Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)

[Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) @OfFosad]

Happy New Year to all FOSAD members!!!

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

SENATOR FADAHUNSI, YOUR MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELIVERED

What happened in Ilesa today is deeply disturbing and should concern every responsible citizen. Reports indicate that eight people were shot today, with two reportedly losing their lives.

Only a few days ago, Senator Fadahunsi was reported to have made a statement calling for Accord Party members to be killed in Ilesa.

Today, we are witnessing a horrifying incident in which people have been shot and lives have reportedly been lost.

Senator Fadahunsi, your message has been delivered but this is not the kind of message any responsible leader should ever want to receive.

Politics should never become a reason for people to kill, maim, intimidate or terrorise one another. Political differences must be settled through dialogue, the ballot box and the rule of law, not through violence.

We therefore call on the security agencies and relevant authorities to immediately investigate what happened in Ilesa today, protect innocent residents, and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice, regardless of their political affiliation or status.

Ilesa belongs to all of us. No political ambition is worth a single human life.

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

PRESS STATEMENT

*FOSAD Condemns Suspension of Prof Nnamdi Nwaeze by Abia State University Over Social Media Critique, Says University is Not a Military Barracks*

The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) rejects the suspension of Professor Nnamdi Chinwendu Nwaeze of the Department of Economics, Abia State University (ABSU) by the university management over a Facebook post in which he raised concerns about staff welfare, unpaid entitlements, poor remuneration and the general condition of academic staff in the institution.

The suspension, announced by the management of Abia State University on Thursday, 13th August 2026, followed a social media post in which Professor Nwaeze stated, among other issues, that tricycle operators popularly known as Keke riders earn more than professors in ABSU. He also highlighted several welfare-related matters affecting lecturers and other staff members of the university.

FOSAD views this action as a clear case of victimization, intimidation and an infringement on the fundamental right to freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Academic freedom remains one of the pillars upon which universities are founded, and no scholar should be punished for raising legitimate concerns about the welfare of university staff and the future of public higher education.

A university is not a military barracks or a political institution where dissenting opinions are suppressed. A citadel of learning such as ABSU ought to be a bastion of intellectual freedom where academics can freely interrogate policies, cross-fertilize ideas and contribute to public discourse for the betterment of society. Silencing scholars through suspension sends a dangerous signal to the academic community and undermines the culture of critical inquiry that universities are meant to nurture.

Rather than suspend an erudite scholar who courageously drew public attention to pressing welfare issues, FOSAD expected the ABSU management to engage constructively with the matters raised by Professor Nwaeze. His post raised serious allegations regarding lecturers’ salaries, unpaid promotion arrears, unimplemented salary structures, outstanding deductions and poor staff welfare. These are substantive issues that deserve urgent investigation and remedial action, not punitive measures against the messenger.

FOSAD is particularly concerned that the suspension may create a chilling effect on other academics who may wish to speak on matters affecting the university system. Institutions of higher learning thrive when scholars can speak truthfully without fear of persecution.

We therefore call on the management and Governing Council of Abia State University to immediately reverse the suspension of Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze and restore him to his duties without any form of discrimination.

FOSAD also calls on the Visitor to Abia State University and Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, to urgently intervene in this matter. Governor Otti has earned commendation in many quarters for his developmental efforts, and allowing this suspension to stand may unnecessarily tarnish his image as the Best Performing Governor in the South-East geopolitical zone.

Furthermore, we urge the Abia State Government to address the welfare concerns raised by ASUU-ABSU members and initiate meaningful dialogue with the union to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute in the interest of students, staff and the future of education in the state.

FOSAD stands in solidarity with Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze and all academics who continue to defend truth, justice, academic freedom and institutional integrity.

