Features

62 years after UNN, Nsukka gets first medical school

Published

4 years ago

October 31, 2022

There probably couldn’t have been more encouraging words by a head of a regulatory agency about the birth of a new outfit under his supervision.

Said Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), while presenting a letter of recognition of the new Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Ano, Enugu State, to the State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, when he and his team visited the Commission’s office in Abuja on Thursday last week: “With effect from Thursday, 21st April, 2022, the Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Ano, Enugu State, has been recognised as the 219th university in Nigeria.”

“We, hereby, pledge our support to the smooth take-off of the university. We also encourage the university’s management and Enugu State government to take advantage of the professional and technical supports which the NUC is ever ready to provide for the smooth running of universities in Nigeria,” Prof. Rasheed stressed.

“By this recognition letter, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been notified of the establishment of this university.”

Clearly elated by the birth of SUMAS, one of only three such universities in Nigeria, Professor Rasheed also suggested to the management of the university to establish biomedical engineering and other genetic programmes to complement the effort of the only one university (name withheld) currently running the programme in Nigeria, further charging the university to strictly abide by the laws guiding the running of universities in Nigeria.

The NUC Executive Secretary urged the university authority to also feel free to approach NUC for proper guidance, where in doubt, to avoid violation of rules of engagement that might attract maximum sanctions from the Commission.

Indeed, if there was any further proof to Governor Ugwuanyi and his team that SUMAS was a step in the right direction, a great idea berthed in the land of rolling hills, Prof. Rasheed’s inspiring words came very much handy. For, here is a university community, perhaps the only one in Nigeria, that has gone without a medical school/ teaching hospital for all of 60 years plus!

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), founded in 1955 by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the late Owelle of Onitsha and first President of Nigeria (1963-1966), took off in 1960 with the main campus at Nsukka and the second campus, which was to host the Faculties of Medical Sciences and Business, in Enugu, then capital of Eastern Region. A second chance to gift Nsukka with a medical school/teaching hospital was stymied by the State government when, in about Year 2000 or thereabout, it changed its mind about the mutli-campus status of the State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and moved the university’s medical school/teaching hospital from Nsukka to Enugu where it converted a general hospital, the Parklane General Hospital, GRA, Enugu, into the ESUT Teaching Hospital.

SUMAS stemmed from the Governor Ugwuanyi Administration’s decision to restore the original multi-campus status of ESUT whose medical school/teaching hospital Nsukka was originally supposed to host. However, along line, it became necessary to tinker with the law in order to avoid the huge logistics problems and systemic disruptions that relocating the superstructure of ESUT medical school to Nsukka might cause in the areas of teaching and hospitalizations, hence the idea of an entirely new, specialized university.

SUMAS is, thus, a child of necessity, to be sure, a product of strategic thinking. It is like killing two birds with one stone (to borrow the time-worn saying about leveraging a need to create two opportunities): ESUTH in the Enugu metropolis was left intact while the need for a medical school/teaching hospital in Nsukka was also comprehensively met.

Governor Ugwuanyi made that need even more poignant when he declared, at the license presentation meeting with Professor Rasheed, the NUC boss, that the concept of the University of Medical and Applied Sciences was borne out of the State government’s desire to improve the medical manpower level in the State and beyond.

“Annually, thousands of students apply to study medicine in public institutions in Nigeria, but only few are privileged to secure admission, not because they are unqualified, academically and otherwise, but because of insufficient space. This is the gap we want to bridge,” Governor Ugwuanyi declared.

“For instance, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, otherwise known as UNN that is close to us, has 180 slots for students that desire to study medicine. This is out of hundreds of thousands of candidates that apply for the course, annually. This is discouraging.”

With the coming of SUMAS, the number of such admission slots for medical students, especially in the university’s catchment area of Enugu and environs, is expected to be shored up significantly.

Assuring the NUC that necessary arrangements, financially and otherwise, had been made to ensure smooth take-off of the university at Igbo-Ano, Ugwuanyi then proceeded to present the law establishing it, academic brief, master plan and other documents of the university to NUC, assuring also that the institution would be different from others as it would churn out graduates that would initiate great transformation in the medical field in Nigeria and beyond.

Governor Ugwuanyi expressed gratitude to the NUC for the speedy consideration of the documents submitted for approval, promising that the Enugu State government would give the Commission maximum cooperation as well as comply with all the guidelines governing the operation of universities in Nigeria.

