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IMSU VC Underscores Importance of Research for Development as AMSSRN Inducts New 68 Members

Published

1 month ago

September 4, 2025

By Amaechi Agbo

The Vice-Chancellor, Imo State University (IMSU), Professor Uche Chukwumaeze has underscored the importance of research in the socioeconomic development of nations.The erudite scholar noted that there would be no development and civilization without research.

Prof Chukwumaeze stated this while declaring open the two-day 4th International Conference, Merit Awards and Induction Ceremony of the Association of Management and Social Sciences Researchers of Nigeria (AMSSRN) holding at the University’s Auditorium, on Wednesday.

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor underscored the importance of research in reshaping humanity and urged the association to encourage group research in order to enhance mentorship

“We thank God that this Association exists which is in recognition of the fact that research is the hallmark of development. Without research, there will not be civilization, it is key to the economic recovery of any nation.

“When research goes to the area of the economy, you will understand the importance of Management and Social Sciences in our society

“The meaning of what you are doing here in our university is that you are interested in the development of this country. I will add that by the time you conclude your conference, that you should push for the encouragement of the need for group research. Oftentimes, individual research don’t acheieve the expected goal. There is enough resources for group research such that the professors will mentor the younger ones,” the VC said.

The Vice-Chancellor who is a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pleaded with the State Governor to support research and encourage indeginous researchers to grow by supporting them.

“It’s on this note that I want to plead to the Accountant General to carry the message to His Excellency, that we need encouragement especially on the group research. And when the State Government wants to embark on any project, this university and the association are ready to lead the research. The idea that international bodies should come and do research here and there, sometimes you realize that the answer lies within us. We have professionals who can do these researches and submit findings to the government,” he stated.

In her opening speech, AMSSRN President, Prof Uche Lucy Onyekwelu, thanked the management of the University for their hospitality and support stressing that the association will work collaboratively with the management in reshaping society through research.

She examined the key mandates of the association and advocated for effective synergy between the gown and the town in order to reconfigure Nigeria’s socioeconomic potentials and upshoot her academic trajectory

“Let me on behalf of the Executive Board of AMSSRN, Express our gratitude to the educational friendly Governor, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma for his strides in advancement of scholarship in Imo State. To our host and father, the Vice-Chancellor of this great university, Professor Chukwumaeze, for your commitment in promoting research, which is one of the core mandates of the University. You didn’t only welcome us into your university, but you also made our stay here hospitable. You provided all we needed for conducive interface and made time available to be with us when we paid you and your management a courtesy visit. We are greatly honoured, Prof.

“This year’s conference is not only a scholarly gathering but also a celebration of our shared commitment to excellence and resilience in research, scholarship and mentorship. In addition to robust academic deliberations, this occasion features the induction of new members and the conferment of AMSSRN’S Distinguished Personality Awards on a selected few individuals whose contributions to Good Governance, Educational /Human Capital Development, Research, and Scholarship have been exemplary and resonates with AMSSRN visions. We congratulate all inductees and awardees, whose untiring sacrifices and unwavering dedication to philanthropy have merited the recognitions.
“Permit me to emphasize that the tripod of Research, Scholarship and Mentorship forms the bedrock of AMSSRN’s vision. We in the association believe and have been running an advocacy to affirm that ‘Research without Mentorship lacks Continuity’, Scholarship without research lacks substance, and mentorship without scholarship lacks direction.

“Our vision is to strategically connect the gown and the town ensuring that the intellectual outputs of our scholars directly inform industry practices, government policies, and societal transformation,” she said.

Speaking on the theme of the Conference, “Integrating Digital Innovation for Research and Development: Issues, Challenges and Strategies” the Keynote Speaker, Mr Justice Okoye challenged researchers and students to leverage on the evolution of scientific discoveries to improve on their professions.
Mr Okoye who is also the Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Services, opined that research is at the heart of human capital and educational advancement and thanked AMSSRN for their commitment in that regard.

