IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to probe the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over the delay in paying corps members the newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance.

NANS expressed disappointment that, despite the FG’s approval of the allowance increase from N33,000 to N77,000 in July 2024, corps members are yet to receive the new amount.

According to the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the delay is due to the non-release of funds.

In a statement issued on Sunday by NANS National Vice President, Inter-Campus Affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, the student body insisted that the NYSC must be investigated for failing to implement the new corps members’ allowance by the end of February, as earlier promised by the DG.

Akinbodunse questioned the reason behind the delay, noting that corps members only received N33,000 for February’s allowance instead of the expected N77,000.

She emphasized that while FG and many state governments have already started paying the new minimum wage of N70,000, there is no justification for the NYSC’s failure to implement the approved increase for corps members.

Describing the situation as unfair, she called on the NYSC to explain the delay and urged the Federal Government to intervene to ensure corps members receive their entitlements.

Akinbodunse warned that failing to pay the new allowance could demoralize corps members, especially amid the country’s challenging economic conditions.

She further stated that NANS leadership would engage with the NYSC to seek answers regarding the non-implementation of the new allowance, noting that NYSC staff are already benefiting from the increased wages. 

A Delta State High Court in Warri has ruled against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), declaring the 16-year minimum age requirement for university admission unconstitutional.

Presiding over Suit No: W/311/FHR/2024, Justice Anthony Akpovi ruled in favor of John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch, who challenged JAMB’s restriction on the basis of constitutional rights.

Aikpokpo-Martins argued that the restriction violated Sections 18(1) and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate equal educational opportunities and prohibit discrimination. He sought several declarations and orders, including:

Nullification of JAMB’s October 16, 2024, circular, which enforced the 16-year age restriction.

A directive for universities to admit candidates who turn 16 between January 1 and December 31, 2025, provided they meet other admission criteria.

A perpetual injunction preventing authorities from denying university admission based solely on age.

While granting Aikpokpo-Martins’ reliefs, the court, however, refused his request for damages. 

Zuriel Oduwole, a 22-year-old advocate for peace, education, and gender equality, has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Born in Los Angeles to Nigerian grandparents, she has engaged with over 35 world leaders on policies promoting education and global peace.

Oduwole’s diplomatic influence began at age 13 when she mediated a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. She later advised Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on peace strategies during the Arab blockade of Qatar.

A strong advocate for education, Oduwole met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at 14 to promote school retention programs. Her efforts contributed to ending child marriage in Mozambique, earning her the Ban Ki-moon Leadership Award in 2022.

Through her initiative, Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up (DUSUSU), she empowers youth—particularly girls—to pursue education and leadership. Reacting to her Nobel nomination, she expressed humility, emphasizing the importance of young voices in global change.

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winners will be announced in October, with past recipients including Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Regardless of the outcome, Oduwole’s nomination highlights the power of youth-led advocacy in shaping global policy. 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has urged stakeholders to explore alternative funding sources for education in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to reduce over-reliance on government resources. Speaking at the 31st and 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) in Kaduna State on Saturday, Speaker Abbas highlighted Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and endowment funds as viable solutions to drive sustainable growth in the education sector. His remarks came as he was honored by ZEDA for his ‘service to humanity.’

“Diversifying funding streams is critical,” Abbas stated. “By establishing endowment funds or engaging in public private partnerships, we can reduce our reliance on government funding. Successful models in countries such as Denmark and Ireland have demonstrated that diversified funding can drive long-term, sustainable growth in the education sector.” He underscored that human capital development remains the cornerstone of national progress, citing global examples such as Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Denmark. These nations, he noted, achieved remarkable progress not through natural resources alone but through strategic investments in education, training, and innovation.

“Nigeria, blessed with vast natural resources, must equally prioritize the development of its people to realize its full potential,” he added.

Zaria’s Educational Heritage and New Initiatives

The Speaker praised Zaria’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional landscape, citing its educational legacy dating back to the 16th century. He highlighted Ahmadu Bello University and other institutions as pillars of learning that have significantly shaped the country’s academic and professional communities.

As part of efforts to enhance learning in Kaduna State and beyond, Speaker Abbas announced several new educational initiatives for his constituency. These include the establishment of a Federal College of Education, a College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies.

“Once fully established, these institutions promise to extend significant educational and socio-economic benefits to our community,” he stated.