Signed:

Dr. Stephen Nwala
President
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)

Dr. Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary-General
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

‘I have never slept with another woman since I married my wife – Aregbesola https://t.co/oi7rw0R8WD

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

2027: I will still support Peter Obi, nothing has significantly changed - Dr Oby Ezekwesili https://t.co/pQWrEw7QdZ

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

'I never said military should reject salary increase' - Peter Obi https://t.co/F9GeGv5IDo

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

Police confirm death of 23-year-old Law School student who jumped from four-storey hostel building https://t.co/qgOBSHC7OQ

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

Air Peace Flight operations grounded nationwide https://t.co/cIhPCzwZnK

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

Three Suspected Kidnappers Linked to Enugu Catholic Church Attack Identified as Security Operatives Recover Arms and Cash https://t.co/FwWyAOe2mG

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

Primary and Secondary school certificates should be the basic requirement for contesting election in Nigeria.

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

PRESS STATEMENT

*FOSAD Urges Review of Lecturers’ Salaries to a Minimum of N500,000 in Public and Private Institutions*

The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has called on the Federal Government, State Governments, proprietors of private universities and other tertiary institutions to urgently review the salaries of lecturers upward to not less than N500,000 monthly, in view of the harsh economic realities, persistent hyperinflation, and the rapidly declining purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

FOSAD notes with deep concern that lecturers in both public and private institutions have continued to bear the brunt of the current economic crisis despite their critical role in teaching, research, innovation, and national development. The present salary structure for many academics can no longer guarantee a decent standard of living.

The Forum aligns itself with the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the organised labour movement in demanding a significant upward review of workers’ wages across the country. The call for improved remuneration is not only justified but necessary for social stability and sustainable development.

Over the past three years, the purchasing power of workers has been severely eroded. Prices of food items, clothing, housing, transportation, healthcare, electricity, and other essential goods and services have risen astronomically. Many lecturers now spend a substantial proportion of their earnings on feeding alone, while rent, school fees for their children, and medical expenses have become increasingly unaffordable.

FOSAD observes that the current economic situation has pushed many academics into financial distress, forcing some to seek multiple jobs to survive. This trend poses a serious threat to the quality of teaching, research productivity, mentorship, and the overall integrity of the nation’s higher education system.

The Forum therefore insists that a minimum salary benchmark of N500,000 for lecturers should be adopted across public and private tertiary institutions as an immediate relief measure, while a comprehensive salary review mechanism tied to inflation and cost-of-living indices should also be institutionalised.

FOSAD further urges the Federal Government to engage sincerely with organised labour and other stakeholders in order to arrive at a realistic and sustainable wage structure that reflects prevailing economic conditions. Employers in the private education sector should equally recognise that quality education cannot be achieved when academic staff are poorly remunerated.

Nigeria cannot build a competitive knowledge economy while neglecting those who produce knowledge. Investment in lecturers is an investment in national development, human capital formation, innovation, and economic growth.

The Forum calls on policymakers to treat this matter with urgency and patriotism, as continued neglect of workers’ welfare may deepen poverty, increase brain drain, and further weaken the education sector.

FOSAD remains committed to advocating policies that promote the welfare of academics, improve the quality of education, and advance sustainable development in Nigeria.

Signed:

Dr Stephen Nwala
President, Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)

Dr Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary General
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)

https://t.co/KbcmnYZ7Ws

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

Higher institutions I attended (Part 4): Pan Atlantic University

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

FOSAD Stands with Catholic Bishops: Speaking Truth to Power is a Sacred Duty, Nigerians have Suffered Untold Hardship in the Last Three Years https://t.co/n10bJjzjI1

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

Mary Habila’s Death: FOSAD Demands Credible, Independent and Transparent Investigation https://t.co/vvUW8VfPN4

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

#WhatsTrendingWithOjyOkpe
The unfolding revelations surrounding the alleged fake government agency have raised serious concerns about accountability and oversight within the Tinubu administration. It is difficult to comprehend how an agency could reportedly operate with offices and receive budgetary allocations approved by the National Assembly without the Presidency being aware of its existence. Following the arrest of the alleged fake Director-General in Osun State, further investigations are expected, and additional arrests may follow. Nigerians deserve full transparency and a credible explanation of how such a situation was allowed to occur.

