The Chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, has applauded the founder of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his foresight in establishing the “unique university” during his tenure as the governor of the state.
Igwe Agubuzu also applauded the state Governor, 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 lightning 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, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former governor of Enugu State, an inimitable and inscrutable politician.
“At the same time, one recognises that this baby university needed intensive care to survive. That critical intervention came from the current Governor of Enugu State, 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.
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 (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, 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 the celebration was an opportunity for self-evaluation along the lines of the university’s vision and mission.
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 epitomised by his physical presence as the guest lecturer at the maiden Founders’ Day celebration.
Meanwhile, the SUMAS VC had 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.
