The traditional ruler of Umunze community in Orumba South local government area of Anambra state, His Royal Highness Igwe Promise Ezeh has urged the newly reconstituted Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze to work diligently to upgrade the College to a university, Noting that the college has sufficient manpower, infrastructure and land mass to become the first University of Education (Technical) in the south east geopolitical zone.
Igwe Ezeh made the appeal when members of the 7th Governing Council led by the Chairman, Hon Sekav Iyortyom, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace, to familiarise themselves with him on their arrival in the college for their first council meeting.
While receiving the Council members along with members of his cabinet, Igwe Ezeh revealed that the college has grown in pedigree with its affiliation with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka for degree programmes, and called on the relevant authorities to facilitate the process of making it a full-fledged university.
He also noted that the College occupies vast hectares of land donated by the host community while assuring that the community would provide all the needed support to make the institution a university.
The Monarch further urged the federal government not to allow desperate politicians to hijack the location of universities, noting that such decisions must be guided by due process and academic merit. He also described Umunze as a peaceful community, noting that the host community has maintained a very cordial relationship with the College over the years.
In a response, the Chairman 7th Governing Council Hon Iyortyom commended the traditional ruler and the host community for their amicable relationship with the institution.
He also expressed gladness that the community has been a peaceful abode for students and staff of the institution, even as he promised that the newly reconstituted council under his leadership would work harmoniously with the College management to move the institution forward
In her contribution, the Provost Dr. Tessy Okoli noted that the new council members have commenced work in earnest, while expressing confidence that they would work assiduously for the development of the college. She further assured the host community that the Governing Council and college management would continue to pursue developmental projects that would elevate the institution to enviable heights.