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2026 FOSAD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, EBONYI STATE

The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) successfully held its 2026 International Conference on 2nd and 3rd July 2026 in Ebonyi State under the theme: "Reinvigorating South-East Nigeria Development through Sustainable Education, Agriculture, Health, and Technological Advancement."

The conference brought together distinguished scholars, researchers, policymakers, professionals, and PhD holders from the five states of the South-East geopolitical zone to deliberate on practical strategies for accelerating sustainable regional development through evidence-based policy recommendations and academic engagement.

Following extensive keynote presentations, lead paper presentations, technical sessions, panel discussions, and robust deliberations, participants unanimously adopted the following resolutions:

Conference Resolutions

1. Establishment of Igbo Research Centres
FOSAD shall champion the establishment of Igbo Research Centres in universities and other institutions of higher learning across the South-East to promote indigenous scholarship, preserve the Igbo language and culture, stimulate interdisciplinary research, and generate evidence-based solutions to regional developmental challenges.
2. Development of a South-East Deep Seaport
The Federal Government is urged to prioritise the approval, funding, and construction of a deep seaport in the South-East as a strategic national infrastructure project capable of enhancing maritime trade, reducing logistics costs, expanding export opportunities, and stimulating industrialisation and economic growth.
3. Strategic Role of the South East Development Commission
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) should include the development of a deep seaport among its flagship regional infrastructure projects and facilitate strategic partnerships for its successful implementation.
4. Regional Infrastructure Collaboration
The governments of the five South-East states should establish a Joint Regional Investment Framework to coordinate land acquisition, access roads, rail connectivity, inland logistics, and other complementary infrastructure necessary for sustainable regional economic integration.
5. Investment in Rural Energy Infrastructure
South-East state governments should prioritise investment in reliable and affordable electricity infrastructure for rural agro-processing clusters, recognising energy as the single most critical infrastructure requirement for agricultural industrialisation and rural economic transformation.
6. Strengthening Healthcare and Social Inclusion
Governments across the South-East should integrate comprehensive mental health services into primary healthcare systems while implementing policies that promote the economic participation, inclusion, and empowerment of persons living with disabilities.
7. Promotion of Technical and Vocational Education
Technical and vocational education programmes should leverage schools, small and medium-scale enterprises, established industrial clusters—particularly the Nnewi Industrial Cluster—and innovation laboratories to equip South-East youths with practical entrepreneurial, technological, and industrial skills for wealth creation and sustainable employment.
8. Reform of Basic Education Pedagogy
Ministries of Education across the South-East should institutionalise play-based creative pedagogy within the basic education curriculum through comprehensive teacher training, curriculum review, and continuous professional development to improve learning outcomes and foster creativity among learners.
9. Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Innovation
The South-East should embrace innovative and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, including sack farming, organic livestock production, climate-smart agriculture, and other home-grown food production techniques to enhance food security, improve public health, and reduce dependence on genetically modified food products.
10. Healthcare Systems Reform
Healthcare delivery systems across the South-East should be repositioned through strategic planning, effective governance, improved funding, digital health innovations, workforce development, and efficient management practices to ensure equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services for all citizens.

The Conference reaffirmed that sustainable development in the South-East requires stronger collaboration among governments, academic institutions, development partners, the private sector, traditional institutions, and civil society organisations. Participants emphasised that education, agriculture, healthcare, and technological innovation must remain the foundational pillars for building a prosperous, peaceful, competitive, and globally relevant South-East region.
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) reiterates its commitment to providing intellectual leadership, policy advocacy, and research-driven solutions that will contribute meaningfully to regional and national development.
Issued this 3rd day of July, 2026.

