By HILARY AKALUGWU

Prof Boniface Nworgu, the Imo State Commissioner for Science and Technology, says Imo State is over due to produce the Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

Nworgu said this at Nsukka on Friday during the Maiden Heartland Lecture, organised by Imo Professors Forum (IPF) in UNN with the team “Identity, Determination and Self Realisation through Knowledge-based Idealogy”.

The commissioner, who chaired the occasion, wondered why Imo State, a critical stakeholder in South East and in the UNN, had not been allowed to produce the Chief Executive Office (CEO) of the university since the institution was established in 1960.

“For over half a century of the UNN existence, nobody of Imo extraction has become the VC. The situation has put a feeling of isolation and marginalisation on the people from the state.

“In spite the fact that IPF has many erudite professors who have distinguished themselves in their different areas of study, none has occupied the position of VC in 63 years of the life of the institution.

“From every angle you view it, Imo State is over due to produce the VC of UNN and should be allowed to produce the next VC, so as to give people from that state a sense of belonging,” he said.

He commended IPF for organising the lecture and noted that the galaxy of personalities present was an indication that IPF was on the right track and had good reputations.

“I commend in special way the Chairman of the IPF for his good leadership,” he said.

Speaking, Prof Peter Akah, Chairman of the IPF, said that professors from Imo have played critical role in the university and deserved a slot as the VC.

“The history of UNN will not be complete without giving Imo professors a resounding mention because of their numerous positive contributions to the university, the country and humanity.

“IPF has promoted the image of the UNN both at national and international levels through academic prowess and quality research work.

“Regrettably, since the inception of UNN in 1960 (63 years ago) no Imo indigene has occupied the position of VC of the university.

“This time around we are asking that the next VC should come from Imo. We solicit the support of all and sundry to make it a reality,” he said.

The IPF Chairman, who was a former Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, commended guests from far and near for finding time to attend the events in spite of their tight schedules.

In a remark, Prof Charles Igwe, the current VC of UNN, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, commended the forum for organising the function and urged them to put their aspiration to have a UNN VC of Imo extraction, in their prayers.

“I commend the forum for this wonderful occasion, I am here to represent the Vice Chancellor who was unavoidably absent.

“I heard all the sentiments expressed, on the need for an Imo indigene to become VC of UNN.

“But I wish to remind all that power is not given but taken,” he said.

Earlier in a lecture on the topic of the event, Prof Joe Ahaneku, the Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja, urged the South East to recover its identify of unity entrepreneurship and hunger for education which placed the region in 1960s and 1970s on the global map.

“The zone should not be comfortable where it’s now, we should recover the spirit of entrepreneurship, hardwork, hunger for education to move the zone forward,” he said.

Ahaneku urged the academia to stop shying away from politics, rather they should use their wealth of knowledge to transform and sanitise the political system and move the country forward.

“The academia should ensure quality education; they should also use their wealth of knowledge to transform, impact positively and sanitise the political system.

“UNN as a premier university should lead other universities and tertiary institutions in the country in the task to transform every sector of the economy, including the political system.

The VC expressed appreciation to IPF for finding him worthy to deliver the forum’s maiden lecture.

NAN reports that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, was represented in the occasion by Mr Pat Anyanwu

His Royal Highness, Eze Peter Ebigbo, the Traditional Ruler of Amafuo Community in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, Dr Anthony Mgbeaharuike, Commissioner for Livestock Development in Imo State, were among dignitaries present.

The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that of the 15 VCs of the University, five were from Anambra, three from Abia, two from Enugu, one from Plateau, one from Delta, one from Borno, and two foreigners. (NAN)

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