By Okey Maduforo Awka .

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has lamented lack of research in public policy making contending that academic research with positive impact on governance is sterial.

He further challenged the academic community to step up it’s intellectual works towards solving contending issues that shape the wellbeing of the immediate society.

The Governor who delivered a lecture at the 6th Biennial Adada Lecture Series 2026 convened by Association of Nsukka Professors noted that gone are those days when intellectual works end up at the University book shelf without transforming the socioeconomic needs of any given society.

Soludo observed that the “fusion of thought and action” remains the only bridge to a national rebirth.

Soludo questioned why academic discussions have seemingly lost their authority in national life. Despite producing thousands of professors and journals, he noted a “severed link” between academic research and public policy.

“If you have 200 Professors as members, how is the Adada zone not a first world?” he asked, challenging the audience to move beyond the walls of the university. “We produce journal articles, but how many have become policies? Intellectualism without activism is sterile.”

The Governor further advocated for “Productive Intellectualism,” where critical thinking guides public purpose. Drawing from his first tenure as Governor over the last four years, Governor Soludo highlighted how he has attempted to bring intellectualism to governance through “sacrificial volunteerism” and how he succeeded in laying the foundation for the African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley.

He emphasized that nations do not develop by resources alone, but by ideas that precede institutions; citing historical giants like Isaac Newton, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Kwame Nkrumah, Ahmadu Bello, and a host of others, as examples of a shared pattern of logical thinking that yield ideas and then built.

“This is a challenge to the intellectuals and the wider academic community: to multi-task, as the modern intellectual must be both a thinker and a doer, Question the Status Quo which remains a fundamental element of true intellectualism”

“Standing akimbo is too expensive,” Soludo warned. “We don’t just live; we live to matter. It is time to get back to basics and drive the African renaissance through active participation.”

Speaking earlier, Professor Osita Ogbu, presiding as Chairman, observed that the true benchmark of academic excellence is not found in the complacency of achievement, but in an unyielding hunger for discovery and the courage to apply that knowledge to real-world challenges. He asserted that intellectuals are never satisfied, they keep working.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, framed the gathering as a significant homecoming for Governor Soludo. He offered a glowing tribute to the Governor, commending his transformative contributions to the Nigerian state and his broader dedication to the service of humanity.

Enugu East Local Government Area has formalised a strategic partnership with David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening human capital development in the council area.
The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting between officials of the council and the university’s management, is expected to open new opportunities in medical education, training, and healthcare capacity building.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, described the partnership as a major step toward building a healthier and more prosperous society through deliberate investment in education.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the broader development agenda of the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, particularly in the area of human capital development.
As part of the agreement, the council unveiled plans to sponsor 100 students from Enugu East to study medical-related courses at the university, a move aimed at addressing manpower gaps in the health sector while empowering local youths.
“This partnership is not just about education; it is about securing the future of our people. By investing in medical training, we are building a foundation for sustainable healthcare delivery in Enugu East,” Anike said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Jesse Uneke, commended the council for its forward-thinking approach, describing the MoU as a mutually beneficial arrangement that would enhance both academic excellence and community impact.
He assured that the institution would provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the scholarship programme and other areas of collaboration captured in the agreement.
The MoU is also expected to cover research collaboration, capacity building, and possible medical outreach programmes within Enugu East communities.
Stakeholders say the partnership marks a significant milestone in the council’s drive to improve access to quality education and healthcare, while positioning Enugu East as a model for grassroots-driven development.
Implementation of the agreement is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with both parties set to outline detailed modalities for its execution.

A lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Mr. Anslem Ojodomo, has died after collapsing in class while teaching.
The Rector of the polytechnic confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja by the Acting Coordinator, Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. John Onimisi, describing the development as a “deep personal shock.”
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the institution, coming just a month after another lecturer, Dr. Barnabas Akuba, passed away shortly after completing his PhD programme.
Ojodomo’s death has sparked concern among staff and students, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the sudden losses.
Student eyewitnesses, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said Ojodomo collapsed while addressing his class. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The polytechnic community has been left in a state of uncertainty, having lost two lecturers in quick succession.
Meanwhile, the Rector, Prof. Salihu Avidime, extended heartfelt condolences to the institution and the family of the deceased, noting that Ojodomo was a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration.
Avidime recalled meeting Ojodomo just hours before his death, where they exchanged pleasantries.
He described the late lecturer as a dedicated and humble academic committed to excellence.
“The Polytechnic community is mourning the loss of a promising academic and dependable colleague who embodied scholarship, service, and character,” he said.
“Ojodomo’s contributions as Deputy Dean, Student Services, and lecturer were impactful and inspiring.”
Anselm Victory Ojodomo (October 5, 1992 – March 27, 2026) held a Master’s degree from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, where he had recently defended his PhD proposal.
He joined Kogi State Polytechnic in 2021 and served on several committees.
The polytechnic community commiserated with his family and the people of Igalamela/Odolu, praying for his soul to rest in peace.