Signed:
Dr. Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary-General
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) @winexviv
@alexottiofr @FrancisNwifuru @CCSoludo @PNMbah @Hope_Uzodimma1 @VoiceOfTheEast @DrKalu_ @IgboHistoFacts

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOSAD Congratulates Alex Onyia & South-East Students on Historic Gold Medal Triumph at International STEM Olympiad in Rome

The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) heartily congratulates three outstanding young scholars from the South-East of Nigeria, Chimdiebube Onwubiko, Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, and Don Anele Munachimso, for their exceptional performance at the International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale held in Rome, Italy, where they won multiple gold medals and brought immense honour to Nigeria and the South-East region.

The remarkable achievements of these brilliant students have once again demonstrated that the South-East remains Nigeria's foremost hub of academic excellence, innovation, and intellectual achievement. Their success on the global stage is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the immense talent, resilience, and potential that abound among young people in the region.

FOSAD is particularly delighted that Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan emerged as the World's Best in Primary Mathematics, winning the gold medal in the Primary Category. We equally celebrate Don Anele Munachimso, who recorded an extraordinary double victory by winning Gold in Mathematics and Gold in Science in the Senior Secondary Category. We also commend Chimdiebube Onwubiko, whose outstanding performance earned him Gold in Mathematics and Silver in Science in the Junior Secondary Category.

Competing against participants from more than fifty countries with advanced educational systems, these young Nigerians proved that excellence knows no geographical boundaries when talent is properly nurtured and supported.

The Forum also commends Mr. Alex Onyia, Chief Executive Officer of Educare, whose visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and personal sponsorship made Nigeria's participation in the competition possible. At a time when funding challenges continue to limit Nigeria's participation in several international academic competitions, Mr. Onyia's patriotic investment in gifted education has demonstrated the transformative impact of private-sector support for educational development.

FOSAD also applauds the teachers, parents, schools, and mentors of these exceptional students for their dedication, sacrifices, and commitment to nurturing excellence. Their collective efforts have yielded results that have inspired millions of Nigerians and restored confidence in the country's abundant intellectual capacity.

These remarkable young scholars are not merely medal winners; they are true Heroes of the South-East. They embody the values of discipline, hard work, innovation, perseverance, and academic excellence that our region has always been known for. Their achievements should inspire governments, educational institutions, private organizations, and development partners to invest more deliberately in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

FOSAD reiterates its longstanding position that sustainable regional development can only be achieved through quality education, research, innovation, and technological advancement. The outstanding performance of these students reinforces the central message of the recently concluded FOSAD International Conference Ebonyi 2026, which emphasized the importance of education as the foundation for the sustainable development of the South-East and Nigeria.

We therefore call on the Federal Government, the South-East Governors, the South East Development Commission (SEDC), corporate organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to recognize and reward these exceptional students and to institutionalize mechanisms that identify, nurture, and support gifted children across the country. Their success should become a catalyst for renewed investment in STEM education, innovation hubs, mathematics competitions, science laboratories, teacher development, and educational research.

FOSAD believes that with sustained support for talented young Nigerians, the country can once again occupy its rightful place among the world's leading nations in science, technology, research, and innovation.

Once again, we congratulate Chimdiebube Onwubiko, Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, Don Anele Munachimso, their teachers, parents, and Mr. Alex Onyia for this historic accomplishment. You have made Nigeria proud, inspired a generation of young learners, and reaffirmed that the South-East remains a beacon of academic excellence.

Your achievements will forever be remembered as a defining moment in Nigeria's educational history.

Signed
Dr. Stephen Nwala
President
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
Dr. Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary General
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
https://t.co/KbcmnYZ7Ws
@winexviv
@alexottiofr
@FrancisNwifuru
@CCSoludo
@PNMbah
@Hope_Uzodimma1
@VoiceOfTheEast
@DrKalu_
@IgboHistoFacts

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

FOSAD Congratulates Alex Onyia & South-East Students on Historic Gold Medal Triumph at International STEM Olympiad in Rome https://t.co/mCA33TlJiB

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

FOSAD Congratulates Alex Onyia & South-East Students on Historic Gold Medal Triumph at International STEM Olympiad in Rome https://t.co/RFVrlRIm5U

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF FOSAD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, EBONYI 2026

The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) successfully held its 2026 International Conference on 2nd and 3rd July 2026 in Ebonyi State under the theme: "Reinvigorating South-East Nigeria Development through Sustainable Education, Agriculture, Health, and Technological Advancement."