According to Professor Malachy Okwueze, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Enugu Governor and Founding Vice Chancellor of Coal-City University, Enugu, SUMAS is expected to take off with three Faculties, namely, 1) Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, a hybrid of Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry 2) Faculty of Basic Medical and Allied Health Sciences, a hybrid of Faculties of Basic Medical and Allied Health Sciences and 3) Faculty of Pharmacy.

On infrastructure, Okwueze said: “The infrastructure at Igbo-Ano is more than enough for take-off. In the course of time, more infrastructure and Faculties will added to what is on the ground at the moment. That is how these things are done.”

Internal road construction and asphalting at the university is being handled by Ferotex Engineering Company Ltd, a Port-Harcourt, Rivers State-based civil engineering and constructing firm, which has done a lot of work also in Rivers and Abia States.

Asked how far he had gone with internal road works at Igbo-Ano, FEROTEX’s Chairman/CEO, Chief Festus Oshaba Onu said his team was done with concrete works and was at the earthen stage in readiness for asphalting.

“Work has reached advanced stage at Igbo-Ano, I can assure you of that,” he said. “As a matter of fact, we will soon round off our site activities and deliver the job to the State government. The Governor isn’t giving anyone a breathing space. We will finish well ahead of schedule, I can assure you.”

Amplifying the Governor’s assurance to the NUC that arrangements had been made to ensure smooth take-off of the school “as soon as possible,” Okwueze said SUMAS would “most certainly” take off “between September and latest December this year.”

“We expect that the NUC team would visit Igbo-Ano any time soon for final inspection, preparatory to take-off of the university in September – October, latest December,” the former DVC Administration, UNN surmised.

Posted by Editor | 22 June 2022, 03:46pm

Share this story:

Features

Adewunmi to LCC! Forgive, forget, reconcile, be agreed! *Begins final term

Published

1 week ago

June 3, 2026

Whirlwindnews

Seyi Adewunmi, President of the Lagos Country Club (LCC), launched into his third term in office on Tuesday, with the eternal words with which William Shakespeare depicted the pleas of King Richard 11 to British noblemen at daggers-drawn in his forecourt, some 431 years ago – forgive, forget, reconcile and be agreed.

It was his way of offering his olive branch to seek healing for members still lacerated with old wounds of the bitter battle for the soul of the club, which ended up in courtrooms after failure to settle it inside the games-room, the tennis courts and other troubleshooting arenas.

Flanked by his wife, Ify, whose contribution he lavishly acknowledged, Adewunmi, at his inauguration at the club’s main hall, apparently recalling the incident, which nearly crippled affairs at the family club, said: “To those who are still aggrieved, I speak to you now, directly and without condition. Whatever the disagreement, the Club is bigger than any single dispute, and its future is far more important than any lingering bitterness.

“Whatever the words that were said or the decisions that felt unjust, I invite you, today, to lay it down. No dispute is worth dividing us. I extend to you my open hand and my open heart. This is your club. It needs you. I need you.

“The chapter we are about to write is better written together and it MUST be written. So please sheathe your swords. Come home. The gates are open, the seats are ready, and the work is too important for any of us to sit it out.”

The President, who was full of praises for the club’s Board of Trustees, was particularly enthused with the contributions of Aare Kola Oyefeso, the leader of the exulted body, whom he described as “a conscience and compass of this club,” for donating his wealth of experience.

Hear him: “To our Board of Trustees, and to Chief Kola Oyefeso in particular, I offer my deepest respect. You have been the still, small voice of wisdom in the seasons of noise.

“Every time this Presidency needed an elder’s hand on the shoulder, you were there. The Management Council and the Board have not merely coexisted during my tenure, we have collaborated, and the Club is better for it. I am indeed very grateful sir.

Expressing similar gratitude to other members of the Management Council Officers and the Chairmen of the various Sections and their Committees as well as the members, he enjoined them to prepare for the task ahead.

He added: “I see you all. I greet you all. And I am profoundly glad to be standing here, still standing, before you today. Let me begin with a confession. When I first stood in this position three years ago, I made promises. Big promises. The kind that sound magnificent from a podium and look somewhat different at seven in the morning when the contractor has not shown up and the cheque has not cleared….but I did not run away.

“I did not make excuses. I did not hide behind procedure or blame my predecessors. I rolled up my sleeves, as you well know I am rather fond of doing, and I worked. Two terms. Hundreds of meetings. Thousands of decisions. One attempted character assassination which, I am glad to report, the character survived.

“And today, you have returned me unopposed for a third and final term. Not because I cannot be challenged. Not because the road ahead is smooth.

