Extend Your Frontier Beyond Traditional Teaching, Soludo Urges Academics

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has called on academics to broaden their engagement beyond conventional teaching roles, urging them to become catalysts for societal transformation.

Governor Soludo made this appeal while addressing a gathering of educators and higher education stakeholders during the Higher Education Stakeholders Forum held at the Women’s Development Center, Awka.

In his address, the Governor challenged the outdated perception of academia as a cloistered profession solely dedicated to classroom instruction.

“As academics, you cannot afford the secluded prestige of just teaching. You must have the capacity to multitask,” he stated.

He emphasized the critical integration of teaching, research, and community service as pillars of the academic vocation, placing particular emphasis on community engagement, which he described as “even more important.”

Governor Soludo acknowledged the structural and systemic challenges facing educational institutions in developing nations like Nigeria. Nevertheless, he insisted that these constraints should not limit the impact of educators.

“You can multitask and still excel in all sectors,” he stated.

He encouraged the academic community to recognize and harness their potential as agents of social progress.

Issuing a “call to action,” the Governor urged scholars to move beyond the production of academic papers and theoretical research.

“These contributions are necessary but not sufficient,” “We must translate academic knowledge into practical solutions that meet the needs of society.”he stated.

He expressed confidence in the intellectual and creative capacity of the academic community.

“Many of you have brilliant ideas and solutions. I urge you to bring them to life. Let us drive positive change together,” he said.

He however reaffirmed his commitment to developing Anambra State across all sectors.

Delivering a keynote address, Barr. Osita Chidoka explored the vital intersection of education and development, urging Anambra to stay on course under Governor Soludo’s leadership.

Chidoka drew attention to the rapidly evolving global landscape.“The world is about to change,” he warned, praising Governor Soludo’s foresight and proactive governance.

He stressed that sustainable success is rooted not in luck but in focus, discipline, and perseverance. Chidoka challenged stakeholders to embrace these virtues in advancing the state’s educational agenda.

Importantly, he reframed the discourse around education as a matter of social justice, not benevolence.

“Education is not charity it is justice.

“We must recommit ourselves to the ongoing transformation in our educational system.”he added.

Chidoka advocated for a renewed four-year mandate for Governor Soludo, arguing that deepening reforms require continuity and stable leaderships.

Earlier in the forum, Professor Kate Omenugha, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, called for introspection within the academic sector.

She said Education and politics are deeply intertwined, emphasizing the influence of leadership in shaping educational outcomes.

“Who is at the helm of affairs matters.”he said.

She urged educators to actively assume the role of thought leaders and to contribute constructively to the development of the state.

“Our duty is to build, not destroy,” she stated.

He emphasized the need for unity and long-term thinking to safeguard the future.

Also speaking at the forum, Prof. Casimir Ani expressed strong support for the reforms being implemented by Governor Soludo in the education sector.

He called on the academic community—and indeed all ndi Anambra—to stand firmly behind the Governor, especially as the state prepares for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.