From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
A former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has tasked Nigerian universities to live up to the challenge of producing quality graduates that can compete globally and contribute positively to the nation’s development.
Professor Nebo, who is also a former Minister of Power and the present Pro- Chancellor of Coal City University (CCU), Enugu, gave this charge at the official unveiling of the new Vice Chancellor of the privately-owned University, Professor Afam Icha Ituma, at the weekend.
Nebo said: “Producing graduates who are nationally relevant and internationally competitive is a goal which every Nigerian university must aim to achieve.
“Our universities must thrive to proffer solutions to our national problems through effective research works while the end products should be able to advance on the cause of our national development.”
The former UNN’s VC asserted that Nigerian lecturers should be able to produce quality graduates that will proudly make reference to them as their mentors in the various fields of human endeavours they eventually fit appropriately, with positive contributions.
He expressed optimism that the new Vice Chancellor will live up to expectations in taking Coal City University to laudable heights and meets the dream of its founding fathers.
On his part, Chancellor of the University, Professor Chinedu Anih, charged Prof. Ituma to work vigorously with other staff of the institution to enable it compete globally both in standard of education rendered and quality of its end products.
Responding, the new VC, who is a biological son of late Dr Icha Ituma, a deputy governor of old Enugu State, promised to work hard to enhance full internalization of the university in collaboration with some foreign universities like Delaware University, United States , whose conditions of partnership and exchange programmes are in top gear.
He equally promised to introduce students’ feedback systems using an online platform to encourage interactive sessions among students and lecturers on relevant issues.
The AUTHORITY reports that coming of Prof Afam Icha Ituma as new VC of Coal City University was prompted by the resignation of the pioneer Vice Chancellor, Professor Malachy Ugwueze, following his appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff to Enugu State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
