Education
Uzodimma canvasses for policy change to support public/private schools’ synergy …. Doles out N250m to Hezekiah University as wife receives honorary doctorate degree

GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE
PRESS RELEASE
Uzodimma canvasses for policy change to support public/private schools’ synergy
…. Doles out N250m to Hezekiah University as wife receives honorary doctorate degree
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has proposed policy changes, legislation, convention and intentional administrative efforts to create synergy between public and private schools for the overall achievement of quality education in Nigeria.
Senator Uzodimma made the proposition weekend at the maiden Convocation Ceremony of the first private University in the State, Hezekiah University Ishiala Umudi, in Nkwerre Local Government, which honoured the First Lady of the State, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, with the award of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa).
The Governor who had earlier commissioned the students’ hostel and class room complex recently built by the University, commended the Proprietor and Founder of Living Faith Church Incorporated, Most Rev. Prof. Daddy Hezekiah, for his vision of establishing a private University.
He used the occasion to commend President Bola Tinubu for improving the entire education system in Nigeria by introducing the Students’ Loan Programme, funding primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, and encouraging academic and non academic staff through improved wages.
The Governor congratulated the graduands and students of the University for their determination and commitment to acquiring knowledge despite the unsavoury environment, expressing appreciation to the Board and management of the University for deeming it fit to honour his wife.
He assured them of the continued partnership of Imo State government to enable the institution achieve her goals, and pledged a donation of an initial support of N250mllion to the University.
In her speech, the First Lady expressed gratitude for the honour done her by the University.
She described the Doctorate Award as “not just a recognition of personal achievements, but a reaffirmation of the power of education, public service and role of women in shaping a more just and equitable society, especially as the event coincides with the International Women’s Day Celebration.”
The First Lady dedicated the award to “every woman and young girl who have pushed beyond the limitations of convention to achieve dreams and ambition.”
She challenged women and young girls to imbibe education as their most powerful tool for creating meaningful change in the society.
Mrs. Uzodimma maintained that educating the girl-child is key to building a better future, noting that through the GoodHope Women’s Initiative, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF) are working to remove barriers that prevent girls from going to school through scholarships, mentoring programmes, and community efforts to ensure that education is available to all.
She acknowledged the unwavering support and encouragement of her husband, Governor Uzodimma, for the success of her vision.
Earlier, the Proprietor and Chancellor of Hezekiah University, Prof Hezekiah, disclosed that the institution was first commissioned in 2015 by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and has produced graduands in three faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Management Sciences, with uninterrupted academic programmes.
He noted that the institution places emphasis on both moral and academic excellence of the students.
To achieve such, the Proprietor said: “The University is addressing the get-rich-quick cankerworm looming large among the youth of our country by putting a lot of emphasis on entrepreneurial training and skills development.”
He further disclosed that the School is the least paying private University in the country by students, as it offers N100,000 subsidy to every student and also allows payment of tuition fees in instalments to ease the financial burden on parents.
The University Chancellor thanked Governor Uzodimma for giving favourable attention to the road leading to the University and called for extension of Federal Government grants and interventions to private Universities to enable them compete favourably with public Universities.
“The policy that prevents TETFUND, PTDF and similar funding bodies from helping private Universities is wrong,” he asserted.
He also offered prayers for the graduands as they move into the world.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Anthony N. Okere, expressed joy over the day’s event, congratulating the graduands, the senate and the congregation for collectively sustaining the hopes and aspiration of the Chancellor.
Prof. Okeke further applauded the efforts of the staff and students who have always believed in Hezekiah University.
Keynote messages were presented by sister Universities of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, K O Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Gregory University Uturu and Abia State University.
The event attracted the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe and some members of the State House of Assembly, members of the Imo Stste Expanded Executive Council, Traditional Rulers, businessmen and dignitaries from all works of life.
Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser Media to the Governor
March 9, 2025
PHOTO: From left: BOT Acting Chairman, Hezekiah University Umudi, Amb Onyinye Gift Uwaechia, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, his wife and awardee, Chioma, and Pro Chancellor of Hezekiah University, Umudi, Lady Ogechi Ibeagi, at the Maiden Convocation Ceremony of the University held at the University Arena, Umudi, Nkwerre LGA… weekend
Education
Nigerian Govt begins final phase of negotiations with ASUU

The Federal Government has begun the final phase of negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and other tertiary education unions.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made this revelation on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting of the Technical Working Group on Conditions of Service of ASUU.
Alausa said that outstanding issues would soon be resolved to prevent further industrial action, adding that the group was finalising a counter-offer to be presented to the unions through the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Negotiations Committee.
The minister stressed that the committee’s work aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all efforts must be made to keep Nigerian students in school and avoid disruptions to the academic calendar.
“The President has made it clear that our children must remain in school. The technical working group is working to finalise a component of the condition of service that has to be proposed. They are working to finalise a counteroffer to them.
“Hopefully by the end of today, or latest tomorrow, the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expected Negotiations Committee will receive that counteroffer to ASUU,” he said.
He added that this present administration had made significant progress already with the payment of the Earned Academic Allowance of N50 billion released by Tinubu.
Education
Edo NUT decries shortage of teachers in public schools

