Vice Chancellor of Amadeus University, Amizi, Prof Samuel Nzotta, delivering his speech
Don’t compromise standards, Commissioner warns tertiary institutions in Abia
*As Amadeus University takes off
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State government has cautioned private universities operating in the state against compromising already existing standards in their institutions but to improve on them.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Eme Uche Eme, gave the advice during a one-day, first Stakeholders’ Forum of Amadeus University, Amizi in Ikwuano Local Government Area on Wednesday, Augus 28, 2024.
Addressing the one-day interactive forum which primary objective was to introduce the newly established university billed to take-off next month, Prof. Eme said the state was committed to upholding the highest standards with regards to education generally.
“As we look ahead to the official commencement of academic activities in September 2024, I want to emphasize we are committed to upholding the highest standards of education,” Prof. Eme said.
The Commissioner, represented by a Deputy Director in the Research Unit in her Ministry, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Anyanwu, urged Amadeus University authorities to engage qualified personnel, especially lectures who would have time for the students, maintain zero-tolerance for cultism and other anti-social behaviours and ensure round-the-clock security.
She noted that the establishment of the university represents an investment in the future of youths and the advancement of education, adding that the institution was expected to become a place for intellectual and professional development.
“Amadues University is not just another addition to our educational landscape, it is a beacon of hope and a symbol of our determination to provide world-class education that is accessible to all.
“With a focus on innovative teaching methods, cutting edge research and community engagement, Amadeus University is expected to become a hub for intellectual and professional development,” the Commissioner said.
She commended the stakeholders for their commitment to the project, urging them not to relent until the school becomes a Centre of Excellence.
Assuring that the state government would extend all necessary support to institution, the Commissioner commended the Founder of the school, Dr Godwin Nwabunka, for his determination, humanity and patriotism.
“The establishment of Amadeus is a testament to the founder’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to higher education, fostering academic excellence and nurturing a generation of leaders, innovators and change-makers,” she remarked.
In his Keynote address, the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Olyede, confirmed to the forum that Amadues University has gotten all necessary approvals and licenses it needed to operate as a private university.
Prof. Olyede, represented by Abia State Coordinator of JAMB, Juliet Anikwe, said “It (Amadeus) is NUC approved and accredited, JAMB approved, JAMB accredited and enjoys JAMB partnership,” expressing hope that the new university would push the boundary of human learning.
“We will work hard together, by the grace of God, to ensure that Amadeus University emerges, if not the best, one of the best universities. We envision a university that would not only educate but also inspire, a place where students would be turned to leaders, entrepreneurs and change makers; a place that will not be reckoned with cultists, notorious boys and girls; a place where ideas will be formed and dreams realized,” he added.
Vice Chancellor of Amadeus University, Prof. Samuel Nzotta, assured the Forum that the institution was ready to start academic activities as everything has been put in place for effective teaching and learning in a conducive environment.
“The university was founded with a clear vision of producing globally-competitive and practically-oriented graduates that will positively impact societal sustainable development.
“The mission of the university is to create a conducive environment for learning, functional and purposeful infrastructure for the production of self-employable and productive graduates,” he said.
The university, which would offer, on commencement of academic activities, 19 programmes under 13 Departments and Four Faculties, Prof. Nzotta said, boasts of modern classrooms, lecture theatres, workshops and fully-equipped laboratories, library services of global standards, as well as a sustainable ICT programme, even as full digitization of the entire school processes and programmes were ongoing.
“To ensure a high level of scholarship, the university has put in place, modern and well hostel facilities for male and female students. Students stay only two in a room in the various hostels. Additionally, a health centre, students’ centre, students’ cafeteria and recreational facilities have been provided for the students.
“The fee structure for the students in the university is competitive and comparable with other private universities. Additionally, the university has in place a student loan and scholarship schemes and other forms of financial aid schemes. The essence is to ensure that needy and deserving students complete their programmes seamlessly.
“The university shall have a zero-tolerance for cultism and drug abuse. Security measures have been put in place to enhance security on campus. CCTV cameras have been provided at strategic points on campus in addition to solar-powered streetlights,” the Vice Chancellor said.
“The university is positioned to be a global brand and shall provide opportunities for the students to become visionary, skilled and development-oriented leaders with innovative and entrepreneurship orientation. We solicit for a partnership with you as an important stakeholder in the education industry,” he told participants at the forum.
Chairman of the Planning and Implementation Committee of the institution, Prof. Akaneren Essien, a former Vice Chancellor of University of Uyo, who has also served as Chairman of National Universities Commission (NUC) Standing Committee on Private Universities (2012-2017), rated Amadeus as the best built private university in the country, adding that “no one would regret putting his or her children in this university.”
Prof Essien praised Amadeus Founder, Dr, Nwabunka, for having the courage to bring such a huge investment to his community.
Traditional Ruler of Amizi Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness, Eze Ozo Ananaba, promised that the community would support the university to flourish. “Our community will do all that are required of it. We are grateful that this university is sited on our soil by our silent-Achiver son,” Eze Ananaba said.
The forum which held at the Senate Chamber of the university, also feature a tour of facilities, including the well-equipped laboratories, lecture theatres and hostels, among others, as well a question-and-answer session.