“But because you looked at my record, you weighed me as a man, you made your assessment, and you made your verdict. I receive this mandate with the full weight of gratitude and the full fire of purpose. Lagos Country Club — your President is back. And this time, we will finish the work.”

He also expressed gratitude for various members of the club, who had supported in many ways to keep it going, recalling particularly the donation of equipment worth millions of naira by Tunji Amosu, the Vice President of the club, saying such a selfless gesture defined the idea behind LCC as a family club.

Hear him: “He (Amosu) reached into his own pocket, deep into his pocket I might add, and donated equipment worth millions of Naira to our new clinic. Millions. I want to be clear: this was not government allocation. This was not a corporate write-off. This was one man saying, ‘I believe in this Club enough to invest my own resources in its wellbeing.’ That is the spirit of Lagos Country Club at its finest, and it deserves to be celebrated.

“But let me also say that greatness is not only measured in millions. Gifts are never less precious than the grand gesture, and for this reason, I want to honour those who gave what they had, and gave it gladly. Confidence Yunusa (D12848) donated pillows to our clinic, and before you smile, those pillows matter. They speak of someone who thought about the comfort of a sick fellow member on a sick bed. That is love in action.

“Also, Femi Oduwole (D14027) gave us a water dispenser. Clean water. To all who gave in any measure: this Club sees you, this Management Council thanks you, the Board of Trustees appreciates you and history, as I speak is recording you.”

Share this story:

Features

Jim Nwobodo: The Sun shines, thrills, at ‘The Vanguard Awards’

Published

1 month ago

April 30, 2026

Whirlwindnews

By Sunny Igboanugo

Between sports and politics, it is difficult to ascertain which is more potent in delivering the dividends of popularity. But in a situation where the two are combined, what is the outcome? It is predictable – a two-fold if not multiple-fold of that.

Evidence of that reverberated last Saturday, when the floors of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Vitoria Island, Lagos, shook to its foundation, with the rooftops almost caving in, while announcing the entrance of Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo – a man adorned with the garlands from the two worlds after striding through them like a colossus.

For many youngsters who had wondered why the entire atmosphere at the main hall of the prestigious hotel echoed with Jiiimmm – jiiimmm – jiiimmm, the answer was not farfetched. The man that had just walked in had etched his name in the hearts of the people in many ways.

For instance, his tenure marked Nigeria’s most glorious era in sports. Everyone reckons with the Super Eagles of 1994 as the best squad in the country’s history – one that put the nation in global football reckoning. That, no doubt could easily be attributed in many ways to the Nwobodo magic.

As Minister of Sports and Youths Development, it was to his name that Nigeria not only won the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), for the second time it made its debut at the World Cup – the highest global football event.

In this glorious era, Nigeria found its name on the envious list of global sports – not only winning AFCON for the second time in 1994, appearing at the World Cup in the same year, becoming the number one in African football and number five in the world ranking it crowned it all by producing the Dream Team – the football squad that won the Olympics gold in football.

In that spectacular Olympics feat, the Nigerian contingents came back home with six medals – two golds, one silver and three bronzes – the best performance ever.

Even his foray into politics had a large component of sports in it, having led then Rangers Football Club of Enugu, as Chairman to its first major continental trophy – the African Cup of Winners in 1977. It was his launchpad into politics so much that his name and face were already quite familiar with the people.

From the position of the Chairman, Anambra branch of the defunct Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), he got elected as the first Executive Governor of the old Anambra State comprising what is today, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi States.

In the government that lasted from October 1, 1979 to October 1, 1983, he left a legacy that till date remains unmatched by succeeding governments – military and civilians – in infrastructure, education, hospitality among others.

Talk about the Nike Lake hotel, Nike, Enugu; old Anambra State Television, now split into Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) and Anambra State Television Service (ABS) Awka, Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUT), now split into Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and former Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH) Awka, now upgraded to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

There were also the Ikenga Hotels (with branches in Enugu, Onitsha, and Awka); the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu; Eha Amufu College of Education; and College of Education Nsugbe, Nsugbe, now Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.

One of the most flamboyant politicians ever to strut the rostrum in Nigeria, Nwobodo, who cut the image of not only a consummate fashionista but one whose uniqueness stood him out among his peers, also made it to the National Assembly as Senator representing Enugu East in the class of ’99-2003.

Gifted with immense public appeal, with penchant to attract the crowd like honey to bees, the energy his entrance generated as well as the ululations at Saturday’s event, was only too natural and emblematic of a man used to stealing the show at public gatherings.