The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, on Sunday decried the shortage of teachers in the state’s public schools.
Bernard Gbenga Ajobiewe, the state chairman of NUT, lamented the shortage at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day in Benin City with the theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’.
Ajobiewe, who commended the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led government for the infrastructural development so far executed in schools, noting that the infrastructure would amount to nothing if there are no teaching personnel.
According to him, the dearth of teachers os more pronounced in the rural areas.
He added that the government of Adams Oshiomhole left behind over 13,000 teachers and that the figure reduced to about 6,000 at the end of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
The NUT chairman added that over 7,000 teachers are needed in the basic education system.
“We want to say here that after all the reconstruction and renovations of our schools and there are no teachers in the schools it borne out that nothing has been done.
“We want to say that there is a grossly acute shortage of teachers in our schools especially in our rural areas, and as such we want to beg the government to please recruit more teachers so that the vacuum created can be filled so that teaching and learning can be effective in our schools.
“We also look at the dilapidated structures in some of our schools especially in the rural areas. And I know that the government is trying its best but let us still intensify efforts because there are still challenges in terms of infrastructure
“Our slogan is that an average Edo child should be able to access quality education. So if every Edo child should access quality education that means that all facilities and otherwise should be made available in all schools undermining the status of the location whether it is a hamlet, village or a city all schools must enjoy equal facilities,” he said.
The NUT chairman also demanded the urgent implementation of financial benefits for teachers, promotions and the accrued arrears, provision of comprehensive teachers welfare policy including housing, insurance and rural posting incentives.
His equally called for awards to outstanding performing teachers, students/pupils and the inclusion of NUT leadership in SUBEB as board members in line with the UBEC law.
Education
Reverse decision to hand over public schools to missionaries – NUT tells Okpebholo

The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, on Sunday urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to rescind his decision to hand over public schools to Catholic missionaries.
The NUT said the development may bring about inequalities, inaccessible to marginalized group
Ekwutosblog reports that state chairman of the union, Bernard Gbenga Ajobiewe, made the demand in his speech at the celebration of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day in Benin City.
The 2025 World Teachers’ Day has the theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’.
Ajobiewe appealed to the government to take a second look into the issue.
He opined that the handing over of schools to missionary organisations may deprive marginalized groups the opportunity to benefit from religious affiliate institutions.
“As a union, we are committed to advocating for the right, welfare of our people at the same time development of education in our State.
“Sir, we strongly appeal to you to take a second look into the issue of handing over schools to Missionaries organisations in the State. As a union, we are not in support of this agenda,” he said.
Ajobiewe further said the union believes that education should be secular, noting that any attempt to handover schools to missionaries will jeopardize the good intention of the state government.
He noted that the intention of the state government is to ensure that all Edo children receive quality and affordable education.
“The union observed that handing over schools to missionaries in Edo State is complex and needs to be handled with sensitivity and foresight to avert the unforeseen damages it may cause to the education sector in the state and society at large,” he said.
Ekwutosblog recalls that the Nigeria Union of Teachers, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria, had in June 2025 faulted the planned return of schools to missionaries by the Edo State government.
The unions in a joint letter to the government expressed concern and disagreement over the decision of the government to hand over Catholic missionary schools to their original owners.
They posited that the move may seem like a positive step towards restoring autonomy and promoting religious freedom, but it poses significant dangers to the education sector and the state as a whole.
In his remarks, the State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Bernard Egwuakhide, said despite the difficulties inherent in the teaching profession, teachers put in their best to mentor and mould children who are the future leaders of the country.
“As teachers, you are the oil that makes the wheel of progress and growth of any and every society keep moving and moving towards the desired goal.
“As the Nigeria labour congress, Edo state council chairman, I congratulate you today as you continue to ensure that the economic, social, cultural and political development of Nigeria and indeed the world is continuous through your impartation.
“You are the momentum that continues to champion a society where men and women have relative equality and for this the whole world is grateful.
“Let us not also forget that the job of teaching is better done when parents, guardians and indeed the government collaborate to make the teacher wake up to performing their everyday wonders with great excitement, hope and a sense of fulfillment.
“I want to use this opportunity to implore the government in all its ramifications to encourage our teachers so that they can better do their jobs,” he added.
On her part, the Edo State Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Mrs Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane urged teachers in the state to to continue shaping young minds with patience and integrity, describing them as “true nation builders”.
Omonzane also urged every teacher to continue to embrace learning, teamwork and collaboration among themselves.
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