The Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, has called for increased private sector participation in the development of Nigeria’s education sector, stressing that government alone cannot adequately address the funding and infrastructure challenges confronting tertiary institutions.
Professor Onuchuku made the appeal during the official handover of the Professor Okechuku Onuchuku Building, which houses the Okey Onuchuku Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, to the management of the university.
The newly completed facility was formally commissioned on Wednesday by the Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Dr Chinyere Igwe, in the presence of academics, peace advocates, conflict resolution experts, students and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Onuchuku said the project was inspired by his passion for peacebuilding and conflict resolution. He explained that the building was funded through proceeds realised from the launch of two volumes of a book titled Perspectives on Nigeria’s Development: Essays in Honour of Okechuku Onuchuku, unveiled during celebrations marking his 60th birthday.
According to him, the project also benefited from contributions by members of the university community, including the 12th Governing Council, management, faculties, departments and other units of the institution.
The Vice Chancellor emphasised that sustainable growth in higher education requires collaborative efforts between government, private individuals, corporate organisations and alumni, noting that many of the world’s leading universities have flourished through endowments, donations and philanthropic interventions.
He further observed that investing in education remains one of the most enduring ways to contribute to society and create a lasting legacy.
The institute, he said, represents a strategic investment in peace studies and conflict management, disciplines that have become increasingly important in addressing contemporary social, political and security challenges.
“Investing in education is the surest path to self-immortalisation,” Professor Onuchuku remarked, stressing that meaningful contributions to learning and human development continue to impact society long after individuals leave public office.
Commissioning the building, Dr Chinyere Igwe commended the Vice Chancellor for delivering what he described as a landmark project for the institution.
He praised Professor Onuchuku’s vision and commitment to educational development and pledged the Governing Council’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence.
Dr Igwe expressed confidence that the institute would enhance research, teaching and community engagement in the areas of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of the Okey Onuchuku Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, Professor Kingdom Nwaenyi, described the project as the first major legacy initiative undertaken by a Vice Chancellor since the institution attained university status.
He lauded Professor Onuchuku for successfully delivering the project despite prevailing economic challenges and rising construction costs.
Professor Nwaenyi noted that the establishment of the institute would contribute significantly to scholarship, research and policy discussions in peace and conflict studies, while also providing a platform for postgraduate training in the discipline.
He expressed optimism that the institute would emerge as a leading centre for research and practical solutions to conflicts affecting communities, organisations and governments.
The event also witnessed commitments from a cross-section of peace advocates, conflict resolution experts and student leaders, who pledged their support for the activities of the institute in promoting peace and social cohesion within Rivers State, Nigeria and beyond.
Observers at the ceremony described the project as a significant milestone in the development of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, particularly at a time when inadequate funding and infrastructure remain among the greatest challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The institute has already commenced postgraduate programmes, while Professor Chibuzor Nwobueze, a professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, has been appointed as the occupant of the endowed professorial chair.
Stakeholders noted that beyond its physical structure, the institute symbolises a broader commitment to advancing scholarship, promoting peaceful coexistence and developing practical solutions to societal challenges through research and education.
For many within the university community, the project stands as a demonstration of visionary leadership and philanthropy, reflecting the transformative impact that individual commitment can have on institutional growth and national development.
As Ignatius Ajuru University of Education continues its expansion, the establishment of the Okey Onuchuku Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies is expected to serve as a lasting legacy, fostering intellectual engagement and contributing to the pursuit of peace, stability and sustainable development for generations to come.
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