Imo State is over due, to occupy the position of VC in UNN - Commissione

By Agency Report

Prof Boniface Nworgu, the Imo State Commissioner for Science and Technology says, Imo State is over due to become the Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

Nworgu said this in Nsukka on Friday during the Maiden Heartland Lecture organised by Imo Professors Forum (IPF) in UNN with the team "Identity, Determination and Self Realisation through Knowledge-based Idealogy".

The commissioner who chaired the occasion in a remark, wondered why  Imo State a  critical stakeholde in South East and in UNN had not been allowed to produce the Chief Executive Office  (CEO) of the university  since 1960 the institution was established.

"For over half a century of UNN existence nobody of Imo extraction has become the VC of the university, the situation has put a feeling of isolation and marginalisation on the people from the state.

"In spite the fact that IPF have many erudite professors  who have distinguished themselves in their different areas of study, none has occupied the position of VC since 63 years ago.

"From every angle you view it, Imo State is over due to produce the VC of UNN and should be allowed to be the next VC,  so as to give people from the state a sense of belonging,"he said.

He commended IPF for organising the lecture and noted that, galaxy of personalities present was an indication that IPF was on the right track and had good reputations.
"I commend in special way the Chairman of IPF for his good leadership,"he said.

Speaking, Prof Peter Akah, Chairman of IPF said that professors of Imo have played critical role in the university and deserved a slot as VC of UNN

"The history of UNN will not be complete without giving Imo professors a resounding mention because of their numerous positive contributions to the university, the country and humanity.

"IPF has promoted the image of  UNN both in national and international levels through academic prowess and quality research work.

"Regrettably, since the inception of  UNN in 1960 (63 years ago) no Imo indigene has occupied the position of  VC of the university.

"This time around we are asking that the next VC should come from Imo, we solicit the support of all and sundry to make it a reality," he said.

Akah thanked UNN management for approving the event as well as given guests warm reception in the usual hospitality, that UNN was known for

The IPF Chairmen who was former Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University commended  guests from far and near for finding time to attend the events in spite of their tight schedules.

In a remark, Prof Charles Igwe the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, represented by  Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo commended the forum for organising the function and urged them to put their aspiration to have UNN-VC of Imo extraction, in their prayers.

"I commend the forum for this wonderful occasion, I am here  to represent the Vice Chancellor who was unavoidably absent.

"I heard all sentiments expressed, on the need for Imo indigene  to become VC  of UNN.

"I urge you to put the request and aspiration in prayers.

"But I wish to remind all that,  power is not given but power is taken," he said.

Earlier in a lecture on the topic of the event, Prof Joe Ahaneku, the Vice-Chancellor of National University of Science and Technology Abuja urged the South East to recover its identify of unity entrepreneurship and hunger  for education which placed the region in 1960s and 1970s in global map.

"The zone should not be comfortable where it's now , we  should recover  the spirit of entrepreneurship, hardwork , hunger for education to move the zone forward," he said.

Ahaneku urged the academia to stop shying away from politics but should used their wealth of knowledge to transform and sanitise political system to move the country forward.

"In as much the academia should ensure quality education they should also used their wealth of knowledge to transform, impact positively and sanitise the political system.

"UNN as premier university should  lead other universities and tertiary institutions in the country in the task to transform every sector of the economy including the political system.

The VC expressed appreciation to IPF for finding him worthy to deliver the forum's maiden lecture.

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo was represented in the occasion by Mr Pat Anyanwu

His Royal Highness, Eze Peter Ebigbo, the Traditional Ruler of Amafuo Community in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, Dr Anthony Mgbeaharuike, Commissioner for Livestock Development in Imo State were among dignitaries present.
NAN