Owerri, 26 March 2025 — In a decisive move, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has called for sweeping reforms at Imo State University (IMSU).
He cited corruption and moral decay as urgent threats to the institution’s credibility.
During a meeting with IMSU’s governing board at Owerri’s Government House, Uzodimma condemned the rampant corruption and widespread staff apathy. He labeled these issues as deeply entrenched problems that demand immediate action.
“The current state of affairs is unacceptable,” he declared, urging stakeholders to prioritize integrity and accountability.
He also spotlighted irregularities in admissions, noting that many students fail to graduate within the standard four-year timeline. “We must investigate these practices and rebuild a transparent system that prioritizes academic excellence,” he insisted. The governor further challenged the board to develop a strategic recovery plan, blending ethical reforms with initiatives to attract private-sector partnerships. “A functional institution will naturally draw investors, boosting revenue and credibility,” Uzodimma explained, stressing that student welfare must anchor these efforts.
While pledging state support for staff incentives, Uzodimma stressed that IMSU must first create an investor-friendly environment. “Funding requires accountability, not charity,” he asserted. To modernize operations, he pushed for automating enrollment, payroll, and record-keeping systems, arguing this would curb graft and inefficiency. Additionally, he mandated a financial audit to align costs with revenue streams, ensuring long-term stability. “Diagnose the problems thoroughly before prescribing solutions,” he advised, likening the process to medical treatment.
In response, Governing Council Chairman Philip Ogbonna thanked the governor for his backing, detailing progress since January 2025. Recent strides include overhauling administrative systems, securing accreditation for medical and engineering programs, and improving staff welfare through promotions and new hires. Ogbonna also requested state assistance in digitizing campus operations and enhancing students’ tech skills for workforce readiness. “We’re determined to transform IMSU into a benchmark for Nigerian academia,” he vowed.
Vice-Chancellor Uche Chukwumaeze and other university leaders attended the meeting, underscoring their commitment to collaboration. Uzodimma closed by urging persistent effort: “History will judge us by how decisively we act now.”
As IMSU begins this critical overhaul, stakeholders await tangible results in combating corruption, modernizing infrastructure, and restoring academic integrity. The institution’s ability to reinvent itself could set a precedent for higher education reform nationwide. Success hinges on sustained political will, transparent governance, and a shared vision to nurture future leaders—a challenge the university’s leadership must now embrace without hesitation.
