Expand your roles beyond traditional teaching, Soludo tells teachers

---

Gov. Soludo addressing the academic community in Awka

---

By Madu Obi

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

The governor, who spoke during a gathering of Higher Education Stakeholders Forum at the Women Development Center, Awka, challenged the notion that academia is a secluded profession solely focused on teaching.

The forum was, more or less, an endorsement of the governor by the academic community in the state ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

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

Integrating teaching, research, and community service into the academic framework and placing particular emphasis on the latter is more important", Soludo stated.

Highlighting the challenges faced by educational institutions in a developing country context, Governor Soludo expressed his belief that it is still possible for educators to excel across multiple domains.

"You can multitask and still excel in all sectors," he asserted, urging them to recognize their potentials to impact society positively.

The governor encouraged educators to move beyond merely producing articles and research, adding, "These contributions are necessary, but not sufficient."

He also stressed the importance of translating academic knowledge into practical applications that can address societal needs.

"A lot of you have a lot of brilliant things to do," he said, inspiring them to embrace their roles in driving social change. He also promised to continue to contribute his bit in developing Anambra State across sectors.

In a keynote address, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka tackled the critical intersection of education and development in Nigeria, emphasizing 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 described education as a fundamental justice issue, rather than a mere charity initiative and called for a collective recommitment to the educational transformation already underway in the state.

The former Minister 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.

The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor 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.

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

Another speaker, Prof Casmir Ani also lent his voice in supporting the educational revolution of Governor Soludo, which he added, has brought to bear in the sector.

He called on the members of the academic community, and indeed, the entire Anambra people, to continue to support Governor Soludo as the state gears up for governorship election on November 8, 2025.