Challenges in the Education Sector

While celebrating progress, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need to address pressing educational challenges, particularly in primary and secondary education.

“The foundation of any thriving educational system rests upon robust, accessible, and quality basic education. Issues such as out-of-school children, those with special needs, and the overall quality of education demand urgent attention,” he said.

Commending Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for constructing over 62 new secondary schools, he noted that the initiative had significantly reduced the number of out-of-school children and addressed critical infrastructure deficits.

The Role of Technology and Legislative Agenda

Speaker Abbas urged ZEDA to integrate technology into education, drawing inspiration from global models like the United Kingdom’s Education Development Trust and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research. He stressed that leveraging digital innovation could transform how educational outcomes are monitored, enhance teacher training, and expand access to learning resources.

“In the House of Representatives, our Legislative Agenda aligns with these priorities. We remain committed to advancing universal basic education, enhancing secondary and technical education, and integrating innovative reforms to address both current and future challenges,” he assured.

Recognition and Closing Remarks

The Grand Patron of ZEDA, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, LLD, lauded Speaker Abbas and other prominent figures for their contributions to the development of Zaria. He reiterated the importance of ZEDA in advancing education in the region and called for continued support from stakeholders.

As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of education funding, Speaker Abbas’s call for alternative sources such as PPPs and endowment funds could pave the way for a more sustainable and effective education system in the country. 

The National Examination Council (NECO) has announced the release of the 2024 Senior Secondary School Certificate External Examination results.

According to the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Council, Professor Dantani Wushishi, 57,114 candidates secured credits in English and Mathematics, representing a 67.53% pass rate.

A total of 86,067 candidates sat for the examination, which saw a significant reduction in malpractice cases. The number of candidates booked for various forms of malpractice decreased by 27.7% compared to 2023, with 6,160 cases recorded.

The results were released just 62 days after the final examination, marking a notable improvement in the council’s processing time. Candidates can check their results on the NECO website using their registration numbers and exam details. 

The authorities of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, have commenced an investigation into a scuffle involving a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts of the institution and a student over a filmed social media content. A spokesman of the school, Njelita Louis, said the management of the institution led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, would impose the appropriate sanction on any of the parties found culpable.

In viral videos, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies, Goddy Precious, was seen around the corridors dancing before her phone, capturing a TikTok moment when the lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, walked past her from behind. The lecturer gently tapped the female student on the shoulder, asking her to give way, but the student was pissed by the lecturer’s action and interruption of her video moment.

In the viral videos, the female student accused the lecturer of hitting her, locked his shirt and dragged him among students. The female student also allegedly bit the lecturer on the wrist and arm during the brawl. While the episode lasted, the lecturer was captured maintaining his composure. The viral videos have generated reactions online, with many netizens taking sides.

In a statement, the institution said, “The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made aware of a disturbing incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies. “The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, is being taken very seriously by the university authorities.

“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, excellence, and adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter. “We urge all concerned parties and members of the public to remain calm as we diligently pursue the truth. The university is committed to upholding discipline and decorum, and we will ensure that appropriate actions and sanctions are taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

“Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains an institution of learning that upholds high moral and ethical standards. There is no place for indiscipline, misconduct, or any form of unacceptable behaviour within our community.”

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has registered a total of 420,674 candidates for the 2025/2026 examination as of Monday afternoon.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this in Ilorin during an inspection of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers. He also revealed that 32,435 candidates had registered that same day, while 124,632 candidates had enrolled for the mock exams.

JAMB aims to register up to two million candidates for the exams. However, Oloyede raised concerns about the increasing number of underage candidates, stating that 4,997 applicants under the age of 16 had registered so far. He criticized parents for pushing their children into early education to boost their own status.

“Previously, the number of underage candidates was around 300. Now, just five days into the registration process, we already have nearly 5,000. By the end of today, the figure will surpass that,” Oloyede stated.

He explained that underage candidates are required to sign an indemnity form, ensuring they can meet academic expectations or face sanctions if they fail to perform as claimed.

Additionally, JAMB has permanently blacklisted six individuals involved in exam malpractice, including a senior university official currently facing prosecution. The registrar also disclosed that 10 institutions were caught illegally registering candidates at night.

Following his monitoring visits to CBT centers, Oloyede expressed satisfaction with the ongoing registration process, commending JAMB staff, security agencies, and stakeholders for maintaining high standards. 

