In a bid to improve the investment in education, as well as expand the frontiers of education, so as to create more quality manpower and more progressive and prosperous State, the Imo State House Of Assembly has urged the State Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to convert Mgbidi Boys Secondary School in Oru-West local government area to a higher institution.
Moving the Motion during Plenary on Tuesday 25/02/2025, the Member Representing Oru-West State Constituency, Hon Barrister Dominic Ugochukwu Ezerioha explained that the number of candidates from Imo State seeking University admissions yearly are enormous, and as such, more higher institutions are required in the state, to accommodate the huge number. Hon Ezerioha further stated that the premises of Mgbidi Boys Secondary School has almost what it takes to accommodate a Higher Institution as required under the laws of National University Commission (NUC), noting that the school’s proximity, size, structure, location and area are enough to cite a University, Polytechnic, College Of Education, Technical College etc, in addition to the fact that Mgbidi community is a hospitable community.
While commending Governor Uzodimma for fencing the school, the Ranking lawmaker further argued that since a small portion of the school is being used as Mgbidi Boys Secondary, due to lack of students population and academic activities, and the subtle moves by neighbouring communities and villages to claim parts of the lands belonging to the school, it would be right if the State Government upgrades it to a Higher Institution, while relocating the Secondary School to another community in Mgbidi.
The Motion which received endorsement from Honourable Members, was seconded by the Member Representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency, Hon Sir Clinton Amadi, and was co-sponsored by the following lawmakers :
- Hon Chigozie Nwaneri.
- Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi.
- Rt Honourable Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh.
- Hon Prince Obinna Ambrose Egu, PhD.
- Hon Sam Nkem Otuibe.
- Hon Johnson Iheonukara Duru.
- Hon Francis Uche Agabige.
- Hon Clinton Amadi.
- Hon Chisom Ojukwu.
- Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie.
- Hon Henry Agbasonu.
- Hon Uzoma Francis Osuoha.
- Hon Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie.
- Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji.
- Hon Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu.
Supporting the Motion, the Chief Whip And Member Representing Oru-East State Constituency, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri noted that Mgbidi Boys Secondary School, as presently constituted, has a small student population, when compared with the size of the school which already has modern structures that can be used for a higher institution. He appealed that the school, which is the Alma Mater of Governor Uzodimma, be converted to a Higher Institution, to accommodate the growing number of students seeking admissions yearly. According to him, it will reduce crime, as those who indulge in crimes are illiterates. In his words, the Oru-East lawmaker said, “the crime rate, instability, unemployment rate and unemployability of youths in a particular area is measured by the State of Education and Investment in Education in that area. We thank God that Governor Hope Uzodimma is doing much in Education. We need more higher institution so that our children can be offered admissions”.
Also, supporting the Motion, the Member Representing Nkwerre State Constituency, Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu said that since Mgbidi Boys Secondary School possess the requirements for a higher institution, including size, structures and proximity, the needful should be done, as Imo State needs more higher institutions to accommodate the growing number of students seeking admissions.
Satisfied with the submissions of his Honourable Colleagues, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, who presided, put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows :
- Be It Resolved By This Honourable House To Urge His Excellency, The Governor Of Imo State, To Convert Mgbidi Boys Secondary School Mgbidi in Oru-West LGA To A Higher Institution And Relocate The Same Mgbidi Boys Secondary School To Another Community In Mgbidi.
The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to His Excellency The Governor.
Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha
06/03/2025
