….As SUMAS celebrates 1st Founder’s Day
From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Mr. Chris Maiyaki, the acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC) has solicited continuous synergy with university management in the country to create a future where excellence, equity, and global competitiveness define 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 said that the achievements recorded by NUC were because of 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.
The acting NUC Boss said further that 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 his appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of SUMAS, Prof James Ogbonna, and the university 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 is poised to ensure quality education in SUMAS and other educational institutions in the state.
The Governor who was represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government noted that his administration places 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.
Speaking, HRM Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers who chaired the occasion, commended the immediate past governor of Enugu State Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his wisdom and foresight in establishing SUMAS in Igbo-Eno.
“Ugwuanyi will be remembered by every generation in Enugu North senatorial zone and Enugu State in general because of this legacy project,” he said.
Agubuzu also commended Gov Mba the present governor of Enugu State, for always giving prompt attention to SUMAS which he said had made the university remain focused as well as have the required infrastructures.
“I am satisfied with the quality of teaching, learning, and infrastructures in this medical university,” he said.
Also in a 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 meaning, purpose, and vision of that university was achieved by staff and students.
“Students of this university are expected to be all-round excellence, you are not here to enjoy yourself but to study and make a positive impact on society,” he said.
Earlier in a remark, Prof. Ogbonna, the VC of SUMAS said that the Founder’s Day celebration was set aside by the institution to express gratitude to those who founded the university as well as those who have contributed variously to the development of the university.
“This first Founder’s Day of SUMAS provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the conception, gestation, birth, and growth trajectory of the university and to express our appreciation to all those who have and are playing important roles in the process.
“It is a unique opportunity for us to remind ourselves and the world that the University is here to make that difference for good that we all desire in a global learning center.
“We, therefore, appreciate former Governor Ugwuanyi for his vision in conceiving the establishment of this University to bridge the gaps between the demand and supply of medicinal and allied health science personnel on one side and between the number of candidates seeking admission and the available space in our tertiary institutions,” he said.
The VC thanked Governor Mbah for his support to the university and the NUC boss for delivering the institutions first Founder’s Day Lecture.
Recall that the university which was approved for take-off by NUC in June 2022 is now in the first semester of the second year with a total student population of 1,474.