He disclosed that the university’s historical benchmark was 5-9 years of professorial experience, with national norms of 5-8 years among first generation universities in the country.

“The 10-year criterion, adopted without a Senate and Council approved statute under Section 10 of the Act or a proper resolution under first schedule, paragraph 4(2)(a)(i), exceeds the Council’s authority, as evidenced by member dissent,” he stated.

The professor further accused the university of relying on unspecified federal directives which infringe on university autonomy as spelt out under section 2(a) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003.

“Similarly, I demand that the university management ensure criteria are applied equitably, avoiding discrimination under Section 19, Section 42(1), and Section 14(3).

“Publish a new advertisement in a reputable newspaper, complying with first schedule, paragraph 4 of the 1999 constitution, and NUC guidelines,” the letter added.

Continue Reading

Trending