The conference brought together distinguished scholars, researchers, policymakers, professionals, and PhD holders from the five states of the South-East geopolitical zone to deliberate on practical strategies for accelerating sustainable regional development through evidence-based policy recommendations and academic engagement.

Following extensive keynote presentations, lead paper presentations, technical sessions, panel discussions, and robust deliberations, participants unanimously adopted the following resolutions:

Conference Resolutions

1.Establishment of Igbo Research Centres
FOSAD shall champion the establishment of Igbo Research Centres in universities and other institutions of higher learning across the South-East to promote indigenous scholarship, preserve the Igbo language and culture, stimulate interdisciplinary research, and generate evidence-based solutions to regional developmental challenges.
2.Development of a South-East Deep Seaport
The Federal Government is urged to prioritise the approval, funding, and construction of a deep seaport in the South-East as a strategic national infrastructure project capable of enhancing maritime trade, reducing logistics costs, expanding export opportunities, and stimulating industrialisation and economic growth.
3.Strategic Role of the South East Development Commission
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) should include the development of a deep seaport among its flagship regional infrastructure projects and facilitate strategic partnerships for its successful implementation.
4.Regional Infrastructure Collaboration
The governments of the five South-East states should establish a Joint Regional Investment Framework to coordinate land acquisition, access roads, rail connectivity, inland logistics, and other complementary infrastructure necessary for sustainable regional economic integration.
5.Investment in Rural Energy Infrastructure
South-East state governments should prioritise investment in reliable and affordable electricity infrastructure for rural agro-processing clusters, recognising energy as the single most critical infrastructure requirement for agricultural industrialisation and rural economic transformation.
6.Strengthening Healthcare and Social Inclusion
Governments across the South-East should integrate comprehensive mental health services into primary healthcare systems while implementing policies that promote the economic participation, inclusion, and empowerment of persons living with disabilities.
7.Promotion of Technical and Vocational Education
Technical and vocational education programmes should leverage schools, small and medium-scale enterprises, established industrial clusters—particularly the Nnewi Industrial Cluster—and innovation laboratories to equip South-East youths with practical entrepreneurial, technological, and industrial skills for wealth creation and sustainable employment.
8.Reform of Basic Education Pedagogy
Ministries of Education across the South-East should institutionalise play-based creative pedagogy within the basic education curriculum through comprehensive teacher training, curriculum review, and continuous professional development to improve learning outcomes and foster creativity among learners.
9.Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Innovation
The South-East should embrace innovative and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, including sack farming, organic livestock production, climate-smart agriculture, and other home-grown food production techniques to enhance food security, improve public health, and reduce dependence on genetically modified food products.
https://t.co/cSofmcISD1 Systems Reform
Healthcare delivery systems across the South-East should be repositioned through strategic planning, effective governance, improved funding, digital health innovations, workforce development, and efficient management practices to ensure equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services for all citizens.

The Conference reaffirmed that sustainable development in the South-East requires stronger collaboration among governments, academic institutions, development partners, the private sector, traditional institutions, and civil society organisations. Participants emphasised that education, agriculture, healthcare, and technological innovation must remain the foundational pillars for building a prosperous, peaceful, competitive, and globally relevant South-East region.
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) reiterates its commitment to providing intellectual leadership, policy advocacy, and research-driven solutions that will contribute meaningfully to regional and national development.
Issued this 3rd day of July, 2026.