The spontaneous reactions were simply consequent upon which aspect of him impacted the motley crowd comprising the high and mighty. For those from the South East, many still basking in the reverberating echoes of the politics of pasts, it was still the iconic Jim that had just walked in – a hero, whose name still lit fires in their bellies.

For others, it was the entrance of the most iconic, most esteemed and most revered Igbo leader alive today. The language of the Ogene music and the electrifying performance of the troupe from the South East delivered that part of the message most clearly.

Others recalled the Jim Nwobodo, who as Minister, not inspired the resilience with which the Dream Team, Nigeria’s most of prestigious football team mesmerised the world including the duos of the almighty Brazil and Argentina and returned home with the gold medal from the Olympics and the fanfare that followed the outcome in the streets of Abuja to Lagos, Enugu to Kano and Port Harcourt.

Yet, many must have recalled the effervescent governor of the second republic in the league of progressives, made up of young, vibrant and visionary politicians of that era imbued with fresh ideas of how to move Nigerian into the league of developed nations.

But ultimately, many would surely see the figure that had just walked into that arena as one of the remaining political icons of the class of ’79 – in fact, one of the only two governors of that era still standing today outside Alhaji Awal Ibrahim of Niger State.

So, it was not for nothing that the crowd cheered endlessly as the ex-governor, ex-Minister and Senator made his grand appearance. Nobody would be in doubt that he deserved every bit of attention and recognition.

Any such doubts would be cleared not only by the deluge of ululations from the audience, sustained accolades from both the organisers and fellow recipients, but also by the quality of personalities accompanying the elder statesman, from his homestead, of course, led by Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State.

Now, how would this enchanting event have ended without introducing the angle of Pat Nwobodo, the delectable wife and soft side of the Jim brand.

The goddess of the Nigerian stock market, financial guru and former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD-CEO) of Savannah Bank Plc was there in tow.

Standing by her husband to whom she had graduated beyond a wife, partner, an ally a friend, to the major pillar along the path of the build-up and along the twist and turns of politics, statecraft, completed the picture of the evening.

Indeed, The Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025, would be added to the list of the various trophies hanging on the walls of this octogenarian politician, sports enthusiast and administrator, leader of men and material and statesman extraordinaire.

But it certainly would not end there. The greater laurel is the imprint of his legacy in the hearts of his admirers as was showcased by the crowd which welcomed him with that loud ovation. That would be the more long-lasting – the more enduring.

For as the sage himself told the audience, while appreciating the recognition – getting awards while one was in power, could be good – but getting awards outside power, remained the more enduring, because it emblemised good memories – the best legacy of man on earth

Share this story:

Features

Ben-Chuks Nwosu, Ogbalike Nnewi: Another feather to the cap, as the doyen soldiers on

Published

8 months ago

October 27, 2025

Whirlwindnews

Nwosu

Despite consistent usage, it has remained a powerful reality, the age-long saying that the drum sounds for a great man – in life and at death. Rather than becoming a tiring cliché its reality continues to emerge as demonstrable evidence from time to time.

So, when on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the cap lowered on the head of Ben-Chuks Nwosu – astute lawyer, consummate politician, inimitable humanist, gifted public speaker and foremost community leader, it was not just another historic event, many of which have trailed him over the years, but a clear statement on the persona of the former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly – one meant to capture his import as a man who has conquered his territory and etched his name permanently on the sands of time.

The versatile lawyer and politician, was among the influential figures assembled for special recognition by Igwe Keneth Orizu 111, Monarch of the Nnewi ancient kingdom – one of the iconic traditional stools in Anambra State – to mark his 100 years of age and 62 years on the throne, as one of the features of the historic event.

The monarch, the oldest and longest reigning king in Nigeria was emphatic on why Nwosu made that list – it was an acknowledgement of his positive contributions, not only to the development of the ancient town, but to the advancement of humanity in general through his engagements in many aspects, especially his chosen career of law and his vocation as a politician.

Ostensibly, the royal father wanted to make that statement both as part of the records of his reign and to demonstrate the essence of the biblical saying – to whom much is given, much is expected – and how this son on of Nnewi land had over time, fits that bill perfectly.

For instance, not only the monarch, the people of Anambra, if not the conscious world, bore and still bear witnesses to how, the primus inter pares of the Anambra legislature, Nwosu unsheathed his sword from the scabbards to confront the political hounds that attacked the state at that time, in defence of his territory – democracy.

The echoes of that historic period in the state, have continued to reverberate across the firmament, while the imprimatur has continued to be evident in demonstrably bold terms even now, as the doyen has again donated himself to yet a fresh battle – that of rescuing the people of Anambra from the abyss of despair as the state approaches the edge of the precipice where the current minders are driving it, through bad policies and unwholesome politics.

