By Chuks Eke*

Sir Emeka Offor, a renowned international philanthropist, donated a N100 million endowment fund to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) on Saturday.

Offor, Executive Chairman of the Chrome Group of Companies and Chairman of Enugu Electric Distribution Company (EEDC), made the donation shortly after receiving the Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) degree at UNN’s 52nd Convocation in Nsukka.

Offor, who was represented by Chief Steve Ahaneku, stated that the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Charles Igwe, would be summoned later to discuss the method of disbursement of the funds and the areas of development for which the funds would be used at the university.

Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) has been at the forefront of educational, health, and youth empowerment. UNN has benefited greatly from his foundation’s Books for Africa programme, which has provided multi-million naira worth of books across disciplines.

SEOF and Books for Africa have donated books worth $30 million to institutions in 18 African countries, covering disciplines such as law, computer science, business administration, and political science, according to Offor, also known as Sir ‘E’.

Offor stated that the foundation recently donated 100 fully equipped hospital beds to the University of Nigeri Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla near Enugu, in order to reinforce Nigerians’ desire for good health.

In 2010, the foundation endowed a professorial chair at the UNN worth N20 million. However, a comprehensive report on the endowed chair has not been sent in a long time.

“I thank this great institution for bestowing this rare and prestigious honour upon me and my group,” he said.

Earlier, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Igwe, stated that the university carefully selected world-class personalities who met the stringent criteria for awarding UNN honorary degrees.

Before reading Offor’s citation, Igwe emphasised his achievements as a student and ambassador of the institution, including in the oil and gas sectors and other endeavours.

“Sir Emeka Offor has done exceptionally well in everything God has blessed him to do; a shining example of simplicity, humility, and someone who is fully committed to uplifting humanity as a whole,” he said.

In response, Igwe Austine Ndigwe, Eze-Uzu III of Awka Ancient Kingdom, stated that Offor deserved the award for his numerous acts of charity and philanthropy, adding, “Offor gives to everyone and group without limit.”

Ndigwe encouraged Nigerians to emulate Offor’s spirit of selfless giving, saying, “God will continue to bless Sir Emeka Offor because of his spirit of giving and wiping many people’s tears.”

Chief Ikenna Ofodeme, Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, stated that Offor had been a great blessing to humanity and had played an important role in the development of communities and institutions throughout the country.

Ofodeme, who represents the Ekwusigo State Constituency, stated, “The people of Anambra are proud to associate with our illustrious son and foremost philanthropist.”

Offor and three others were awarded honorary doctorates from UNN.

By Amby Uneze*

The Forum of Past and Present Leaders of the Alvan Students Union Government (SUG) has praised Professor Ngozi Stella Lemchi, the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) of the newly elevated Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE), for her leadership abilities.

In a commendation message sent to the DVC and signed by approximately 19 signatories consisting of current and former Students Union Government leaders, they expressed satisfaction with the acting deputy vice chancellor of the institution’s leadership abilities and passed a vote of confidence in her.

Their statement reads, “When we learned on May 20th, 2015, that the Goodluck Jonathan administration had upgraded Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a full-fledged university, we, the students of the institution, were overjoyed. The entire campus erupted in jubilation. Unfortunately, this joy was cut short a few months later when President Buhari’s administration placed our university status on “hold.”

“To say we were devastated by the development is an understatement. It was as if our lights had dimmed.President Tinubu’s declaration through the Federal Ministry of Education in June 2023 lifted the “hold” on the College’s University status, restoring our joy in a flash.

“To put words into action, an assessment team comprising officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission, National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund was sent to carry out a detailed inventory and appraisal of the existing teaching and learning facilities, student population, staff, and academic structure in the institution with particular reference to their adequacy, quality, and suitability for

Furthermore, on October 20, 2023, the Federal Ministry of Education issued a press release announcing the official launch of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Owerri.

“In order to materialise the university status, the Federal Government appointed the Provost of the former College of Education as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University, while other Principal Officers of the former College were permitted to continue to discharge their duties in an acting capacity until a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other Principal Officers of the University are appointed.

“With these developments, we are convinced that our university is here to stay. The Student Union Leaders, representing hundreds of thousands of students, express gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for restoring the university’s status. We cannot thank you enough, Your Excellency, for restoring our hope, the dignity of our beloved school, and our truncated joy.

“We thus pledge our ongoing gratitude to you and unwavering support for your administration.We also acknowledge the fatherly role played by His Excellency Sen. Hope Uzodima, Imo State’s Executive Governor, in achieving this feat. We are eternally grateful to you, governor.

“We also want to make the public aware of the activities of some mischief-makers and political jobbers who are attempting to reap what they did not sow.These rascals have used various means to distract our hardworking and dear Ag. DVC, Prof. Ngozi Stella Lemchi, from the institution’s smooth administration and astute management. The wicked plotting of these enemies of progress was brought to light when an Owerri-based newspaper issued a deceptive publication on Friday, April 12, 2024, with the banner headline: “Protest erupts over appointment of Alvan Ag. DVC as a Professor by IMSU.”

“However, the body of the newspaper failed to state how, where, and when the aforementioned protest occurred, nor did it specify who carried out such a protest. It became clear that the paper’s writer and publisher had been hired to paint a false picture of the crisis in order to call the Lemchi administration’s peaceful atmosphere into question. But, to God’s glory, they failed miserably. Nobody can curse those who have been blessed by God.

The four university labour unions, COEASU/ASUU, SSUCOEN/SSANU, NASU, and NAAT, have debunked the misleading publication in a joint publication titled “The needless dis This response clearly indicates that none of the University’s staff unions are in conflict with the Ag. DVC and her administration, so the workers are not protesting.

