Lead the way for new Nigeria -Gov. Uzodimma tells Nigerian universities 

From Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma has challenged the Nigerian Universities to rise up to their expected role of leading the way for a new Nigeria

He tasked the leadership of the various varsities to contribute maximally towards the development of the country, as being done by their counterparts in other parts of the world.

The governor, Uzodimma made this known while speaking at the 52nd convocation lecture of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, which took place at the Princess Alexandria Auditorium with the theme:” Why Universities should lead the way to a new Nigeria”.

He noted further 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.”

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.

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.”

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe said Convocation Lecture requires the lecturer that is carefully chosen and invited to speak on topics of national and global interest.

Also, 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. 

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