By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The pioneer Chairman of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Chief Emeka Wogu, has hosted a high-profile delegation of Pro-Chancellors from state universities across the South-East region, marking a strategic move towards advancing education in the zone.

The delegation, led by Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, Pro-Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, visited Wogu to formally congratulate him on his recent appointment and to establish official contact between the Commission and the newly formed Conference of Pro-Chancellors of South-East State Universities (COPSUN).

The meeting quickly transitioned into a strategic dialogue aimed at exploring potential collaborations between the SEDC and the region’s academic institutions.

Speaking during the session, Wogu emphasized the central role of education in driving regional progress.

“Education remains the cornerstone of our regional development,” Wogu stated. “The SEDC sees our universities as natural partners in this journey. Together, we can address critical gaps in infrastructure, research capacity, and human capital development that have held us back for too long.”

He affirmed his commitment to aligning the commission’s efforts with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on the specific areas outlined in the SEDC’s mandate for regional development.

Hon. Agwu Agwu, speaking for the delegation, highlighted the significance of the meeting, describing it as the first official engagement between COPSUN and the SEDC since Wogu’s appointment.

“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 programs that will transform education in the South-East.”

The delegation included:

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)

Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)

During the visit, each academic leader contributed unique perspectives to the discussions. Rev. Fr. Prof. Ogbonna particularly stressed the moral dimension of education, advocating that while infrastructural development and academic excellence are crucial, education must also uphold ethical standards.

The meeting concluded with concrete proposals, including an agreement to establish a joint technical committee tasked with exploring specific areas of cooperation. Key areas highlighted for development include:

Scholarship Programs

Faculty Development Initiatives

Research Funding Mechanisms

Wogu expressed optimism about the outcomes of the meeting:

“Today we have planted seeds that will grow into strong partnerships. The youth of the South-East deserve nothing less than world-class education, and through collaborations like this, we will make that vision a reality.”

The visit marks the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative partnership between the South-East’s development agency and its leading academic institutions, setting the stage for educational advancement and regional progress.