Currently, the Chief of Staff (CoS) of the John Chuma Nwosu (JCN) Campaign Council, the ex-lawmaker, has become a central voice for the new advocacy in Anambra by JCN – the man, who has taken it as duty to rescue the state and reverse the evil political vehicle, fast galloping towards that inevitable destruction.

Ndubuisi Nwobu, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at the hosting of members of the council at a reception organised at his Nnewi country home, shortly after the event at the Igwe’s palace, spared no words in acknowledging this aspect of the former Speaker’s persona, particularly his contributions to both politics and human development in Anambra State and beyond.

No photo description available.

Nwosu takes traditional greetings with Igwe Orizu

For Nwobu, himself one of the biggest names in Anambra political arena, bearing the scars of its different political wars, it was a recognition of a fellow warrior in the battlefield and a colleague in arms, whose contributions are vital for the mission at hand.

The former Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area and former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who represented the governorship candidate at the event was emphatic in guaranteeing that Nwosu would neither relent or be deterred by the arsenal of war being assembled by the anti-democratic, anti-progressive and clearly negative forces in the state, who seem intent on relentlessly asphyxiating it of life.

Hear him: “There is greater work ahead and I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll live up to expectation, because your passion for the service to mankind is exceptional. Whatever you set your mind on, you pursue it with so much gusto and vigour, as if your life depends on it. For you, there’s always no going back.

“Congratulations. The entire campaign council greets you. We thank you for what you have done and have no hesitation in our belief that with your contributions to this onerous task, we’re going to triumph. Remain strong. May the good Lord continue to strengthen you in the name of Jesus.”

Before Nwobu spoke, Prof. Zelinjo Igweze, Director, Women Mobilisation and Dr. CC Okeke, Deputy Director General (DDG) Political Matters, had also spoken in the same manner, paying glowing tribute to the Nnewi-born political juggernaut.

Ike Iwenofu, accomplished Engineer and Director General of the council, had earlier in his tribute on behalf of the members, also acknowledged Nwosu’s towering profile and invaluable contributions to the campaign efforts.

He wrote: “The entire John Chuma Nwosu Campaign Council bursts with joy as we celebrate our indefatigable Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Barr. Benchuks Nwosu, on this glorious day of honour and recognition by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III of Nnewi, during the historic Centenary Birthday Celebration.

“This royal honour is not just a mark of distinction, but a celebration of character — a recognition of your steadfast loyalty, uncommon humility, and tireless service to humanity and our great movement. You have continued to distinguish yourself as a pillar of strength and a shining example of leadership, loyalty, and integrity. Your honour today reflects the values we hold dear — service, excellence, and commitment to the greater good.

“We rejoice with you, Ogbalike Nwachinemelu, and pray that this recognition opens even greater doors of favour, grace, and impact in your journey ahead. A thousand cheers to a worthy son, a noble leader, and a loyal ally!”

May be an image of one or more people

Nwosu with Nwobu

But for the man of the moment, the event evoked memories decked in family history, particularly depicting a family of warriors, whose essence was captured in the roles they played in defence of the territorial integrity of the Obuofia Nnewi enclave in the years of yore.

He tells the story: “My father, Nwoke Modo was a warrior and it became his assignment to move from Obuofia to wage wars against our attackers. Where we live now is called Agawana, meaning war trenches. So, Eze Ugbuonyanta, the great grandfather of the person that gave me this title today, named him Ogbalike. That means, when things get tough, he is invited.

“So, when this came up about a year ago, I told the Igwe that I had a senior brother, but they said the knew the history, but that this was given to me in recognition of the special role I played as Speaker, particularly during the impeachment saga (of former governor, Peter Obi.)

“They said I proved some genetic trails when I did not betray him as then Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Council and I did not betray Dr. Dozie Ikedife, who was the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. So, this has been in the making for more than a year. In line with tradition, I had to let my elder brother know and he gave his consent that I could go ahead and take our grandfather’s title. That’s what I have done today. Since he was a warrior, they felt that the role I had played in Anambra politics akin to that of a warrior, hence the title.”

With this historic aspect, it might no longer be surprising to anyone the line the former Speaker is toeing, why his battle-weary body is lacerated with the scars of war and why his path both in politics, law and other endeavours is strewn with courage and forthrightness. It lives in the family – an acknowledgement that Ogbalike Nnewi is not just a title, it is history!

Share this story: