SIR AMBY UNEZE
A time like this that gives a person an opportunity to access development of an institution such as the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, it becomes germane to thoroughly highlight certain improvements based on an independent findings. Curiously, the outcome of the private investigation conducted from a journalist’s point of view reveal encouraging marks as a result of transformation that had taken place in the State’s pioneer high institution.
Granted that in the often turbulent landscape of Nigerian higher education, where strikes, unrest, and dwindling standards have become commonplace, Imo State University Owerri, stands as a beacon of relative stability and progress.
At the helm of this remarkable transformation is no other person than erudite Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, (SAN) whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor has been defined by a deliberate, unwavering commitment to fostering excellence, cultivating a peaceful environment, and building a truly friendly academic community. His leadership is not merely administrative; it is a masterclass in visionary university governance.
Professor Chukwumaeze understood that excellence begins with the core academic mission. Under his stewardship, IMSU has witnessed a significant resurgence in its academic standing. His administration has prioritized securing full accreditation for critical programmes across faculties, removing the cloud of uncertainty that hung over students’ qualifications and the university’s reputation. This wasn’t achieved through mere paperwork, but through strategic investment in infrastructure such as staff seriousness in delivery and upgraded classrooms conducive for learning.
Prominent to mention here is the Vice Chancellor’s determined effort to nip in the bud the hitherto clog of progress that was involved in the admission racketeering which nearly brought the institution to a low level. Thank God, such menace has been fought head on and normalcy restored.
More importantly too is the connection to the public power supply that had hitherto to his administration being non-existent. Gladly today, offices and lecture theatres are powered by public power supply. This has provided conducive learning and students are now enjoying their lectures. He actively encouraged research and innovation, providing support for staff development and creating platforms for scholarly dissemination. The result? A noticeable improvement in the quality of teaching and learning, reflected in the performance of graduates and the university’s growing appeal to prospective students and employers alike. IMSU now is increasingly being recognized not just as a state university, but as an institution serious about academic rigor and relevance.
However, Prof. Chukwumaeze’s most profound impact arguably lies in his success in nurturing a friendly and peaceful environment which is the essential bedrock upon which academic excellence truly flourishes. Nigerian universities are frequently plagued by student unrest, staff disputes, and a pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and antagonism. Recognizing this, the VC has continued to make peace and harmony a cornerstone of his administration.
In the area of proactive conflict resolution, he has adopted an open-door policy, making himself accessible to students, staff, and unions. Grievances are addressed promptly and transparently, often through dialogue before they escalate. This approach has drastically reduced the incidence of prolonged strikes and disruptive protests that once paralyzed the university.
On fostering mutual respect, Professor Chukwueke has consistently emphasized respect for all members of the university community, including students, academic staff, non-teaching staff, and management. He has promoted a culture of inclusivity and fairness, ensuring that policies are implemented without rancor. This has fostered a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Again, his student-centric approach is activated and he maintains an open-door policy which allows the students unfettered access to his office. He listens to their concerns and makes efforts to attend to them. This collaborative spirit has no doubt empowered students and made them partners in maintaining campus peace, rather than adversaries.
Beyond the atmosphere of peace and academic rigor, Prof. Chukwumaeze’s “giant strides” encompass tangible infrastructural renewal. Noteworthy to mention is the clean and serene environment making the campus aesthetics marked with improvement. These physical changes are not merely cosmetic; they symbolize renewal, boost morale, and provide the functional spaces necessary for a 21st-century university to thrive.
Yet, Professor U.U. Chukwumaeze’s legacy at IMSU is already firmly etched. He arrived at a time when the university needed steady, compassionate, and purposeful leadership. He has been providing exactly that. He keeps demonstrating that academic excellence and a peaceful, friendly environment are not mutually exclusive ideals, but mutually reinforcing necessities. By prioritizing people, fostering dialogue, investing strategically, and leading with integrity and accessibility, he has transformed IMSU into a model of stability and progress within the Nigerian university system.
Of course, he did not achieve all these without the active support of the Visitor of the University, His Excellency, the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who himself is a trailblazer in leadership and a great achiever in the affairs of the State. Again, the members of the management of the institution, including the two deputy vice chancellors, Prof. Martin Onuh (Administration) and Prof. Agnes Osita-Njoku (Academics) respectively are involved in the transformation.
The Vice Chancellor’s tenure is a powerful testament to the fact that transformative leadership in academia is not about grandstanding, but about the quiet, consistent work of building trust, nurturing potential, and creating an environment where every member of the community can thrive.
Professor Chukwumaeze has not just administered Imo State University; he has lovingly and effectively rebuilt its soul. For this, the IMSU community, Imo State, and indeed Nigerian higher education owe him a debt of gratitude. He has set a high bar, proving that even amidst challenges, excellence and harmony can flourish under the right stewardship.
– Uneze is the Imo State Senior Correspondent of Thisday Newspaper. He also publishes an online newspaper (tdpnewsng.com) and was former Special Adviser on Print Media to Governor Hope Uzodimma.