In a recent meeting with the Imo State University's Governing Board, Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma voiced his deep concerns regarding the moral decline and corruption within the institution. He urged the Board to adopt a more proactive approach to address the widespread challenges currently affecting the university.
Governor Uzodimma met with the Governing Board members at the Government House in Owerri on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. During the meeting, he expressed dismay over the high levels of corruption and the lack of commitment displayed by some staff members. He asserted that the existing order must transform, emphasizing that “corruption and lack of commitment are pervasive issues.”
The Governor raised critical questions about the admission practices of the university, highlighting instances where students were admitted yet struggled to graduate within the traditional four-year timeframe. He called for a thorough review of these malpractices and urged for a more streamlined admission process.
Additionally, Uzodimma tasked the Board with creating a comprehensive work plan aimed at fostering investment in the university and addressing the moral dilemmas by prioritizing student welfare. He reassured the Board that the state government would provide necessary support and staff incentives, contingent on establishing a conducive environment for potential investors. “I am open to allowing you to determine your salary, but funding must be secured. This is not a charity,” he stated.
The Governor mentioned that a well-functioning system could attract investors through Public Private Partnerships (PPP), thus enhancing the university's revenue capabilities. “This will create a mutually beneficial scenario, where everyone thrives,” he asserted.
Uzodimma also advocated for automation and digitization as crucial steps towards creating an efficient system that delivers accurate data on student enrollment and staff payroll. He implored the Board to conduct a needs assessment to accurately gauge the operational costs of running the university and evaluate its revenue potential for a more sustainable future.
Encouraging the Board and management to revisit their strategies, the Governor remarked, “A patient who goes to the hospital without proper diagnostics risks further complications.”
Chairman of the Imo State University Governing Board, Rev. Fr. Prof. Philip Anyaehie Ogbonna, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for his trust in their capabilities and outlined the Board’s progress since its inauguration in January 2025. He shared the Board's findings and recommendations, which include a complete system overhaul, accreditation of the Colleges of Medicine and Engineering, staff welfare improvements, and employment initiatives.
Rev. Fr. Ogbonna also appealed to the Governor for support in modernizing the university's operational framework to combat corruption and promote digital skills training, thereby increasing employability for graduates.
The meeting was attended by other notable figures, including the Founder of Zinox Computers, Mr. Leo Stan Eke, Rt. Hon Chums Nnaji, Hon. Godwin Esom Obodo, Pharmacist Chuks Okoronkwo, and Princess Nkechi Mbachu. The Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Uche Chukwumaeze, also joined the discussion along with other principal officers of the university.
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