By Uzoma Akobundu
The dream of establishing a private university in Mbaise, a place in Imo State where the people are noted for their erudition and intellectualism will dominate discussion at this year’s Mbaise People’s Congress (MPC) Colloquium.
The 23rd edition of the annual Mbaise Colloquium organised by MPC, will hold on Tuesday August 14, 2018 at the prestigious Chris VI Hotels & Resorts Ahiara, Mbaise Imo State. The event is billed to kick off by 11 00 am.
Professor Poly Chigbu, immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka will be the Chairman of the Colloquium where the theme: “Actualization of De Mbaise University (DMU), A Private Sector Initiative” will be examined.
A statement from the organising committee for the event said the Key Note Speaker will be Engineer Chimaobi Ibeneche, former Managing Director Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).
“The Paper Presenters will be: Prof. Mrs. Joy Nwabueze, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University Umudike and Prof Julian Osuji, First Vice Chancellor Arthur Jarvis University Akpabuyo, Cross-River State.
“The discussants for the actualization of the University will be Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Chief Financial Officer Zenith Bank Plc and Prof. George Akalefu Anyanwu of the Federal University of Technology Owerri.
“His Royal Highness, Eze Leo Nwokocha, Ato Dire, Choko Arugwu of Umunneato Ngwuru Community, Chairman Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers will be the Royal Father of the Day.
“The Guests of Honour at the Colloquium are: Bar Cyril Anyanwu, President General, Ezuruezu Mbaise
Rt. Hon Chukwuemeka Ihedioha, Former Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Frank Nneji, Founder ABC Transport Plc. Mr. Okechukwu Ezeh President OTEF Foundation and Dr. Steve Uwazie MD Net Solutions Ltd,
“All Gubernatorial Aspirants in Imo State have been invited as special guests.
“The event will be anchored by Nollywood Star Chief Victor Osuagwu.”
Chairman of the 2018 Colloquium Organizing Committee, Ifeanyi Uruakpa said that “this year’s Colloquium will examine the realisation of the lofty dream of establishing a private university in Mbaise, considering the human resources that abound and the quest for higher education by the populace who are not able to secure admission in universities across the country and beyond.”
He added that “the non-political and non-religious organisation of professionals of Mbaise origin is committed to providing a redirection towards social, political, economic and cultural development and progress of Mbaise land.”
National President of MPC, Ochiagha Carl Azudibia stated that the body has existed since 1994 and has organised the Mbaise Colloquium since 1995.
He recalled that several erudite intellectuals have delivered papers at the Mbaise Colloquium and the Annual Mbaise Professionals Get Together, including Prof T. Uzodinma Nwala, late Prof. Celestine Onwuliri, Prof Enyioma Anyanwu, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, Prof Pat. Utomi, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Prof Osita Ogbu, Dr. Chris Asoluka, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, Mr Chidi Okoro and Prof Fabian Ajogwu SAN.
He said this year’s event will not be any less significant.