In a significant move towards advancing education in the South-East region, the pioneer Chairman of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Chief Emeka Wogu, hosted a high-profile delegation of Pro-Chancellors from state universities across the zone yesterday.
The visit, led by Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, Pro-Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, served dual purposes – offering congratulations on Chief Wogu’s appointment, while establishing formal contact between the commission and the newly formed Conference of Pro-Chancellors of South-East State Universities (COPSUN).
The meeting at Chief Wogu’s residence quickly became a strategic discussion about potential collaborations between the development commission and the region’s academic institutions. “Education remains the cornerstone of our regional development,” Chief Wogu told his guests. “The SEDC sees our universities as natural partners in this journey. Together, we can address critical infrastructure, research capacity, and human capital development gaps that have held us back for too long”, he said.
The former labour minister promised to work on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the areas earlier listed as part of the commission for regional development’s mandate.
Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, speaking for the delegation, emphasised the historic nature of the encounter. “This marks the first formal interaction between COPSUN and the SEDC since your appointment,” he noted. We recognize this commission as a game-changer for our region, and our universities stand ready to work with you in shaping policies and programmes that will transform education in the South East.”
The delegation included some of the region’s most distinguished academics: Prof. Obioara Ike, Pro-Chancellor of the State University of Medicine & Applied Sciences (SUMAS), represented by Mr. Chidi Johnpaul Okolo; Rev. Fr. Prof. Phillip Ogbonna of Imo State University (IMSU); and Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
Each visiting academic leader brought unique perspectives to the discussion. Rev. Fr. Prof. Ogbonna stressed the moral dimension of education, arguing that while we chase infrastructural development and academic excellence, we must never lose sight of the ethical foundation that makes education truly valuable.
As the meeting progressed, concrete proposals began to emerge. Both parties agreed to establish a joint technical committee to explore specific areas of cooperation, with scholarship programmes, faculty development initiatives, and research funding mechanisms topping the agenda.
Chief Wogu, clearly energised by the exchange, concluded with a forward-looking statement: “Today we have planted seeds that will grow into strong partnerships. The youth of the Southeast deserve nothing less than world-class education, and through collaborations like this, we will make that vision a reality.”
The visit marks a promising start to what could become a transformative partnership between the region’s development agency and its premier academic institutions.