The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has lifted its ban on gas cylinder use in student hostels, now permitting only 3kg cylinders for cooking.

Announcing the decision during an orientation ceremony for new students on Sunday, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Sa’id Umar, stated that the policy adjustment followed a review to align with practices in other institutions.

“We will only allow 3kg gas cylinders in the hostels. Any student caught using a larger cylinder will have it confiscated,” Prof. Umar cautioned.

He also revealed that the Student Affairs Division, in partnership with the Student Union Government (SUG), has established safety guidelines for gas cylinder use and hostel management.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State’s Federal Fire Service spokesperson, Umar Lawal, emphasized the risks of fire outbreaks, noting that 90 percent result from carelessness, negligence, and ignorance. He advised students to avoid overloading electrical appliances and to strictly follow safety protocols to prevent fire incidents. 

The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that the government has scrapped the Junior and Senior Secondary School (JSS and SSS) system, clarifying that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, only proposed a 12-year basic education system.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry, through its Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, described reports of an immediate policy change as inaccurate, stating that the proposal is still under review by the National Council on Education (NCE).

“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, the Minister of Education presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposed reform seeks to introduce 12 years of compulsory education while maintaining the 6-3-3 structure,” the statement read.

The ministry further explained that one key aspect of the proposal is to remove the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing students to transition smoothly without external assessments at that stage. However, the plan remains subject to further deliberations.

To ensure informed decision-making, the ministry announced plans to engage key stakeholders over the next eight months, including education policymakers, state governments, teachers, and parents. A final decision is expected to be made at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.

The ministry urged the public to disregard misleading reports, emphasizing that the Federal Government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices. 

The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward transforming Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, into a conventional university, as lawmakers passed a bill for its second reading during Thursday’s plenary session. The bill, titled "An Act to Establish the Michael Okpara University, Umudike to Make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters," was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, along with six other lawmakers.

Leading the debate, co-sponsor Hon. Kelechi Nwogu highlighted the need to expand the university’s mandate beyond agriculture. Established in 1992 as a specialized institution under the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, the lawmaker argued that a conventional university status would enhance interdisciplinary research and collaboration across diverse fields such as engineering, health sciences, and social sciences. Hon. Nwogu further explained that integrating agricultural studies with engineering could drive innovations in mechanized farming, while partnerships with health sciences could advance research into nutrition and food security.

"As an institution primarily focused on agricultural sciences, MOUAU has contributed significantly to Nigeria's agricultural development. However, broadening its scope to include diverse disciplines would amplify its impact across multiple domains," he stated.

According to him, transitioning to a conventional university would bring several advantages, including:

Diversified Academic Programs: 

The institution could introduce courses in Arts, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, and Humanities, attracting a more diverse student population.

Enhanced Research Opportunities: 

Programs in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and environmental sciences would prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market.

Increased Funding Prospects: 

A broader academic focus could unlock funding from organizations that support disciplines beyond agriculture, including grants for research in technology, medicine, and social sciences.

Improved Global Recognition: Conventional universities often rank higher due to their wider educational and societal impact.

Following deliberations, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, put the bill to a voice vote, after which it was passed and referred to the Committee on University Education for further legislative action.

The move marks a crucial step toward reshaping the educational landscape of Michael Okpara University, positioning it for greater academic and research impact on both national and global scales. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University. According to a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, these changes are effective immediately.

At Yakubu Gowon University, Onanuga noted that President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

To succeed Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available. In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.

Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position. The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja. Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State. Onanuga reiterated that all appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.

He added that Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a bill establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoni, Rivers State.

The announcement was made on Monday by Bwala Daniel, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, who stated that the decision aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to address past inequalities and promote inclusive national development.

Daniel also noted that the move follows the recent approval of a federal university in Southern Kaduna. He emphasized Tinubu’s commitment to national unity, reaffirming that no ethnic group is considered a minority in Nigeria.

The decision was widely welcomed, with Daniel highlighting that the new university reflects the administration’s dedication to fostering education, development, and national integration. 

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Gusau, Prof. Muazu Abubakar, has refuted claims that members of the House of Representatives Committee on University Education demanded N480 million to approve federal universities' 2025 budgets.

