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.
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