The Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof. Peter Esuh, has warned journalists and other media practitioners to refrain from portraying Nigerian leaders unfairly in global discourse.

Fielding questions at his office in Uyo during the weekend, Esuh, who is a Professor of Corporate Communication, Marketing and Applied Rhetorics, said such attitude damages the country’s reputation, dignity and credibility.

He therefore called for greater responsibility in news reportage, prioritizing fact-based journalism over sensationalism to safeguard national dignity and professional ethics.

The professor noted that most Nigerians use social media, which is a global platform, to denigrate their leaders, without recourse to the negative consequences.

He said, “I am worried about the way we react to issues as Nigerians. Let me use this opportunity to say that traditional medium of communication has a way of protecting a country.

“Most of our people do not know that the social media are global media. We just think that when we type something on Twitter, it’s only seen here and once we go on Facebook, it is only seen here.

“These are all global media and are ways to which the global village has been actualized.”

The university don also faulted the way some influencers and bloggers reported the recent invitation extended to former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He observed that most of the reports on the issue were not balanced.

GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Uzodimma canvasses for policy change to support public/private schools’ synergy

…. Doles out N250m to Hezekiah University as wife receives honorary doctorate degree

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has proposed policy changes, legislation, convention and intentional administrative efforts to create synergy between public and private schools for the overall achievement of quality education in Nigeria.

Senator Uzodimma made the proposition weekend at the maiden Convocation Ceremony of the first private University in the State, Hezekiah University Ishiala Umudi, in Nkwerre Local Government, which honoured the First Lady of the State, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, with the award of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa).

The Governor who had earlier commissioned the students’ hostel and class room complex recently built by the University, commended the Proprietor and Founder of Living Faith Church Incorporated, Most Rev. Prof. Daddy Hezekiah, for his vision of establishing a private University.

He used the occasion to commend President Bola Tinubu for improving the entire education system in Nigeria by introducing the Students’ Loan Programme, funding primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, and encouraging academic and non academic staff through improved wages.

The Governor congratulated the graduands and students of the University for their determination and commitment to acquiring knowledge despite the unsavoury environment, expressing appreciation to the Board and management of the University for deeming it fit to honour his wife.

He assured them of the continued partnership of Imo State government to enable the institution achieve her goals, and pledged a donation of an initial support of N250mllion to the University.

In her speech, the First Lady expressed gratitude for the honour done her by the University.

She described the Doctorate Award as “not just a recognition of personal achievements, but a reaffirmation of the power of education, public service and role of women in shaping a more just and equitable society, especially as the event coincides with the International Women’s Day Celebration.”

The First Lady dedicated the award to “every woman and young girl who have pushed beyond the limitations of convention to achieve dreams and ambition.”

She challenged women and young girls to imbibe education as their most powerful tool for creating meaningful change in the society.

Mrs. Uzodimma maintained that educating the girl-child is key to building a better future, noting that through the GoodHope Women’s Initiative, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF) are working to remove barriers that prevent girls from going to school through scholarships, mentoring programmes, and community efforts to ensure that education is available to all.

She acknowledged the unwavering support and encouragement of her husband, Governor Uzodimma, for the success of her vision.

Earlier, the Proprietor and Chancellor of Hezekiah University, Prof Hezekiah, disclosed that the institution was first commissioned in 2015 by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and has produced graduands in three faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Management Sciences, with uninterrupted academic programmes.

He noted that the institution places emphasis on both moral and academic excellence of the students.

To achieve such, the Proprietor said: “The University is addressing the get-rich-quick cankerworm looming large among the youth of our country by putting a lot of emphasis on entrepreneurial training and skills development.”

He further disclosed that the School is the least paying private University in the country by students, as it offers N100,000 subsidy to every student and also allows payment of tuition fees in instalments to ease the financial burden on parents.

The University Chancellor thanked Governor Uzodimma for giving favourable attention to the road leading to the University and called for extension of Federal Government grants and interventions to private Universities to enable them compete favourably with public Universities.

“The policy that prevents TETFUND, PTDF and similar funding bodies from helping private Universities is wrong,” he asserted.

He also offered prayers for the graduands as they move into the world.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Anthony N. Okere, expressed joy over the day’s event, congratulating the graduands, the senate and the congregation for collectively sustaining the hopes and aspiration of the Chancellor.

Prof. Okeke further applauded the efforts of the staff and students who have always believed in Hezekiah University.

Keynote messages were presented by sister Universities of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, K O Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Gregory University Uturu and Abia State University.

The event attracted the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe and some members of the State House of Assembly, members of the Imo Stste Expanded Executive Council, Traditional Rulers, businessmen and dignitaries from all works of life.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser Media to the Governor
March 9, 2025

PHOTO: From left: BOT Acting Chairman, Hezekiah University Umudi, Amb Onyinye Gift Uwaechia, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, his wife and awardee, Chioma, and Pro Chancellor of Hezekiah University, Umudi, Lady Ogechi Ibeagi, at the Maiden Convocation Ceremony of the University held at the University Arena, Umudi, Nkwerre LGA… weekend

The Federal Government has taken over the management and control of Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, in Ijagun, Ogun State, as a federal university.

The university, which was established by the Ogun State Government in 2005, holds the distinguished position of being Nigeria’s first specialized university of education.

It was named after Dr Tai Solarin, a revered activist and the founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on Sunday.

He stated that as a federal institution, TASUED will be the first federally owned tertiary institution in Ogun East Senatorial District.

The presidency also noted that with well-developed infrastructure and academic programs, the transition requires minimal federal investment.

“President Tinubu approved the adoption on Friday and thanked the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over the school, one of the state’s best educational assets.

“It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honor Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who began the revolutionary free education program in Western Nigeria, and Dr. Tai Solarin, who spent most of his life educating our children and instilling patriotic and leadership values in them at Mayflower School in Ikenne,” President Tinubu said.

“It is also in honor of the Awujale of Ijebuland, who played a critical role in preventing the university’s closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment,” he added.

Awolowo and Solarin were celebrated figures from the Ogun East Senatorial District, encompassing Ijebu and Remo.

According to the presidential media aide, Tinubu emphasized that TASUED’s transition into a federal university of education is a strategic step in the Federal Government’s commitment to bolstering teacher education and enhancing the quality of instruction across all educational levels.