In a letter dated January 27 and addressed to the committee’s chairman, Abubakar Fulata, the VC dismissed media reports alleging that lawmakers pressured vice-chancellors to pay N8 million each as a condition for budget approval.

He clarified that while the report referred to a “stubborn vice-chancellor,” speculated to be him, he initially chose to ignore the claims but later responded to prevent misinformation from being accepted as fact.

“The attention of the Federal University, Gusau, has been drawn to an online report titled Investigation: Nigerian Lawmakers Demand N480 Million from Universities to Approve 2025 Budget,” he stated.

He emphasized that no member of the university’s team involved in the budget defense had any connection to the allegations and urged the committee to disregard the “malicious and misleading” report. Abubakar also praised the committee for conducting a “robust, friendly, and engaging” budget defense session.

Similarly, Fulata dismissed the allegations in a press briefing, describing them as an attempt to tarnish the committee’s efforts to improve Nigeria’s education sector.

“It is absurd to suggest that lawmakers demanded even a kobo to approve budget proposals,” he said, adding that the report sought to mislead the public about the committee’s activities.

House spokesman Akin Rotimi also condemned the report, stating that it was a deliberate attempt to discredit lawmakers. He reaffirmed the 10th House of Representatives' commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical standards, stressing that the allegations lacked credible investigative effort and were meant to erode public trust in the legislature.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) released a report on Monday alleging that the results of the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election were manipulated to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

In the report published on its website, FIJ claimed the election was marred by several irregularities, including voter suppression, violence, and result falsification. The investigative report implicated both the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The report highlighted issues in Etsako West Local Government Area, where the APC was declared to have secured 32,107 votes, compared to 17,483 votes for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). FIJ alleged that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the collation results from the area was marked as a “Replacement Copy” and lacked the official INEC stamp seen on CTCs from other LGAs.

Furthermore, the report claimed that the collation process at the Auchi Council Hall was disrupted by gunfire on the morning of September 22, causing the loss of important electoral documents.

FIJ also accused APC figures of orchestrating voter suppression in opposition strongholds and pressuring INEC officials to manipulate results during the collation process. Additionally, it was alleged that many polling units failed to use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for electronic result transmission, leading to manual collation in some areas and increasing the chances for manipulation.

PDP governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo previously described the election as "the worst election in the history of this country." While the APC and INEC have denied the allegations, Ighodalo accused both INEC and the police of actively collaborating with the ruling party to rig the election. The PDP has since filed a legal petition challenging the results, citing violations of the electoral act and widespread irregularities.

....Marks 50th Anniversary in grand Style in Owerri 

It was celebrations all through Thursday 12th and Friday 13th October, 2023, the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria held the forty seven (47) annual conference and equally mark their fifty years (50) anniversary in grand style in the city of Owerri, the Imo State Capital. 

Speaking to the excited audience and members of the association at Grand Amari Hotels and Resorts, Graceland Estate Egbeada, Owerri, Imo State, the Local Organizing chairman, Prof. Chinyere Ukaga expressed her heartfelt joy and happiness with the turn up of the members of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, describing this year's event as the best in the annals of history of the association. 

Prof. Ukaga said that the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria is celebrating fifty years of dream come true, fifty years of good mentorship, fifty years of great leadership and fifty years of growth, pointing out that the society has witnessed a very big growth compared to when High Chief Prof. Acholonu, Prof Iwuala and other founding fathers of the society held sway.

She commended the four hundred and twenty eight (428) early bird, saying that the commitment and dedication of the members of the society can be overemphasized and called for continuous cooperation of members towards the growth of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria. 

Speaking further, the President of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, Prof. Sammy O, Sam-Wobo said that it was a great privilege to be the President of the association, while commending the founding fathers of the association for being present to witness the fifty years anniversary. 

He maintained that the association has made remarkable progress in all fronts, pointing out that since he took over the mantle of leadership of the association, the grey areas in the constitution that is not in tandem with the modern realities been amended to make way for the new ones.

Prof. Sammy O said that the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria is committed to doing its best to ensuring that the association moves forward. 

The President of the association used the opportunity to thank the seventy (70) distinguished persons and organizations who supported the association financially to make the fifty years anniversary a memorable one.

