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Uzodimma commissions FUTO’s Engineering Studio and ICT Hub

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Sen. Hope Uzodimma
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GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

 

…Lauds Shell, NNPCL and Joint Venture enture Partners.

Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma on Thursday commissioned the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Engineering Studio and ICT Hub, jointly constructed by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and their Joint Venture Partners – TotalEnergies and Agip Oil Company and the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board
( NCDMB).

In his remarks ahead of the formal inauguration of the facility, Uzodimma lauded the management of Shell, NNPCL, and their partners for their thoughtfulness on the project which he said, aligns perfectly with his administration’s digital transformation agenda.

The project is a furnished 100 – seater ICT facility equipped with computers, smart boards, and two 50 – seater practice workshops to strengthen learning.

Represented by his Commissioner for Digital Economy and E – Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Uzodimma said, “this landmark project, generously sponsored by NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, and Agio JV’s Asaa North, Ohaji South Development, represents a significant milestone not only for Ohaji South but for the entire Imo State.”

Government Uzodimma remarked: “This initiative aligns perfectly with the digital transformation agenda of our administration. As we continue to build a robust digital infrastructure, fostering a thriving digital economy remains at the heart of our vision for Imo State. Our focus is clear: to empower our people with the digital skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly globalized and technologically advanced world.

“We are already making great strides through our flagship SkillUpImo Programme, which has successfully trained over 25,000 of our youths in cutting-edge digital technologies and entrepreneurial skills. Through this initiative, we have seen a surge in tech-driven startups and innovation within the state, firmly positioning Imo as a leading hub for digital talent in Nigeria.

“Our Imo Digital City Project is another cornerstone of this agenda, providing world-class digital infrastructure, smart technologies, and the environment needed for businesses and startups to flourish. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to not only attract investments but also equip our youth with the tools they need to be part of the global digital workforce.

“The Engineering Design Studio and Innovation Hub we are commissioning today plays a critical role in this vision. It will serve as a center for innovation, creativity, and practical engineering training, producing talents that will not only transform our local economy but also contribute to the global workforce. In an era where the Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping the global landscape, this facility will empower our people with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in fields such as engineering, robotics, and digital innovation.

“We deeply appreciate the efforts of our partners in NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, and Agio JV, who have invested in the future of Imo State by supporting this critical project. Your commitment to human capacity building aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we will continue to drive innovation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth for our people.

“As we open the doors to this hub of creativity and technology today, let us remember that the future of Imo lies in our collective ability to equip our people with the tools to succeed in the digital age. Together, we will continue to move our state forward, ensuring that no one is left behind as we march toward a brighter, digital future.”

Earlier in their speeches, the Managing Director of Shell, Dr. Osagie Okumbor and Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPCL, Bala M. Wunti (on behalf of their Joint Venture Partners), expressed joy collaborating to improve access to quality education for every Nigerian, particularly as it concerns advancing the course of digital learning badly needed in the 21st century.

“Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) was selected to benefit from institutional strengthening in the catchment areas of SPDC’s Asda North Ohaji South Gas Development Project… The journey to establish this facility was driven by a vision to enhance critical education infrastructure, support access to high-demand IT skills and inspire growth of the IT ecosystem in Imo State and South East Nigeria,” Dr. Okumbor maintained.

Wunti said: “We will consistently champion the implementation of sustainable community development projects that will positively impact the lives of the citizens of this country.” He added, “we believe that providing access to modern technology and resources is a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.”

An elated Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof (Mrs.) Nnenna N. Oti, who remarked that the project “aligns with the critical mandate of the University,” noted that it was “so well built and equipped to international standard that I have fondly nicknamed it ‘FUTO Harvard Building’.”

Prof Oti thanked Governor Uzodimma for gracing the occasion and assured all the facilitators of the project, of the University’s preparedness to put it to optimum use in the expectation that doing so will encourage them to “gladly do more for us.”

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
October 24, 2024.

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Education

IMSU 2024 POSTUTME All prospective candidates that chose MASS COMMUNICATION as first choice in JAMB are directed to go to CBT centre and change their COURSE to any of the courses under FACULTY OF MASS COMMUNICATION

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November 5, 2024

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IMSU 2024 POSTUTME All prospective candidates that chose MASS COMMUNICATION as first choice in JAMB are directed to go to CBT centre and change their COURSE to any of the courses under FACULTY OF MASS COMMUNICATION
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IMSU 2024 POSTUTME
All prospective candidates that chose MASS COMMUNICATION as first choice in JAMB are directed to go to CBT centre and change their COURSE to any of the courses under FACULTY OF MASS
COMMUNICATION OR COMMUNICATION & MEDIA STUDIES:
Advertising.
Broadcasting.
Journalism and Media Studies.
Development and Communication Studies.
Film and Media studies

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Education

UTME 2019: Abuja Court Convicts ‘Professor’ for Impersonation

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November 3, 2024

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UTME 2019: Abuja Court Convicts ‘Professor’ for Impersonation

A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced ‘Professor’ Jide Josiah Jisos to six months in prison for impersonation during the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

A statement by JAMB’s Head of Pubic Affairs, Fabian Benjamin,
Says Professor Jisos was apprehended by officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) while monitoring the 2019 UTME at Brix Academy in Abuja.

Jisos had presented himself to JAMB examination officials as representative of a non-governmental organization (NGO), claiming he was there to oversee the examination. However, his deception was uncovered when he was questioned by the leader of the monitoring team in the examination hall, who asked him to clarify his purpose.

