Imo Govt will Partner Hezekiah University to promote Quality Education, Gov Uzodinma assures as Wife bags Doctorate Degree

Daddy Hezekiah and Gov Uzodinma

Elochukwu Benjamin

Awka

 Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has assured that the State Government will continue to partner Hezekiah University, Umudi to promote quality education in the state and realize the overall objectives of the institution.

 

Governor Uzodinma stated this during the Maiden Convocation ceremony of Hezekiah University, Umudi in Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State for the award of First Degree and Conferment of Honorary Degree held at the university's field over the weekend.

 

The university conferred on his wife, Chief Barr. Chioma Uzodinma an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration in recognition of her outstanding services in women empowerment and girl-child advocacy.

 

The governor had on arrival, commissioned the Academic Complex and Mother Mary Okanu-Onukogu Male Hostel of the university.

 

But speaking at the occasion, Governor Uzodinma said it only through collaborative attitude and partnership between government and private sector that quality education can be provided in Nigeria.

 

According to him, "Government alone cannot fund education anywhere in the world. Government must look for partnerships from the private sector. I believe that the relationship between private and public institutions must be encouraged by the government.

“Because public institutions alone funded by government and managed by the government, whom over the years, has proven not to be good managers of businesses, cannot be allowed to provide quality education".

 

Senator Uzodinma promised to support the university with both infrastructure and anything within the capacity of his administration, just as he had done with other churches in the state.

 

While appreciating the management of the institution for the honour done to him and his wife, Governor Uzodinma called on all Imo sons and daughters to support the university to succeed in her sustained efforts to contribute to society through intellectual property and ideas.

 

On the inability of TetFund to accommodate private universities in its educational interventions, Governor Uzodinma assured the university that he will work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to propel policy changes, legislations, and intentional administrative efforts to create synergy between the promotion of public schools and that of private schools for the overall benefits of mankind.

 

In her acceptance speech, the recipient, Dr Chioma Uzodinma described the award as a reaffirmation of the power of education, public service and the role of women in shaping a more just and equitable society.

 

While dedicating the award to every woman in Imo State, she stressed the need for strategic public administration and urged women to utilise education as a potent tool in attaining their goals in life.

 

"Your education is your most powerful tool but knowledge becomes truly transformative coupled with compassion and directed towards solving real human problems. Do not seek positions of authority, seek to create meaningful change.

 

"The honorary doctorate I received today is not an endpoint but a renewed call to service and a recognition that carries tremendous responsibilities to continue advocating for the marginalized, breakdown barriers, and to demonstrate that true leadership, that we are lifting others as we rise," she said.

 

Dr Uzodinma, who is also the Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative, expressed gratitude to the management of Hezekiah University, saying the recognition is not just a personal accolade but a powerful statement about the vital role of women in nation-building.

 

Earlier, while declaring the event open, the Proprietor and Chancellor of the university, His Grace Most Rev Prof Daddy Hezekiah, charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of their alma mater, Hezekiah University in line with its Motto "Academic Excellence with good morals".

 

He noted that the university is one of the private universities that charges the lowest school fees in the country, adding that he had also subsidized the school fees with #100,000 per student for the past 10 years since its inception in 2015.

 

The Man of God, who is the Founder, Leader and Archibishop of Living Christ Mission Worldwide, however, charged the graduands to abide by the Godly virtues instilled into them within the period they sought quality education in the institution in order to succeed in the society.

 

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Anthony N. Okere, expressed joy over the day's event, congratulating the graduands, the senate and attendees for collectively sustaining the hopes and aspiration of the Chancellor.

 

Prof. Okeke further applauded the efforts of the staff and students who have always believed in Hezekiah University.