He applauded the chairman of the opening ceremony, Prof. A.D.W. Acholonu, Chief Dr. Chidiebere Okoroafor, (MD Eberelink oil and gas), the three VCs of the three Universities in Imo State, namely; IMSU, KOMU and University of Agriculture and Environmental sciences Umuagwu for co-hosting the event, Prof. C. Eze, Prof. Iyke Dozie and Prof. Uchefu Chukwumaeze and a host of others.

Earlier on, the chairman of the opening ceremony, Prof. A.D.W Acholonu expressed his joy for being present to witness the fifty years anniversary of association, saying that it was because his high regard and respect for the association that made him to fly from America to witness the event live.

He praised the current leadership of the association for living up to it's billings and expectations, pointing out that the association is moving in the right direction. 

Also, the representative of the Honorable Minister for Health, Dr. Fatai Oyediran, Director of NTD, Federal Ministry of health appreciated the contributions of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria towards the  control and elimination of diseases. 

He added that the Federal government under President Tinubu is committed to ensuring the total control and elimination of the diseases and called for continuous partnership between the federal government and the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria. 

The colloquium at fifty years had Prof. Uche V. Amazigo, discussant, Prof. Prof. Luke Edungbola, discussant and Prof. Eka Braide Moderator with the topic: Global Control, Elimination and Eradication of Public Health Diseases- A Reflection and the trio of Prof. Uche, Edungbola and Prof. Eka thrilled the audience to the admiration of all and sundry. 

Dr. Francesca Olamiju who is one of the keynote speakers highlighted the role and collaboration all concerned in the fight against diseases.

She described role as a comprehensive pattern of behavior that is socially recognized, providing means of identity and placing an individual in a society. 

The high point of the two day celebrations is the recognition of some persons with fellowship awards. 

A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT  THE END OF THE 6TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE IMO STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (IMSUAA)  HELD AT GOLDEN TULIP HOTELS, YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE FROM THE 10TH - 14TH AUGUST 2023.

PREAMBLE

The Imo State University Alumni Association (IMSUAA) held its 6th Annual convention tagged GloryLand 2023, at Golden Tulip Hotels, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Annual Convention and General Meeting was attended by over 200 Alumni members (including the IMSUAA President Barr Okey Ozumba and other officers) from across the 9 registered Chapters in IMSUAA . The Annual General meeting of the Association was presided by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Barr. Chinwe Mbakwem.

THE THEME:

The theme of the 2023 Convention/AGM is  "THE INSTITUTIONAL ROLE OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS IN OUR SOCIO-CULTURAL EDUCATIONALISM: A TOOL FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. This theme guided the discussion during the courtesy call on the Chairman of Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers,  King Bubaraye Dakolo JP, as well as formed the bases for the convention lecture ably delivered by the Dean of Faculty of Humanities, Federal University, Otueke, Prof. Akachi Cornelius Odoemena, (an Alumnus of  Imo State University, Owerri).

RESOLUTIONS 

At the end if the AGM, which was attended by all chapters of the association, the following resolutions were reached:

THAT THE ALUMNI IMSU ALUMNI DENOUNCES SPLINTER GROUP, IMSU ALUMNI GLOBAL; ACCUSES THEM OF EXTORTING STUDENTS

1. Commends and appreciates the Local Organising Committee (LOC (, National Convention Planning Committee (NCPC) for a job well done as well as the Bayelsa State (Gunshot) Chapter for hosting the convention.

2. Appreciates the Bayelsa State Government for the peace & progress recorded in the State and for appointing our member, Hon. Tonyon Ebitei as Commissioner for Power. 

3. Strongly condemns in totality, the criminal activity going on in our Alma mater, the Imo State University, Owerri, whereby some members of the University management in active connivance with a band of renegades (who are no longer members of IMSUAA), criminally exploiting and extorting N5,000 from every graduating student of the institution, under the guise of "Alumni levy"  in the name IMSUAA and sharing the money amongst themselves without the knowledge of the Imo State University Pro-Chancellor, the Visitor to the University and the unsuspecting public.

4. The Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, (in his capacity as Visitor to the University & Grand Patron of IMSUAA) and the Pro-Chancellor of the Imo State University Owerri are enjoined to immediately institute a forensic audit of the Alumni levy collection and disbursement from its inception till date and put a stop to the apparent criminality going in that space, to serve as a deterrent to other impostors as well as restore the dignity of the University and the integrity of IMSUAA.