Similarly, no student organisations at the university are protesting. Given that neither the Ag. DVC’s administrative excellence nor the authenticity of her appointment as a Professor by Imo State University are in question, we respectfully request that the authorities and the general public ignore the antics of these rascals.

“We, the representatives of the student body both past and present, felt compelled to express our position on the ongoing. As a result, we can unequivocally state that we admire our Ag. DVC’s administrative style, and we have had no issues with her since she took over the leadership of the former college of education and is now serving as the Ag. DVC of our nascent university.

“Throughout these years, she has been a wonderful and caring mother to all of the students. She has been extremely responsive to the needs and requests of the students. She has resolved over 87% of the accommodation issues plaguing students, particularly those living on campus. She works around the clock to ensure that the students’ well-being is taken care of. We are extremely pleased to have her as our Ag DVC. As a result, we will be delighted to have her as our substantive Vice-Chancellor.Furthermore, we celebrate her appointment as a Professor at Imo State University. Allow no one to persuade you otherwise, as such an attempt should be considered deceptive.

“We, therefore, pass this vote of confidence on Prof. Ngozi Stella Lemchi for the reasons stated above, as well as for her excellent administrative performance as head of this university thus far.

“The following are examples of the indelible marks she has stamped on the sand of time, eloquently demonstrating her superb administrative brilliance.

“1) For the first time in many years, the administrative head is collaborating with all of the institution’s labour unions and the student union government: there is no strike, no threat of strike, and no student riot.” This is due to her ability to effectively manage the institution’s human and material resources.

“2) Infrastructure Upgrade: Professor Stella Ngozi Lemchi prioritised the renovation of hostels, particularly hostels G and D, to improve their ambiance and functionality. The Lemchi administration used the FG revitalization fund to replace over 200 doors and windows, tile the floors of the two hostels, completely rebuild the toilets, and install safe and functional kitchens for the students. The work included improving the water supply in the hostels, repainting the entire structure, and installing electrical works, wardrobes, and beds. She ensures that water and electricity are available on a regular basis in the hostel. The school’s educational infrastructure, including the library and lecture halls, is currently undergoing extensive renovation.

“3) Student Support: Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi implemented measures to combat student harassment and improved the NYSC mobilisation and certificate issuance procedures. Last year, three batches of students were mobilised for service, which was unprecedented in the institution for nearly a decade. Her focus on student welfare includes streamlining clearance procedures, raising academic standards, communicating with parents and guardians, and working with the Student Union to quickly resolve any issues.

“4) Security Enhancement: Professor Stella Ngozi Lemchi restructured the University’s security architecture. She has promoted best practices in the recruitment of student security operatives and provided them with the necessary equipment and resources for effective performance. Her efforts have significantly reduced security breaches, which were common prior to her appointment when students were routinely robbed and harassed in their hostels and on school grounds, both at night and in broad daylight.

“5) Environmental sanitation: by employing environmental sanitation contractors who collaborate with Faculties environmental sanitation committees, hostel cleaners, and others, Prof. Stella Lemchi has maintained a sparkling clean and beautiful school environment since she took over the institution’s leadership,” the statement said.

According to SUG leaders, her efforts to improve the lot of the staff have earned her peaceful collaboration with the staff union leaders, as evidenced by the following achievements:

“1) Staff Welfare: Prof. Lemchi cleared the backlog of staff promotions and conversions that had been pending for years. Hundreds of non-teaching employees were converted and properly assigned. Many of them had earned higher job qualifications. Conversions and promotions have boosted employee morale and motivation levels. She has advocated for the welfare and proper placement of teaching staff during the transition process. She has petitioned the regulator to grant lecturers grace periods to obtain the qualifications required to maintain their positions, rather than being abruptly demoted to a lower rank at the university.

“2) Infrastructural developments: The Lemchi administration has begun construction of a Professors’ block in the Shell Camp area, as well as increased infrastructure development on the campus across the Nworie River. By doing so, she has successfully prevented further encroachment on the university’s land across the Nworie River. The Lemchi administration is currently working on plans to address ecological issues on the riverbank in order to allow for the use of the bridge built to aid movement and development on the other side of the river, which had previously limited the institution’s infrastructural expansion.

“3) Increased Internally Generated Revenue: From the start of her administration, Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi planned and successfully implemented policies to increase the institution’s internally generated revenue. One major component of this was the creation of a streamlined fee payment portal to close revenue leakages. She has also revitalised university business ventures such as the water factory and bakery.

“4) Transition Process: Through her proactive, relentless, and graceful engagement with the NUC and the FME.” Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi is ensuring a smooth transition for the institution. The NUC recently assigned her a 37-man team to verify the University’s programmes’ resources. Furthermore, in collaboration with the University’s staff unions, Lemchi has submitted a bill to the National Assembly for the codification of the law that established the University, granting the University permanent status,” they stated.

The student leaders stated that, given Prof. Mrs Stella Ngozi Lemchi’s numerous accomplishments, which cannot be fully listed in a single publication like this, those attempting to take over her position are so intimidated by her accomplishments in such a short period of time that they are resorting to cheap blackmail by publishing calumny.

“On the basis of the foregoing, we, the students of Alvan Ikoku University of Education in Owerri, believe that our Ag. DVC (Administration), Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi, is qualified to continue leading the administration of this new university.

“We therefore request that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, appoint Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Alvan lkoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, so that she can continue her good work. We pledge to continue working with her for greater success,” the statement said.

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.