SUMAS Deepens Community Relations with Host Communities
January 10, 2025
By Asogwa Oluchi (SUMAS PRO)
The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) Igbo-Eno, Enugu State in an inspiring gesture of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), recently hosted a high-profile visit from its host communities, led by Mr. Charles Mba and the Igwes’ of the four communities that make-up the Igbo-Eno community which include Orba, Ovoko, Iheaka and Imilike communities. The visiting delegation met with the university’s leadership on January 10, 2025, at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences auditorium of State University of Medical and Applied Sciences Igbo-Eno. The meeting, which was attended by the Principal Officers of the University, Deans and other members of SUMAS staff and Community leaders, was centered on strengthening the bond between the institution and the host communities, with a specific focus on fostering peaceful co-existence, building harmonious relationships, and enhancing security in the University and the host Communities.
Group picture of SUMAS Principal Officers, the Chairmen of Udenu and Igbo-Eze South LGA all the Igwes of Host communities and some Community Leaders during the visit.
At the heart of the visit was a shared desire for progress and mutual understanding between SUMAS and host Communities. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Chukwuma Ogbonna, welcomed the delegation with warmth and enthusiasm, stressing the University’s commitment to being a good neighbour and to partner with the Communities. The Vice-Chancellor in his opening remark highlighted the critical importance of collaboration between the University and the surrounding Communities, particularly in fostering security and peace. He emphasized that when both the Institution and the host Communities work together, it leads to an environment that is conducive for growth, development, and shared prosperity.
Group picture of SUMAS Principal Officers, LGA Chairmen and Community Leaders from Orba .
Prof. Ogbonna appealed for the strengthening of security measures that would benefit both the University and the host Communities. The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that a secure environment is a fundamental requirement for progress, especially as it relates to the safety of students, staff, and the broader Community. He also assured the visiting Community leaders of the University’s readiness to maintain open lines of communication, offering a willingness to collaborate on any matter of mutual interest.
The Igwes that were present in the meeting responded warmly and accordingly to the Vice-Chancellor’s comments, expressing their gratitude for the University’s ongoing efforts to support the host Communities. They stressed that the villages were fully committed to working alongside the University to ensure the safety of the entire area. They pointed out that the Community leaders were united in their mission to curb crime and other social vices, recognizing that collaboration with the University would only serve to strengthen their collective efforts.
Group picture of SUMAS Principal Officers, LGA Chairmen and Community Leaders from Iheaka.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the discussion on security concerns. The Leaders assured the University that the host Communities were working together to combat crime and ensure the safety of both their people and the University’s staff and students. They described the efforts of the host communities as “all-hands-on-deck,” with each Community actively engaging in measures to promote peace and security. This open and cooperative approach underscored the commitment of the host Communities to safeguarding the development of the region.
Group picture of SUMAS Principal Officers, LGA Chairmen and Community Leaders from Imilike
In addition to security concerns, the elders expressed the Community’s desire for greater educational opportunities for their children. They pointed out that while the University had already contributed significantly to the development of the local area, there was an opportunity for deeper engagement through the provision of educational access to qualified individuals from the host communities. They specifically requested that sons and daughters of the villages be given opportunities for admission into SUMAS, provided they meet the necessary academic requirements. They emphasized that such opportunities would not only uplift the individual students but would also strengthen the relationship between the University and the surrounding areas, fostering a sense of ownership and shared investment in the institution’s success.
Prof. Ogbonna responded positively to the request, assuring the delegation that the University would explore ways to ensure greater inclusivity for the host Communities in its admissions process. Prof. Ogbonna reiterated the University’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and a partner in the region’s continued development.
The courtesy visit which had in attendance several key officials of the University that included Prof. James Chukwuma Ogbonna, the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, Mr. Anselem Onah, Dr. Mrs. Monica Eze, the University Librarian, Dr. Elvis Ozoadibe, the University Bursar. Other notable attendees included Prof. Cletus Uche Eze, the Dean Student Affairs, Prof. C. Ugwoke Eze, the Dean Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Euzebius Ezugwu, Dean Faculty of Clinical Medicine, some HODs and other staff members.
Group picture of SUMAS Principal Officers, LGA Chairmen and Community Leaders from Ovoko
Prominent among the visitors were the Executive Chairman Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ugo- Ferdinand Ukwueze and the Vice-Chairman Udenu Local Government Area, Hon. Odo Anthonia Onyinye, who ably represented the Executive Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Hon. Aka Eze Aka.
The delegation of the host Communities was equally diverse, with several respected Community leaders in attendance. Among them were Chief Hon. Mba Charles, President General of Orba Udu General Assembly, HRH, Igwe, Dr. Emmanuel Ukwueze, Igwe of Ulunya Ovoko, Chief Hon. Ike Okeanya JP, the Prime Minister of Umuokara Orba community and HRH, Igwe, Dr. C.C Nnamani Likke Ihe-Aka Community, alongside a host of other Community Leaders. Their collective inputs during the discussions illustrated the shared vision of both the University and the Communities’ for a more prosperous and secure future.
Through initiatives like this, SUMAS is demonstrating its commitment to being an integral part of its Community, embodying the principles of CSR that prioritize mutual understanding, cooperation, and the well-being of all involved. As the relationship between SUMAS and the host Communities continues to evolve, it is clear that both sides are committed to ensuring a future that is defined by collaboration, peace, and shared prosperity.
Centre: SUMAS VC, Prof J.C Ogbonna, (L-R) Registrar SUMAS Mr. Anselem Onah, Vice-Chairman Udenu Local Government Area Hon. Odo Anthonia, Rep. of Executive Chairman Udenu Local Government Area, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, the Executive Chairman, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area and the University Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Monica Eze.
