Imo State University (IMSU), located in Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, Nigeria, is a prominent academic institution with a rich history and legacy. Established in 1981 by the law passed by the Imo State House of Assembly members, the university has grown into one of the leading educational institutions in southeastern Nigeria. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences, making it a key contributor to higher education in the region.
##Foundation and Early Years
Imo State University was officially founded in 1981 by the Imo State Government under the leadership of then-Governor, Dr. Achike Udenwa. The establishment of the university was part of the state government's vision to provide quality tertiary education to the people of Imo State and its neighboring regions. It was conceived as a way to help address the growing demand for higher education in Nigeria, particularly within the southeastern geopolitical zone.
Initially, the university started small, with its primary aim to provide accessible education to students from the state and beyond. The early years saw the establishment of a number of faculties, including those for arts, sciences, and social sciences. The university gradually began to grow in both size and academic stature, attracting students from across the country. It was equipped with a commitment to fostering research and academic excellence.
##Growth and Development
Over the years, IMSU has seen significant development in terms of infrastructure, academic programs, and research output. The university's campus, which initially had modest facilities, has since evolved into a modern academic complex with state-of-the-art lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and hostel accommodations.
The establishment of new faculties and departments was a key part of the university's growth. This expansion enabled IMSU to diversify its academic offerings and respond to the evolving needs of the job market. Among the notable additions was the Faculty of Medicine, which was established to address the healthcare needs of the region and to produce highly skilled medical professionals.
In addition to academic progress, IMSU has also contributed to the region's social and economic development through various community service initiatives. These initiatives are aligned with the university's mission to provide not just education but also solutions to local and national challenges.
##Academic Excellence and Research
Imo State University places a strong emphasis on academic excellence and research. The university is home to highly qualified professors and lecturers who are dedicated to teaching and conducting research in their respective fields. IMSU has steadily built a reputation for producing graduates who are well-equipped for both national and international careers.
The university has also established numerous research centers that focus on various fields, including the humanities, health sciences, engineering, and technology. These research centers contribute to the advancement of knowledge and provide a platform for both students and faculty members to collaborate on projects that can have a significant impact on society.
In terms of academic collaboration, IMSU has established partnerships with universities and institutions both within Nigeria and abroad. These collaborations help to enhance the quality of education and open up opportunities for student and staff exchange programs, research partnerships, and joint ventures.
##Campus Life
Imo State University offers a vibrant campus life, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and societies that cater to a wide range of interests. From academic clubs to cultural organizations, IMSU students have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities that enrich their university experience.
The university's sports teams also contribute to campus life, with students participating in various sporting events and competitions. This helps to foster teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness among the students.
The university’s student population is diverse, with students coming from various ethnic backgrounds across Nigeria. This diversity is a reflection of the institution’s inclusive nature and its commitment to offering opportunities for individuals from different regions to pursue higher education.
##The Present Vice Chancellor
Professor Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze, a distinguished legal scholar and practitioner, currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU) in Owerri, Nigeria. He holds a Ph.D. in Law and has an impressive academic and professional trajectory. After earning a Second Class Upper Division in both his undergraduate studies at Abia State University and at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, he began his academic career at Abia State University in 1995. He advanced through the ranks to become an Associate Professor in 2009 and a full Professor of Public Law in 2012.
In 2019, Professor Chukwumaeze was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), becoming the first and only academic SAN from Imo State. His contributions to the legal profession include serving on the Legal Profession Regulation Review Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2017, which was tasked with overhauling laws related to the legal profession. He also participated in drafting the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill for Imo State in 2020 and was a member of the Review Committee on Allocation of Lands in Imo State from 2007 to 2019. Currently, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Nigerian Bar Association Journal.
As Vice Chancellor of IMSU, Professor Chukwumaeze has implemented significant reforms aimed at enhancing the university's academic standards and administrative efficiency. He established a Faculty of Media Studies, transforming the former Department of Mass Communication into a full-fledged faculty. He also initiated the Institute of Atmospheric Research, positioning IMSU alongside institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Uyo in this specialized field. Under his leadership, IMSU has been registered with the Commonwealth of Nigerian Universities and the African Union of Universities, elevating its international profile.
Professor Chukwumaeze has prioritized staff welfare by clearing arrears of promotions and sponsoring over 100 lecturers to workshops and conferences. He has also addressed issues of corruption and misconduct within the university by implementing an open-door policy, suspending lecturers for unprofessional behavior, and ensuring timely release of examination results. His administration has restored confidence among students by conducting transparent elections for the Students' Union and establishing a university press. Additionally, IMSU now operates a Micro Finance Bank and a medical center that meets high standards.
Through these initiatives, Professor Chukwumaeze has significantly contributed to the advancement of Imo State University, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and integrity.
For a more in-depth understanding of Professor Chukwumaeze's vision and achievements, you may find the following interview insightful:
##Faculties Available
The list of faculties available at IMSU is as follows;
Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
Faculty of Business Administration
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Environmental Science
Faculty of Health Science
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Social Sciences