….As SUMAS celebrates 1st Founder’s Day
From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, has solicited continuous synergy with the management of universities in the country to create a future where excellence, equity, and global competitiveness will define the higher education landscape.
Maiyaki said this on Saturday in Nsukka while delivering the First Founder’s Day Lecture of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, titled: “The Role of An Administrator in a Changing University Environment.”
He attributed the achievements recorded by the NUC to the good working relationship between the Commission and the Nigerian universities and called for its sustenance.
“I Urge SUMAS here in Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, and indeed, all Nigerian universities, specialised or conventional, to continue to work closely with the NUC.
“This collaborative journey hinges on recognising the unsung architects who guide and shape the future of higher education, ensuring that knowledge remains accessible and impactful for generations to come,” he said.
According to the acting Executive Secretary, the role of administrators in navigating the ever-changing university landscape is multifaceted and demanding.
“As we celebrate our achievements and confront the challenges in the higher education sector, the way forward lies in a collaborative, united, and strategic effort to: foster innovation, increase access, address brain drain, and monitor the implementation of key initiatives.
“We can create a future where our higher education system not only meets global standards but also stands as a beacon of excellence and inclusivity.
“The NUC, in collaboration with universities, will continue to adapt and innovate curricula, ensuring they align with global standards,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of SUMAS, Prof James Ogbonna, and the university’s management for finding him worthy to deliver the institution’s first Founder’s Day lecture.
In a remark, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, said his administration was poised to ensure quality education in SUMAS and other educational institutions in the state.
The Governor who was represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the State Government noted, that his administration placed a high premium on education, adding that 30% of the 2024 budget of the state was dedicated to the education sector to ensure accessibility and quality infrastructure in educational institutions.
He commended the management of the university and reiterated the state government’s readiness to provide the needs of the institution to be the best medical science university in the country.
In his remark, Prof. Obiora Ike, Pro-Chancellor, SUMAS said that one of the reasons the Founder of universities appointed a chancellor was to ensure that the vision of the university was achieved by staff and students.
The VC thanked Governor Mbah for his support to the university and the NUC boss for delivering the institution’s first Founder’s Day Lecture.