From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has expressed satisfaction with the academic excellence and transformational agenda of the management of Benjamin Uwajumogu (State) College of Education, Isinweke in Ihitte/Uboma local government area of the State being led by, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Nwachukwu, the Acting Provost of the State government owned tertiary institution.
Uzodimma disclosed this, last Saturday during the well attended maiden convocation ceremony of the institution as he was ably represented by the State Commissioner for Tertiary and Technical Education,Professor Victor Nwachukwu, as he applauded the sacrificial efforts of the staff and management of the reverred College of Education.
” Your tireless efforts, have not gone unnoticed, especially your sacrifices and dedication to the sustainable growth and development of the College. We also appreciates your overall commitments to academic excellence and discipline.”
The Commissioner seized the opportunity to commend Uzodimma for his administration’s patriotic compassion in ensuring efficient and qualitative education in the State educational system.
“I must not fail to appreciate the entire Ihitte/Uboma leaders, indigenes and host communities. It’s gratifying to appreciate your genuine interest, support and protection of the College on numerous occasions, the government is not ignorant of this benevolence, which is a great service to our children, our State, our society and to entire humanity”.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Acting Provost recalled how she met barrage of structural, tutorial and administrative deficits.
According to her, “having identified the challenges,we prayed and were motivated by the antecedents of Governor Hope Uzodimma as an Ambassador of Education, we firmly resolved to positively change the narrative. Today, we can gladly announce that we have made remarkable progress compared with what we inherited.
“We have left no stone unturned in our quest to repositioned the institution for academic and infrastructural excellence.
” Recall that my administration met only 12; approved courses of studies. However, within six months on assumption of office, we obtained approval for 49 courses, a significant increase from the initially approved 12 courses, and we commenced massive renovation of blocks building offices to accommodate the teaming staff of the college who had no place as office space except under mango trees known then as Campus 1 and Campus 2.
Nwachukwu further informed that the College under her leadership has introduced ICT Certification Programmes aimed at equipping the students with necessary skills to thrive in this digital age and, successfully enlisted in the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme,(SIWES) and most especially, produced maiden Multi Disciplinary Journals, which is an indication of her commitment to academic excellence.
The Acting Provost, further noted that under her leadership, the college has assisted to organize strong and formidable staff unions and ensured that all the staff unions were organized and became effective.
Expressing regret, she lamented that insecurity has been a bane to the school, the unrestricted access to the school because of the fallen perimeter fence has led to theft, harassment of students and vandalization of school property by miscreants and criminals.
“This great institution is in dear need of utility vehicles, it is worrisome that office of the Provost has no official vehicle, no staff or student’s buses and it makes mobility quite cumbersome and to a large extent affects productivity, considering the location of the College”.
She however, commended the efforts of the governor whom she said has always responded whenever they called for help, saying they will continue to ask for more until the ultimate goal is achieved.
Adding his voice, Comrade Ihionu Augustus Chukwuemeka the State Coordinator, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, Imo State Council, explained that convocation is often seen as a celebration of becoming a graduate, a professional, a thinker who is ready to step into a changing world, “as you go through the convocation today,you are not just a Nigerian teacher but a global educator and a professional in the field of teaching”.
According to comrade Ihionu “from the ancient society to modern nations, education has proven to be most potent instrument in man’s struggle for survival, growth and development, the teacher remains it’s pivot and this account for why today’s teachers must fully fit into the knowledge informed demands of the contemporary life”.
He further noted that TRCN has been instrumental in elevating the status of teachers, enhancing the quality of education and aligning the Nigerian teaching profession with global standards, pointing out that the efforts of the council have not only improved the credibility and accountability of teachers locally but also positioned Nigerian educators for greater recognition and mobility internationally.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ihitte/Uboma LGA, Hon Prince Obioha Ndukwe, appreciated Governor Hope Uzodimma for his unwavering support and commitment to education in Imo State, adding that his leadership has been instrumental in driving the institution forward.
Prince Obioha advised the graduating students to always remember that their education is not just a qualification, but a tool for transforming lives and communities, he urged them to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the world.
In appreciation, the two Overall best graduating students of Benjamin Uwajumogu College(State) of Education, Otagbom Oluomachi Goodness and Alozie Victoria Chikwado thanked the governor,whose leadership they said has contributed in the growth and development of the State, they also appreciate his commitment to fostering academic excellence and enhancing conducive learning environment.
Filled with appreciation,they thanked their Provost, their lecturers whose love , leadership, tireless efforts and dedication to their academic they said have made their legacy a reality, saying; that in the midst of confusion they found people that are more than instructors, describing them as their pillars .
To their fellow graduands, they urged them to”never let go every lesson they learnt, as they move on to the new part, “may we continue to inspire, innovate and impact positively to the world around us, they added.
Highpoints of the ceremony includes Distinguished Fellowship Award, Honorary fellowship Award, Award of Academic Excellence to two overall best students , college pioneer student leadership award to Mr Chisimdiri David Joseph among others.
