UNINIGER Raising Nationally Relevant, Globally Competitive Students – Prof. Nebo

By Praise Chinecherem

VICE Chancellor of University on the Niger (UNINIGER), Prof Chinedu Nebo has reassured his preparedness to bring his wealth of experience to bear in raising standard of the institution to attain global competitiveness.

Nebo who had been Vice Chancellor of two different institutions, said part of his plans for UNINIGER was to ensure right curriculum to train students who would be both nationally relevant and globally competitive.

Speaking to reporters during visit of former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi to the institution, the VC, former Minister of Power also announced that Chinese and Igbo languages were compulsory in the university.

He also disclosed plans to introduce the students early to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Communication Technology (ICT) in view of their impacts among young people.

He said, “One way to solve the problem of our country is to ensure that not only do we have the right curriculum to train students who are nationally relevant and globally competitive, but to give them skills so they can develop on their own.
“We’re talking about experiencial learning that will open vistas for them so that wherever they are, with mastery of knowledge and skills, they can survive.

“I’ve had experiences as VC, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; VC, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) and now VC, UNINIGER. As pioneer VC of Oye-Ekiti, I had the privilege to introduce things that brought the institution’s profile to where it is today. This is a university started by me in 2011.

“For this University, knowing the impact of AI and ICT in lives of young people, we want to introduce to our students to be conversant with AI from the onset.

“We’ll also help them in the mastery of other languages that are becoming global, including Chinese, French and Igbo Languages.

“Since the prediction is that Igbo will die in the next couple of decades, we’ll say no to that. That’s why we made Igbo and Chinese languages compulsory for all our students to ensure we survive as a people and students survive as citizens of the world.”

Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev Owen Nwokolo had described Obi’s visit and donations to the institution as a testament to his unwavering commitment to education and healthcare in Nigeria.

He said Obi’s generous act was characteristic of his dedication to uplifting critical areas in Nigeria.

“We warmly welcomed Mr. Peter Obi to the University’s Teaching Hospital in Iyienu, a celebratory visit honouring Obi’s remarkable contributions to education, healthcare, and the society at large.

“The occasion was truly joyful, and we expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the day, acknowledging Obi’s enduring legacy and praying for continued blessings and protection.

“During his visit, Obi demonstrated his commitment to education and healthcare by donating ₦10 million to the School of Nursing Sciences, Iyienu, and ₦50 million to the University on the Niger, Umunya.

“This generous act is characteristic of Obi’s dedication to uplifting critical areas in Nigeria.

“As Governor, Obi implemented policies that transformed the state’s education system, improving infrastructure and student performance. Anambra State rose from 24th to 1st in national rankings for NECO and WAEC exams under his leadership.

“His administration also partnered with churches in the health sector, resulting in significant improvements to healthcare in Anambra State.”