…as Gov Mbah reiterates commitment to progress, survival of varsity

The Chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Igwe Ambassador Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, has applauded the founder of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his foresight in establishing the “unique university” during his tenure as governor of the state.

Igwe Agubuzu also applauded the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his critical intervention towards the progress and survival of SUMAS, stressing that the governor’s “commendable, prompt and unfailing support to the new university in all ramifications ensured its survival and growth.”

The monarch who spoke during the first Founders’ Day celebration of SUMAS, as the chairman of the occasion, disclosed that “an institution’s Founder’s Day is a day to remember and honour the founder of the institution.”

Igwe Agubuzu described former Governor Ugwuanyi as “an inimitable and inscrutable politician who deserves to be acknowledged and honoured not just for founding this university (SUMAS) but for the lightening speed with which he did so in the twilight of his second tenure as Governor of Enugu State,” adding that “it is befitting that we congratulate the former Governor for this remarkable achievement and legacy.”

According to him, “This unique university, located in a unique place was conceived and delivered under unique circumstances by a unique person, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, CON; former Governor of Enugu State, an inimitable and inscrutable politician.

“At the same time, one recongnises that this baby university needed intensive care to survive. That critical intervention came from the current Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose commendable, prompt and unfailing support to the new university in all ramifications ensured its survival and growth.”

Igwe Agubuzu, who spoke extensively on the historic developmental trajectory of the geographical space of Enugu State, and the tradition adopted by some Second Republic political leaders in concentrating major aspects of development in their respective areas, said he was among many “who felt that he (Ugwuanyi) had done a lot to favour his immediate constituency in employment and location of amenities, including this university, to mention but a few.”

SUMAS is located in four communities of Iheaka, Orba, Imilike and Ovoko in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State.

In his address, the Visitor to the University and Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Mbah, congratulated the Pro-Chancellor, management, staff and students of SUMAS for the great achievements recorded so far in the university.

Gov. Mbah reiterated his administration’s support to the institution “in the ways we think is innovative and efficiency” to ensure that the students become graduates that can stand and compete anywhere globally.

The governor stated that “SUMAS is one of those projects that we feel will continue to add value to the growth of Enugu State.”

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Gov. Mbah hinted that his administration’s commitment to education is unwavering, revealing that it was in keeping with the determination that the state government mapped out 30 percent of the 2024 budget for the education sector to be able to construct a model Smart School in all the 260 wards of the state, among others.

The founder of SUMAS, Ugwuanyi, who was represented at the event by his former Deputy Chief of Staff, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, congratulated the Governing Council, management, staff and students of the university for celebrating the maiden Founders’ Day as a major milestone.

He said that the celebration was an opportunity for self-evaluation along the lines of the university’s vision and mission.

The founder expressed joy that what he conceived while he was serving as governor is yielding great results.

Ugwuanyi thanked Gov. Mbah for providing the support needed to sustain the budding university, especially in the area of funding.

Speaking further, the ex-governor appreciated the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris J. Maiyaki, for the support of the Commission right from inception to date as epitomized by his physical presence as the guest lecturer at the maiden Founders’ Day celebration.

Ugwuanyi, therefore, admonished the students to count themselves blessed for gaining admission to study at SUMAS.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of SUMAS, Prof. James Ogbonna appreciated the great vision of those who conceived the idea of establishing the institution “with the aim of bridging the gaps between the demand and supply of medical and allied health sciences personnel on one side and between the number of candidates seeking admission and the available spaces in our tertiary institutions.”

Prof. Ogbonna thanked Gov. Mbah “for his continued interest and support for the growth of SUMAS, stressing that the governor was not only present during the inauguration of the university by the then governor, Ugwuanyi, but “he (Mbah) has continued to give solid expression to his commitment and intention to develop SUMAS to provide excellent education for our people.”

The SUMAS VC earlier appreciated Ugwuanyi for his vision in conceiving the establishment of the university, saying: “We are indebted to the founder and all those who worked with him for their vision that led to the establishment of SUMAS.”

He disclosed that SUMAS has witnessed rapid growth and currently has a total student population of 1,474, being trained by qualified and dedicated lecturers, with modern internet enabled facilities.

Prof. Ogbonna extended his gratitude to the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Msgr Prof. Obiora Ike for his unalloyed commitment, guidance and care.

His appreciation also went to the Executive Secretary of NUC, Mr. Maiyaki, who delivered the first Founder’s Day lecture of SUMAS, for his invaluable contributions from the early stage of establishing the university till date, among other esteem guests.

The VC pledged to carry out the intentions of the university’s founders of providing quality education to the students as well as providing quality healthcare services to the people of Enugu State and beyond.

“This culture of service will continue to guide us as we work towards becoming a beacon of excellence in knowledge creation, knowledge transfer and service to community,” he said.