It is incontestable that Imo State in Southeast, Nigeria,ranks first among the other states in terms of the presence of tertiary institutions. Today,in Nigeria, Imo also has the highest presence of government-owned tertiary institutions – excluding privately-owned ones. These institutions range from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
In Imo State, there is a mix of both federal and state tertiary institutions. From the federal government angle,we have the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO),Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education,Owerri (AIFUE),Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (PolyNek), and Federal College of Land Resources,Owerri. From the State government, there are the Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU),Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ideato (KOMU),University of Agriculture,and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, as well as the newly established Federal University, Okigwe. There is also the B.U. Nzeribe Polytechnic(formerly Imo State Polytechnic),Awo Omama, Benjamin Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma and recently, Ikeduru College of Education, Atta – owned by the missionary (Anglican Church).
In all,the beauty of these tertiary institutions in Imo is that they offer prospective indigenes of the State seeking admissions, a plethora of opportunities to choose from. This is a privilege.
It is not arguable that education is one of the greatest industries in Imo State. Both the government and the people of Imo State do not compromise the importance attached to education in the state.
That Imo boasts of several tertiary institutions is not a happenstance. It is a product of commitment and years of unshakeable devotion to what is right and progressive.
Nigerian Horn Newspaper is pleased to note that tertiary education seekers in Imo have been provided with a variety of options to choose from. The presence of many tertiary institutions has, by all indices, simplifies the admission process for the youths in Imo. They do not need to look elsewhere for their admission needs.
While Nigerian Horn Newspaper urges parents and guardians of prospective tertiary education admission seekers in Imo to maximize the benefits drivable from the proximity of these institutions to them,it also insists that the institutions should not compromise standards no matter the circumstances. The universities should, at all times, strive to operate competitively with their peers in other parts of the country and prove their mettle.
The quality of any institution’s standards defines its rating by both the regulatory authorities and the people. This must be borne in mind by the management of these institutions. A compromised standard of education is a threat to educational growth and development.