Unable to substantiate his claims, Jisos was arrested and handed over to security personnel for further investigation. During interrogation, he confessed that he was not affiliated to any NGO and was actually in the examination hall to assist his daughter in taking the 2019 UTME.

Chief Magistrate Honourable Justice Folashade Oyekan found Jisos guilty of a one-count charge of impersonation and sentenced him to six months in prison, with an option of a N100,000 fine.

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Education

ASUU Asks National Industrial Court To Nullify Appointments Of Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC, Registrar Over Alleged Illegality

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October 30, 2024

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ASUU Asks National Industrial Court To Nullify Appointments Of Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC, Registrar Over Alleged Illegality

 

They want the court to declare that the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Selection Board for the appointment of the Registrar of the University on October 21, 2024 and the Vice Chancellor on October 29, is illegal, null and void, ultra vires, and of no effect.

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra has filed a legal action against the appointment of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh and Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of the University.

In the suit filed on Tuesday October 29, at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in the Awka Judicial Division, marked suit no. NICN/AWK/52/2024, the Claimants sought among others order of perpetual injunction restraining the duo from parading themselves and/or performing the functions of the Registrar and Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

 

They want the court to declare that the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Selection Board for the appointment of the Registrar of the University on October 21, 2024 and the Vice Chancellor on October 29, is illegal, null and void, ultra vires, and of no effect.

The Claimants avowed that the selection processes of their appointments violate sections 2, 2AA, 3 (2) and 10 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended 2007 and 2012) and section 7 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act 1992.

The Claimants also noted that the external members of the Governing Council can validly set the criteria of the qualification for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the University and Registrar and proceed to publish advertisement for the vacancy of the post without the full composition of the Council.

The suit which was filed by Onyeka B. Ehiwuogwu Esq., has Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Nnamdi Azikiwe University Chapter, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji (Chairperson, ASUU NAU), Prof. Stanley C. Udedi and Prof. Greg Orji Obiamalu as 1st to 4th Claimants.

 

It indicated that (2nd-4th Claimants are suing for themselves and representing the interest of Concerned Members of Academic Staff Union of Universities Nnamdi Azikiwe University, who are members of the Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University).

 

Listed as the 1st to 14th Defendants are Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Council, Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Pro-Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Amb. Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe (The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Nnamdi Azikiwe University); Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Registrar, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike; Prof. Kenneth Ngwoke; Prof. Anthony Okoye; Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe; Dr. Ngozi Obiekwe J.; Prof. Chigozie Damian Ezeonyejiaku; Prof Isaac Nwankwo and Dr. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 1st to 14th Defendants.

 

The Claimants in the Suit which commenced by way of originating summons, formulated 11 questions for determination and upon the resolutions of the questions, sought 25 reliefs from the court which borders on the nullification of the appointments.

 

Among the questions posed for determination is “Whether by the combined reading of sections 2, 2AA, 3 (2) and 10 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended 2003, 2007 and 2012) and section 7 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act 1992, the setting of criteria of qualification for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant and the publication of advertisement for the vacancy of the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant without the full composition of the 2nd Defendant is not illegal, null and void, ultra vires and of no effect?

 

“Whether by the combined reading of sections 2, 2AA, 7 and 10 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended 2003, 2007 and 2012) and section 7 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act 1992, the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) can unilaterally select, appoint, and compose the Selection Board for the Appointment of the Registrar of the 1st Defendant as done 21st October 2024?”

 

One of the reliefs the Plaintiffs sought is a court declaration that the external members of the 2nd Defendant lack the vires and authority to validly set the criteria of qualification for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant and proceed to publish advertisement for the vacancy of the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1 Defendant on 12th September 2024, without the full composition of the 2nd Defendant.

 

They also sought: “A declaration that the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) lacks the vires, authority and legal capacity to unilaterally select, appoint, and compose the Search Team for the Appointment of the Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant as done on the 22nd October 2024.

 

“A declaration that the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) lacks the vires, authority and legal capacity to unilaterally select, appoint, and compose the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board for the Selection and Appointment of Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant as done 22nd October 2024.

 

“A declaration that the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board for the Selection and Appointment of the Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant, as done by the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) on 22nd October 2024 is Illegal, null and void, ultra vires, and of no effect.”

 

The Claimants also seek for “an order setting aside the criteria of qualification for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant and the publication advertisement for the vacancy of the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant on 12th September 2024, which was done without the full composition of the 2nd Defendant.

 

“An Order setting aside the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Search Team for the Appointment of the Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant, as done by the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) on 22nd October 2024.

 

“An Order setting aside the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board for the Selection and Appointment of the Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant, as done by the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) on 22nd October 2024.

 

“An Order setting aside the illegal and illegitimate procedure set in motion for the selection and appointment of a Substantive Vice Chancellor for the 1st Defendant as imposed by the external members of the 2nd Defendant and the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant).

 

“An Order setting aside any such selection and appointment of any Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant by the illegal and illegitimate procedure set in motion for that purpose, as imposed by the external members of the 2nd Defendant and the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant).”

 

They also sought an “order of perpetual injunction restraining the 7th Defendant from parading herself and/or performing the functions of the Registrar, Nnamdi Azikiwe University pursuant to her illegitimate appointment by a Selection Board unilaterally selected, appointed and composed by the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) on 23rd October 2024.”

Meanwhile, a source in the school told SaharaReporters that the chairman of the Governing Council, Mbadiwe, was nominated by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma ensure the emergence of Odoh as the VC of the school.

“The plan is to install this Odoh to be the VC in preparation for 2027. The man is not even a professor,” the source added.

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