BY JENNIFER JOHN / OWERRI
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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has challenged Nigerian University authorities on the need to lead way for a new Nigeria.
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Uzodimma who spoke at the 52nd Convocation Lecture of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), yesterday, urged the University authorities to rise up by taking up leadership and innovative roles like their foreign counterparts with a view to contributing to the all round development of the country.
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The governor whose lecture was titled: “Why Universities should lead the way to a New Nigeria”, challenged UNN, as the oldest University in Nigeria, to lead the way towards the country’s rebirth
He, however, congratulated the graduands for the privilege of graduating from the prestigious university despite the challenges.
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According to him, “Universities all over the world are known as centres of learning and excellence which the society looks upon for guidance and learning.”
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He also advised the students and faculty of University of Nigeria Nsukka to be ambassadors of truth.
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Uzodimma said that the university management while inviting him to be the guest lecturer, gave him the latitude to choose any topic of his choice, one which will best align with current mood of the nation.
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He said the fact that University is the brewer of fresh ideas, informed his choice of the topic: “Why Universities should lead the way to a New Nigeria”.
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The convocation lecturer said with the topic, he intended to lead a conversation to examine what roles Universities play, through research and scientific inventions in the economic development of nations and why the universities in Nigeria must do same and also to challenge the country’s universities to become drivers of social change and lead the way to a new Nigeria.
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“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 82b U.S dollars annually, to the economic output of the state”.
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The Imo governor posited that 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.
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“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”.
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To improve the ability of Nigeria Universities to play the roles expected of it and compete favourably in the ever expanding digital world order, the Convocation Lecturer proposed the following, establishment of ICT centres in all universities and possibly, in both secondary and Primary schools, to strengthen the law establishing the Nigerian Universities Commission, empowering universities to be able to withdraw the certificate of any of its graduates indicted in any form of criminality or corruption.
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Others include; De-robbing and withdrawal of all certificates of any lecturer indicted in any form of corruption, while similar faith should be visited on university authorities who misappropriate funds meant for research and administration.
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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.
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According to him, 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.
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While welcoming the high powered delegates, keynote speakers, guest speakers and the convocation lecturer to the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Charles Arinzechukwu Igwe said convocation lecture is an occasion when carefully chosen Guest Speakers are invited to speak on topics of national and global interests.
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The governor was later honoured with an Award of Excellence.
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Some of the dignitaries at were: Imo deputy governor, Ooni of lle Ife Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwsi, Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly and his deputy, Ministers, Commissioners, among others.
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