2025 Guber Campaign: Soludo Urges Academics to Move Beyond Producing Articles, Research

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has emphasized the need for academics to expand their roles beyond traditional teaching.

Soludo gave the advice on Wednesday while addressing gathering of educators and higher education stakeholders at the Higher Education Stakeholders Forum at Women’s Development Center, Awka.

He challenged the notion of academia as a secluded profession solely focused on teaching.

“As academics, you cannot afford the secluded prestige thing of just teaching. You must have the capacity to multi-task,” he said.

Underscoring the importance of integrating teaching, research and community service into the academic framework, Soludo placed particular emphasis on the latter, which he referred to as “more important.”

He highlighted challenges faced by educational institutions in a developing country context, expressing belief of possibility for educators to excel across multiple domains.

“You can multitask and still excel in all sectors but you must have to recognize their potential to impact society positively.

The governor issued a “call to action,” encouraging educators to move beyond merely producing articles and research.

“These contributions are necessary but not sufficient,” he remarked, stressing the importance of translating academic knowledge into practical applications that can address societal needs.

Concluding, Governor Soludo offered words of encouragement, acknowledging the wealth of talent and innovative ideas present among the academic community.

“A lot of you have a lot of brilliant things to do,” he said, inspiring attendees to embrace their roles in driving social change, promising to continue to contribute his bit in developing Anambra state across sectors.

In a keynote address, Barr. Osita Chidoka tackled the critical intersection of education and development in Nigeria.

He emphasized the imperative for Anambra State to remain steadfast in its course under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s leadership.

He noted the imminent changes on the global horizon, asserting that “the world is about to change,” and highlighted Governor Soludo’s understanding of this pivotal moment.

Chidoka stated that success is not a matter of luck but rather a result of focus and perseverance, urging stakeholders to harness these qualities in their efforts to advance education.

He also framed education as a fundamental justice issue rather than a mere charity initiative, calling for a collective recommitment to the educational transformation already underway in the state.

He stressed the importance of investing in education as a vital component of sustainable development, advocating for another four-year commitment under Governor Soludo to deepen the ongoing changes in the state.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof Kate Omenugha, emphasized the importance of introspection within the current educational landscape.

She noted that education and politics are intricately connected, highlighting the significance of leadership in guiding affairs.

“Who is at the helm of affairs is important,” she stated, underscoring the responsibility of educators to actively participate as leaders of thought.

Omenugha called for a collective effort to “build, not destroy,” stressing the need for a constructive approach that will benefit future generations.