SUMAS Marks Founders’ Day with Stirring Reflections on University Education and the Crisis of Values in Nigeria
The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno (SUMAS) celebrated its Founders’ Day in a grand and reflective ceremony that brought together academia, government officials, religious leaders, and members of the wider community in a remarkable gathering of intellect and purpose.
Founders Day Courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor
In the early hours of Monday, 16th February 2026, the Founders’ Day celebration commenced with a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, followed by his ceremonial procession to the main arena, marking the formal beginning of the event.
The highlight of the event was the Founders’ Day Lecture delivered by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, whose thought-provoking presentation centered on the theme: “University Education and Crises of Values in Nigeria.” The celebration served not only as a commemoration of the vision behind the establishment of SUMAS but also as a platform for deep national reflection on the moral and educational direction of the country.
Founders Day Lecturer, His Lordship Bishop Godfrey Onah
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese underscored the urgent need for Nigerian universities to reclaim their role as centers of moral formation and ethical leadership. He argued that while institutions of higher learning have made significant strides in academic and professional training, there is a growing disconnect between knowledge acquisition and value orientation.
According to him, Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges, including corruption, indiscipline, erosion of public trust, and weak institutional accountability, are fundamentally rooted in a crisis of values. He maintained that university education must transcend the mere awarding of degrees and instead focus on shaping character, instilling integrity, and promoting a culture of responsibility and service.
“Education without values,” he noted, “is incomplete. Universities must produce graduates who are not only intellectually sound but morally upright and socially responsible.”
The Bishop further emphasized that lecturers, administrators, and policymakers share a collective responsibility in rebuilding a value-driven society. He called for curriculum reforms that integrate ethics, civic responsibility, and leadership training into academic programs. He also commended SUMAS for its specialized focus in medical and applied sciences, noting that healthcare education, in particular, demands the highest standards of ethical conduct and compassion.
The audience listened with rapt attention as he concluded with a passionate appeal for Nigerian universities to become beacons of hope, integrity, and transformation in the nation’s quest for sustainable development.
Vice-Chancellor SUMAS delivering his welcome address
In his opening address, the Vice-Chancellor of SUMAS warmly welcomed dignitaries, staff, students, and invited guests to the Founders’ Day celebration. He described the occasion as a significant milestone in the history of the institution, a moment to reflect on its humble beginnings, celebrate achievements, and chart a course for the future.
Invited Guests
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the steady growth of SUMAS in academic programs, infrastructure development, and institutional partnerships. He reiterated the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community service, emphasizing that SUMAS was established to address critical gaps in medical and applied sciences education in Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
He noted that Founders’ Day is not merely ceremonial but symbolic of the university’s enduring mission to build a new generation of professionals grounded in competence and character. Echoing the theme of the lecture, he stressed that academic excellence must be accompanied by ethical discipline and value reorientation.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to the Bishop for accepting the invitation to deliver the lecture and commended the state government for its consistent support toward the growth and stability of the institution.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of SUMAS, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, described Founders’ Day as an occasion of gratitude and renewal. He paid tribute to the visionaries who conceived the idea of establishing SUMAS and applauded the management for sustaining that vision through dedication and prudent leadership.
SUMAS Pro-Chancello, delivering his Founders Day Address
Msgr. Prof. Ike stressed the importance of ethical governance in universities, noting that institutions of higher learning must exemplify transparency, accountability, and fairness in their operations. He emphasized that leadership in academia carries a moral burden and must reflect the highest standards of integrity.
Referring to the theme of the lecture, he stated that the crisis of values confronting Nigeria can only be addressed when educational institutions deliberately prioritize moral formation alongside intellectual development. He encouraged staff and students of SUMAS to uphold discipline, professionalism, and a culture of excellence in all their endeavors.
The Pro-Chancellor further reaffirmed the Governing Council’s commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks that promote innovation, research excellence, and responsible management practices.
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, was ably represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu.
Prof. George Ugwu, Commissioner for Health Enugu State ably representing the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah during the Founders’ Day celebration
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner conveyed the Governor’s warm felicitations to the management, staff, and students of SUMAS on the occasion of their Founders’ Day celebration. He commended the university for its remarkable strides in advancing healthcare education and professional training within the state.
He described SUMAS as a strategic institution playing a vital role in strengthening the healthcare delivery system of Enugu State through quality education and research. The Commissioner assured the university of the state government’s unwavering support in providing the necessary infrastructure and policy backing to enable it to fulfill its mandate effectively.
He also expressed gratitude to the Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese for his insightful lecture and thanked all distinguished guests and stakeholders who took time out of their busy schedules to honor the invitation to the Founders’ Day celebration. According to him, their presence signified collective commitment to educational advancement and value restoration in society.
The Founders’ Day celebration at SUMAS was marked by a strong spirit of unity, intellectual engagement, and institutional pride. Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the event provided an important platform for dialogue on the intersection between education and national development.
Dignitaries cutting the SUMAS anniversary cake
Participants left the ceremony inspired by the powerful message that universities must lead the charge in addressing Nigeria’s moral and developmental challenges. The emphasis on value-based education resonated deeply with the academic community and stakeholders present.
As SUMAS continues to consolidate its place as a center of excellence in medical and applied sciences education, the Founders’ Day celebration served as a reminder that the true measure of success lies not only in academic achievements but also in the character and integrity of its graduates.
In commemorating its founding ideals, SUMAS reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing professionals who are competent, compassionate, and committed to nation-building. The celebration concluded with renewed optimism that through collective effort, visionary leadership, and value-driven education, Nigerian universities can indeed shape a brighter and more ethical future for the nation.