5. Disassociates herself and members of the IMSU ALUMNI  from the so-called CONVENTION being planned by the "GLOBAL IMSU GRADUATES" in an attempt to pass off as the Imo State University Alumni to unsuspecting members of the public. The promoters of the said convention are expelled  members of IMSUAA  who were pilloried for financial malfeasance and for illegally collecting and sharing Alumni levy from graduating students in the name of  IMSUAA without the authorisation of  IMSUAA BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

6. Mandates NEC  to use all lawful means to stop the criminal enterprise ongoing in the University with reference to the collection and disbursement of the "Alumni Dues".

7. Encourages the Imo State Government and her officials and  Management of the Imo State University and the general public to stay away from such illegal activity/Convention as the IMSUAA Board of Trustees has not authorised the holding of any such convention in the name of IMSU Alumni having obtained a subsisting Court Order (Suit No. HOW/931/2021 The Incorporated Trustees Of Imo State University Alumni & 2 ORS V. Prince Ferdinand Akano & Dr Anayo Uhiara) restraining Ferdinand Akano, Dr Anayo Uhiara, their agents and privies or anyone acting on their behalf from holding any convention in the name of IMSU Alumni. 

8. Mandates NEC to reopen a channel of communication with the University Management to strengthen the partnership between the Alumni and the University with a view to facilitating the growth of the institution. 

9. Implores all members of IMSUAA to take ownership of the association through proactive participation and financial contributions to the IMSU Alumni and our Alma Mater.

10. Awarded Abia State Chapter of IMSUAA the hosting right for the 2024 Convention/AGM. 

Barr. Chinwe Mbakwem 

BOT CHAIRMAN 

Ik Ogbonna, fcai, anipr 

 SECRETARY-GENERAL

The Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has unveiled the Imo State Law Reports of 2004 to 2022.

In his address, Governor Uzodimma reassured the Judiciary that the 3R mantra of the Shared Prosperity Government will continue to reconstruct, rehabilitate and recover the dignity of the Justice sector in the State. 

Speaking earlier, Justice Teresa Chikeka commended the Governor for being supportive of the judiciary and making the unveiling of the state's 20-year Law reports a possibility. She also recommended law reports for lawyers and aspiring judges. 

In her remark, Hon Justice Mary Peter-Odili who was the guest of honor described the event as Governor Uzodimma's legacy. 

According to her, "This great man has silently put in place historic infrastructures and has done that which has been left unattended in more than 20 years”.

"Mr. Governor, God will bless you. God have blessed you my Governor and will continue to bless you.

"By embarking on this law report, showing the hard work of the judges of Imo State and the work of lawyers in Imo State, it will encourage them to work extra hard knowing that their labour will not be forgotten”.

Others present at the unveiling were the Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku, Attorney General, COC Akaolisa, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Mike Ahamba SAN, Deputy Speaker Imo House of Assembly, Rt Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu and a host of Government appointees, lawyers, judges, and traditional leaders which was held at Imo Concord Hotels, Owerri.

By Alexandra L. Ihugba

One of the leading NGOs in human capital development known as Ohams Global Initiative has once again offered a provisional scholarship to another twenty two vulnerable Imo youths who just gained admission or about to quit the citadels of learning as a result of financial constraints.

Unveiling this gladdening news, the Director General of OGI, Comrade Chiemezie G. Ozurumba (ARIRI-ERIMBA)  congratulated the beneficiaries as he charged them to make judicious use of this golden opportunity provided by this humanitarian Colossus, High-Chief Chuba Ohams (ONWA-OYOKO). He prayed God to continue to bless and take good care of him as he provides socour for the downtrodden.

About the NGO, Comr. Ozurumba enumerated some giant strides achieved by the Initiative in barely two years of her inception which did not exclude; giving scholarship to over seventy (70) Imo youths in different tertiary institutions of their choices, giving skill acquisition/financial empowerment to over fifty vulnerable youths, hospital visitations, Operation Feed the Streets, community visitation & social enlightenment, to mention but few.

The Chairman of the scholarship program and the Director For Skill Acquisition Mr. Bede Mbah & Comr. Obinwa Augusta in their respective speeches, called on all well meaning Nigerians to emulate the humanitarian lifestyle of High-Chief Chuba Ohams  instead of engaging our dearly beloved youths in political thuggery and other frivolous programs that will only benefit their political class or immediate families.