The Seven man committee chaired by Prof. Anya O. Anya and Prof Ikechi Mgbeoji as Secretary,has as it’s members, Dr. Isaac Nnadi,Chief Mrs Uwaoma Olewengwa,Prof. Benjamin Ozurumba, Prof .John Ogunji and Prof. Nduka Ekere,
and have eight weeks to submit it’s report.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Committee at Government House Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu who described the establishment of the University in Abia as a Pan African project said the essence of the University was to produce manpower that would assist in the Socio economic development of the South East zone especially in the area of science and technology.
While stressing the need for Ndi Igbo to veer into light manufacturing as an alternative way of survival,the governor noted that the reason for the establishment of the University of Science and Technology was to cater for middle and high cadre manpower to drive the economy adding that human capital development was the way to go
in order to enhance productivity and economic growth.
He gave the terms of reference of the committee to include; exploring the viability of siting the University in Aba, give options for funding,leverage on the Small and Medium Enterprises and commercial activities in Aba to drive the university as well as take note of the rich human capital available in Aba and explore the possibility of collaboration with development partners.
The establishment a University of Science and Technology according to Governor Ikpeazu would tackle the issue of unemployment, promote manufacturing of spare parts, and implementation of innovative developmental ideas which will serve not only Abians but the entire South East zone and Nigeria at large.
He charged the members of the committee to leverage on comparative advantages available in the state in completing the assignment within record time.
Governor Ikpeazu while noting that the the project would become the fulcrum which would drive new vistas of development,further urged the committee members to be compelled by a high sense of patriotism to complete the project and expressed confidence that the committee would deliver on their assignment.
Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the Committee, Professor Anya O. Anya while commending Governor Ikpeazu for setting up the Committee, described science and technology as the energy that drives industrial development,noting that there cannot be an effective Enyimba Economic City without science and technology.
He assured that the committee would do everything within its powers to achieve the Governor’s vision.
