Uzodimma Endows Chair At UNN, Tasks Universities To Lead The Way For New Nigeria

The pursuit of learning and research at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka received a boost on Thursday when Imo State Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma endowed a Chair in the Political Science Department of the Social Science Faculty, while also challenging Nigerian universities to pave the way for a new Nigeria.

The endowment dubbed the “Hope Uzodimma Chair for Good Governance and Civic Responsibility,” corresponds to the content of Governor Uzodimma’s 52nd Convocation Lecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which he delivered on Thursday at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium.

The theme was “Why Universities Should Pave the Way for a New Nigeria.”

General Ike Nwachuku (rtd), a former Governor of Imo State who was also a Foreign Affairs Minister and Senator, presided over the UNN 52nd Convocation Lecture, which was attended by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and the University’s Chancellor, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, among other dignitaries.

Governor Uzodimma challenged Nigerian universities to fulfil their expected role of paving the way for a new Nigeria by taking on leadership and innovative roles and contributing to the country’s overall development, as their counterparts in other parts of the world do.

He congratulated the prestigious university graduates, despite the challenges they faced, and advised them to go out into the world and make a difference.

Governor Uzodimma concluded his lecture by announcing the endowment of the Chair as part of his contribution to the advancement of erudition and research at Nigeria’s first indigenous university, while also urging the UNN to lead the way to Nigeria’s rebirth.

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

Governor Uzodimma revealed that he carefully selected the topic for the lecture based on what would best align with the nation’s current mood, as well as the University’s role as a source of new ideas.

His lecture highlighted the roles that universities play in national economic development through research and scientific inventions, and, more importantly, why Nigerian universities must do the same. He challenged Nigeria’s universities to become social change agents and pave the way for a new nation.

“A recent study on the University of California’s economic impact prompted me to consider how we can improve the economic impact of our universities. According to the report, the University of California is an important economic engine for California, contributing approximately 82 billion US dollars to the state’s economic output each year.

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

“There is no doubt that universities should serve as a compass, guiding society to technological breakthroughs and informed leadership. Our universities must guide us towards the new Nigeria of our dreams, particularly in technology and governance.”

Governor Uzodimma reeled off names of Nigerians, the majority of whom are graduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who are making waves in their respective fields, and argued that Nigerian universities can be part of that great change agent for a new country of our dreams.

He suggested that universities invest in new smart and digital learning processes that help to produce skilled labour that can be exported while also driving local development and competitiveness.

“There is no doubt that the future holds great promise for Nigeria’s digital economy when all of 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 envisioned a time when new political and economic theories emerge from lecture halls, and scientific discoveries and revolutions are announced in laboratories. A time when our campuses serve as incubators for new ideas, theories, and philosophies to be debated. Young adults should be nurtured and transformed into thinkers, innovators, analysts, dreamers, and sceptics at my dream university.”

Governor Uzodimma decried some of the maladies that plague universities today, threatening our dream of universities as agents of development, and insisted that the implementation of sanctions could go a long way towards saving the situation.

Governor Uzodimma proposed establishing ICT centres in all Nigerian universities and possibly in secondary and primary schools, strengthening the law establishing the Nigerian Universities Commission, and empowering universities to withdraw the certificates of graduates indicted for criminality or corruption.

Others include de-robing and withdrawing all certificates from any lecturer indicted in any form of corruption, sexual assault, or any other form of misdemeanour, as well as visiting similar faith on university officials who misappropriate funds intended for research and administration.

His words: “If you are wondering why I insist on our universities leading us to the new Nigeria of our dreams, it is because I see the universities as sculptors and Nigeria as the rock. The sculptor must shape the rock into a magnificent monument. In reality, there is no alternative to the critical role of universities in our country, and indeed in every country.

“Therefore, the path forward necessitates a collaborative effort, a shared vision, and a dedication to excellence.” It is time to invest in our universities so that research and innovation can take priority. Furthermore, we must create an environment in which our students can thrive and ensure that they have the skills, knowledge, and character required to contribute to the development of our country.

“Yes, the Nigeria of our dreams is possible, and it all begins with our universities.” As Nigeria’s first indigenous University, this new or revised consciousness should begin here at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.”

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

He stated, “Because universities are homes of research and development, through cutting-edge research and innovation, they can 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 event, Vice Chancellor Professor Charles Igwe stated that Convocation Lectures require that the lecturer be carefully selected and invited to speak on topics of national and global importance.

According to Prof Igwe, Governor Uzodimma fit the bill as a two-term Senator, Governor in his second term, Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, and a detribalised Nigerian with a strong desire to serve. He thanked the Governor for honouring the University’s request to share his experience with them and the general public.

Both the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Chief Iwuanyanwu praised Governor Uzodimma’s delivery of the topic and promised to facilitate distribution across the country.

The lecture was attended by Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, 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.

Ranking traditional rulers from Imo State and beyond, industry captains, South East All Progressives Congress chieftains, women, youth, and student groups were also present.