By Ngwuoke Ngwuoke

The Ebonyi State Government says it is committed to promoting collaboration and linkages among universities to enhance research and innovation in its march towards the repositioning education sector in the state.

This is in line with the policy thrust of the Ministry of Tertiary Education and fundamental core values of the Nwifuru administration as contained in the People’s Charter of Needs agenda of the government.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof Amari Omaka, SAN, announced this Friday at the opening of an Inter – University Research Collaboration Summit in Abakaliki, the state capital.

Omaka, who represented Governor Ogbonnia Nwifuru at the event, explained that the Summit was basically a peer review mechanism in diverse areas including infrastructural and programmes development, University funding and staff promotion, staff and students control effectiveness and E-online studies.

Other areas are exchange programmes and sabbaticals, comparative research modules, general societal development research, and innovation drives, especially in production and manufacturing as well as E-Library and virtual access.

“Our governor is an education loving governor who is determined, despite daunting challenges, to make Ebonyi the education tourist state in Nigeria. Not only has he provided a healthy playing ground and sound environment for education to thrive at all levels in Ebonyi State, he also carved out the Ministry of Tertiary Education to give special attention to this often neglected ambit of the education sector.

“Consequently, the subvention of Ebonyi State University and indeed all tertiary institutions in the state has been increased twice within the first two years of his administration. He has also not only ensured that lecturers and staff salaries are increased and paid as at when due, he further ensured that staff who suffered stagnation over the years are promoted.

“To support research and innovation, he established two brand new specialized universities to add to the existing ones. These are the University of ICT Oferekpe and the University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering Ezza.

“In the same spirit of promoting sound education and scholarship, His Excellency Rt Hon Bldr Francis Ogbonna approved 1,000 scholarship slots, 300 to United Kingdom and 700 to universities in Nigeria for Ebonyi scholars to pursue masters and doctoral degrees programmes. We expect the first batch of over 200 students to graduate and return to Nigeria in February 2026.”

While stressing that the policy thrust of the administration emphasizes hands – on, skill – based, and technology – oriented education, Omaka urged the participants to come up with a communique that will provide adequate roadmaps for subsequent initiatives.

In a message to the event, the secretary to the state government, Prof Grace Umezurike, represented by the Commissioner of Market Development and Parks, Prof Nwogu Ajuka Obasi, described Governor Francis Nwifuru as education-friendly governor whose contributions in the education sector are inexhaustible.

Speakers at the summit included former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof Akaneren Essien, former Vice Chancellor Alex Ekwueme Federal University; Ndufu-Alike; Prof Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba and Dr Kamil Shoretire; Head, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health.

The one-day Summit was hosted by the Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Prof Jesse Uneke, with the Vice Chancellors of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe, Ebonyi State University of Aeronautical and Space University, Onueke as Co- hosts.

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