Education

Imo Teachers Begins 7-day Fasting, Prayers Over Delayed Salaries

Published

6 years ago

July 2, 2020

Members of the Imo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has commenced seven-day fasting and prayers in the 647 autonomous communities over non-payment of their three-month salary arrears.

The union gave the directive to commence the exercise in a statement issued by the state Secretary of the union, Godwin Osogwa and made available to journalists yesterday.

It urged teachers in the state to seek the face of God amid suffering, lamenting that in spite of their plight during the lockdown, they were not paid even as they were compelled to remain at home.

They expressed hope that only the Almighty God would touch the hearts of state government officials to pay them to enable them and their families to feed.

“You are directed to embark on seven-day fasting and prayers,” the statement stressed.

One of the teachers in the state, identified as Nkechi, told The Guardian that they were really suffering, saying they were being owed over three months arrears, lamenting that she was forced to explore alternative sources of income.

“It is really tough. We have not been paid since the COVID-19 pandemic. How do we survive? I will join my colleagues to embark on fasting and prayers,” she said.

Also, retirees in the state, numbering about 23,000 have given Governor Hope Uzodimma seven days to approve the payment of their over five months pension arrears.

They were protesting against the failure of the state government to fulfil its promise to pay their pensions by last weekend as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Cosmos Iwu, had assured them.

The retirees issued the ultimatum during their second protest in Owerri during the week, saying they would ensure that they disrupt government activities until they were paid, even as they asked for alms on the streets of Owerri.

Speaking yesterday, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said the State Government had just concluded verification of the retirees’ records of service and payroll system.

He restated that massive fraud was uncovered in the process and charged the pensioners to exercise patience, assuring that they would be paid sooner than later.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Owerri presided over by Justice Tijjani Garba Ringim, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the 27 council chairmen and councilors who were elected in 2018 during former Governor Rochas Okorocha’s tenure.

But immediate past Governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha had removed the affected elected officers in June last year and on the assumption of office on January 15, Uzodimma sacked Ihedioha’s Local Councils Transition Committeemen and replace them with his anointed officials.

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Education

Historic Matriculation: EUN Unveils ₦50bn Research Endowment

Published

6 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Chancellor of the European University of Nigeria (EUN), Nicholas Ukachukwu, has announced the establishment of a ₦50 billion research endowment fund aimed at driving innovation and cutting-edge research across specialised disciplines in the institution.

Ukachukwu disclosed this during an interview on the sidelines of the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony, explaining that the fund would support research in critical sectors such as medicine, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and other technical fields.

According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that research carried out at the university produces practical solutions with real societal impact rather than remaining purely theoretical.

“We set up this university to be a centre for research, and the ₦50 billion endowment fund will focus on special categories of research and disciplines,” he said.

The chancellor explained that the university intends to support research from the discovery stage to practical application, particularly in areas such as drug development and technological innovation.

He noted that breakthroughs in these areas require specialised expertise, modern equipment and sustained investment, adding that the institution is committed to creating an enabling environment for researchers and students.

Ukachukwu emphasised that the research culture at EUN would be driven by results and societal relevance.

“I cannot call people, including myself, to put together ₦50 billion and allow research outcomes to gather dust on shelves. Whatever we invest in must produce results and impact lives,” he said.

He added that the university aims to nurture students who think beyond conventional classroom learning and develop innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Ukachukwu further revealed that the institution is building a centre of excellence equipped with advanced technology and highly skilled professionals, noting that government institutions may eventually collaborate with the university to benefit from its facilities and research outputs.

According to him, the university expects to begin seeing significant outcomes from its research investments within the next one to five years.Earlier in his welcome address at the matriculation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of EUN, Emmanuel Ibezim, urged the pioneer students to pursue academic excellence, discipline and innovation throughout their stay at the institution.

Ibezim described the event as historic, noting that it marked the formal admission of the university’s first set of students.He said the university is committed to producing graduates who are intellectually sound, ethically grounded and globally competitive.

“Your admission into this university is a testament to your hard work and potential. However, admission is only the first step; what truly matters is what you do with the opportunity before you,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the students that the institution would provide quality teaching, modern laboratories, digital learning resources and mentorship to support their academic development.

He urged them to embrace critical thinking, creativity and innovation while making effective use of the university’s learning facilities.Ibezim also stressed that the university maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, harassment, drug abuse and other forms of misconduct, advising students to strictly adhere to the institution’s rules and regulations.

He further encouraged the students to participate in approved extracurricular activities, sports and leadership programmes to build teamwork and leadership skills that would prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

The Vice-Chancellor also assured parents and guardians that the university management remains committed to improving teaching, research, infrastructure, innovation and student welfare.

A highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath and the signing of the matriculation register by the pioneer students, formally admitting them into the academic community of the university.

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