On his part, the Guest Lecturer and Accountant General of Imo State, Dr Linus Okoye charged the participants on the deployment of artificial intelligence in resource management. While expanciating on the gains of AI, Dr Okoye who stood in for the State Governor, warned the participants against making AI their master.

Highlights of the first day of the 4th International Conference which ends today in IMSU, Owerri were confirmenent of different awards to deserving individuals as well as induction of new members into the various ranks of the association

Day two of the conference will witness paper presentations.

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Tin City Warms Up for President Tinubu as North Central Embraces Renewed Hope

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2025

The Gleamer

By Sunday Dare

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu berths on the plains and rolling hills that dominate the Jos landscape tomorrow, he will meet a people resourceful, friendly and resilient but weighed down by conflict, yet unbowed by adversity.

So, tommorrow, national attention turns to the Plateau- a locale laden with history and rich with potential. From the tin mines that gave the city of Jos its name, to the Irish potato, strawberry farms and beetroot plantations that dot its landscape, Jos remains a land of promise—truly the Home of Peace and Tourism.

Jos is also deeply woven into Nigeria’s political history. Plateau is home to towering figures such as Generals JD Gomwalk, Yakubu Gowon, John Shagaya, Joshua Dogoyaro, and Jerry Useni. Solomon Lar, Senator Ibrahim Mantu and numerous others also stand tall in the annals Plateau political history.

Jos was also the rallying ground of the famed Langtang Mafia—a group of influential military officers from Langtang in Plateau State who, at the height of their power, played a significant role in Nigeria’s political and military affairs.

The story of Jos is both exciting and excruciating. The city lost its innocence some two and a half decades ago, when the popular Terminus Market was reduced to rubble through acts of arson and looting.

Thus at the turn of the millennium by 2001, Jos—and by extension, Plateau—was thrown into a cycle of unending conflict. Ethnic tensions, clothed in religious garb, tore through the city and spread across the state, dragging Jos into an abyss of violence, almost of Kigali proportions. Peace gave way to war, and tourism jaunts became undertakings to the undertaker.

Yet Jos has never surrendered. Every time it is written off, it rises again—scarred, but resilient. With its multi-ethnic, multi-religious fabric, the Plateau continues to trudge on in pursuit of peace, development, and egalitarian ideals.

It was here, in Jos, that Nigeria’s democratic resurgence was birthed. The historic SDP convention, where late General Shehu Yar’Adua and Chief Moshood Abiola held sway, took place in this city. Jos gave political life to Abiola, our hero of democracy in 1992

Now, thirty three years later, another hero of democracy and of the June 12 struggle returns to the Plateau. President Tinubu’s return and visit to Plateau State is not just to honor the transition to glory of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of the APC National Chairman.

It is a visit that carries deeper meaning—one of empathy, solidarity, and renewed hope for a people who have endured decades of turmoil. It is a mission to preach peace, console the bereaved, bind wounds, and assure Plateau of its central place in the Nigerian project.

Mr President comes not just to mourn, but to reconnect. He comes to parley with the North Central, to commiserate with a people who have suffered, and to extend the hand of renewed hope. That Renewed Hope is laying a solid foundation as evidenced by Naira at N1,455 per dollar, rising Foreign Reserves at $43bn, Trade surplus heading for N25tr. Revenues up 411% and Inflation down to about 20 per cent. Over 600,000 students benefiting from NELFUND.

This visit is more than ceremonial. It is a journey into the very soul of a people who have known pain, yet remain resilient; a land scarred by conflict, yet still brimming with hope and promise. As the Tin City opens its arms, Jos will not just receive the President—it will receive a message of solidarity, healing, and renewal.

Tomorrow is about remembering the glorious past, confronting the present, and charting a path to a peaceful and prosperous Plateau within a united Nigeria. With President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Jos once again stands at the intersection of history and destiny.

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