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

Governor Charles Soludo has ordered the suspension of several civil servants in Anambra State following an unannounced visit to the State Secretariat in Awka.
The governor reportedly stormed the Secretariat at about 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, locked the main entrance gate, and carried out an on-the-spot inspection of offices within the complex.
During the visit, Soludo expressed shock that many workers had not resumed duty as of the time of his arrival.
“What would a civil servant be doing at this time, by 10 a.m., when he is supposed to be in the office?” the governor queried.
Following his observations, Soludo directed that a list of staff present at work be compiled, stating that those absent would face suspension.
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime, said the unscheduled visit was aimed at assessing staff punctuality, discipline, and overall commitment to public service.
“The unscheduled visit was conducted to evaluate staff conduct, punctuality, and overall dedication to public service,” Aburime said.
He added that during the inspection, the governor interacted directly with workers across ministries and departments to assess the prevailing work culture.
Providing an overview of the visit, Soludo described his findings as a mix of “the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
He, however, commended diligent workers who consistently uphold professional standards and adhere strictly to official working hours, describing them as critical to the success of his administration.
In a stern warning, the governor stated that underperforming staff who fail to align with his administration’s vision “will be shipped out.”
Addressing absenteeism and lateness, he stressed that those who violate time-keeping standards “will be pinned off,” declaring an end to indiscipline and poor work ethic in the civil service.
Soludo reiterated his commitment to building an efficient and results-driven civil service, anchored on key reforms including the deployment of technology, strengthened supervision and evaluation mechanisms, and continuous improvement of infrastructure at the Secretariat.
“We have invested quite a bit in this place,” the governor noted, referencing ongoing upgrades at the facility, while urging workers to reciprocate government’s efforts with improved productivity.
He emphasized that the visit signals a renewed push to transform the state’s bureaucracy into a high-performance system capable of delivering effective governance to the people of Anambra.

By Okey Maduforo Awka

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the College of Nursing Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi has dismissed protest by some students against the increase in the tuition fee of the institution.

Recall that some students who carried placards at the school gate in Nnewi had lamented the astronomical increase in their tuition from N95,000 to N580,000.

But the student’s union leadership of the institution in a statement made by the President, Comrade Chukwuelue Chisom M., said the body knew nothing of the protest and was not part of it.

Chukwuelue said the body had already reached the management of the institution about the hike in tuition, and had already received a favourable answer about a roundtable discussion to facilitate adjustment, when it heard of the protest by students.

A press release by the president read: “The SUG leadership formally communicated the concerns and
apprehensions of students to the Management of NAUTH in order to seek clarity and possible reconsideration regarding aspects
of the newly introduced fee structure.

“We took the responsible steps to engage the appropriate authorities of the institution. During this engagement, the Management acknowledged the concerns presented by the Students’ Union and assured the leadership that the matter had been taken seriously.

“We were informed that a panel would be constituted by the Hospital Management and the Board of the College to carefully review the issues raised regarding the fee adjustment and make appropriate
recommendations.

“In the interest of responsible leadership, institutional respect, and constructive
dialogue, the Students’ Union Government accepted the assurances given by the management and resolved to allow the constituted panel and the
appropriate administrative processes the opportunity to review the matter.

“Unfortunately, before the outcome of this review process could be communicated, some students, overwhelmed by the emotional and financial implications of the development, took to protest in an attempt to express their grievances.”

The President said the union under his watch will remain committed to protecting the interest, welfare, academic stability and collective interest of students, while maintaining respect.

She said the union under her leadership will always engage the management peacefully, responsibly and constructively, hoping to use dialogue as the most effective means of addressing issues affecting students.

“Leadership, in moments such as this, requires both empathy for the concerns of students and the wisdom to pursue solutions through lawful and institutional processes,” she added.

She appealed to all students to remain calm, orderly, and patient as the panel constituted by the Hospital Management and the Board of the Collage carries out it’s review of the matter .

The Union pledged to monitor developments closely and maintain active communication with the
Management to ensure that the concerns of the student body receive the necessary attention.