Signed:
Dr. Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary-General
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)

[Dr Ụzọr Ngọladi @uzorngoladi]

FOSAD International Conference Calls for Coordinated Action to Reposition South-East Through Education, Agriculture, Health and Technology

The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has concluded its 2026 International Conference with a call for coordinated regional action aimed at accelerating sustainable development across the South-East through strategic investments in education, agriculture, healthcare and technological innovation.

The two-day conference, held on 2 and 3 July 2026, brought together PhD holders, researchers, academics, policymakers and development experts from the five South-East states to deliberate on the theme: "Reinvigorating South-East Nigeria Development through Sustainable Education, Agriculture, Health, and Technological Advancement."

Participants examined critical development challenges confronting the region and adopted a 10-point communiqué outlining practical policy recommendations designed to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen educational institutions, modernize agriculture, improve healthcare delivery and accelerate technological advancement.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Educare, Mr. Alex Onyia, described human capital as Nigeria's most valuable resource, arguing that sustainable national development depends primarily on investing in education rather than relying on natural resources.

According to him, "The greatest asset Nigeria has is not oil; the greatest asset Nigeria has is its people."

He observed that countries that deliberately invested in education and human capital had achieved remarkable developmental progress, citing Singapore as an example of a nation that transformed itself through sustained educational reforms and strategic investment in knowledge.

"Singapore of today is better than the Singapore of yesterday, whereas Nigeria of yesterday is better than Nigeria of today," he remarked.

Onyia stressed that the South-East possesses a long-standing educational tradition capable of positioning the region as a continental leader in knowledge production and innovation if properly harnessed.

"The mind is an endless source of wealth. The South-East believes in education, and if we fully capitalize on this comparative advantage, no region in Africa will surpass us."

He further argued that education remains the most effective pathway for positioning the region competitively in the era of Artificial Intelligence and the global knowledge economy.

According to him, universities across the South-East must prioritise quality assurance and eliminate corruption within higher education institutions to restore public confidence in the value of academic qualifications.

"We must decisively confront corruption in our universities so that the quality of our graduates will improve. If we solve the problem of education, we will have solved the majority of our developmental challenges."

Drawing from his experience coordinating national academic competitions, Onyia noted that Ebonyi State had recorded significant improvements in educational outcomes, describing the state as one of the leading performers in recent academic Olympiads.

He expressed optimism that the South-East would emerge as one of Nigeria's strongest educational regions within the next decade if current investments in learning continued.

He also encouraged leading private educational institutions to undertake corporate social responsibility initiatives by supporting less-privileged schools through teacher training, mentorship programmes and the provision of instructional equipment.

In addition, he advocated comprehensive curriculum reforms that would place greater emphasis on practical learning, innovation and problem-solving rather than excessive dependence on theoretical instruction.

Presenting the lead paper at the conference, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba, called on FOSAD to move beyond annual academic engagements by developing a comprehensive development blueprint for both the South-East and Nigeria.

According to him, the region possesses exceptional human resources whose entrepreneurial achievements have significantly contributed to Nigeria's economic development.

Professor Ogba observed that the South-East has consistently produced outstanding entrepreneurs, industrialists, academics and technology innovators whose contributions extend across Nigeria and the global economy.

He argued that the economic influence of Igbo entrepreneurs across major commercial centres demonstrates the enormous developmental capacity of the region.

"Remove Igbos from Lagos, Northern Nigeria, the United Kingdom, South Africa and the United States, and the economies of those places would feel the impact," he stated.

Drawing lessons from the developmental experience of South Korea, Professor Ogba encouraged young scholars to emulate countries that deliberately acquired global knowledge before returning home to build their societies.

He therefore appealed to successful Igbo business leaders to invest substantially in educational institutions across the South-East as part of their contribution to regional development.

He described FOSAD as "the crème de la crème of education in the South-East" and urged members to provide intellectual leadership on issues affecting the region.

Professor Ogba also advocated the establishment of specialised Igbo Research Centres within universities across the South-East to promote research, preserve cultural heritage and develop policy solutions tailored to regional realities.

He further advised academics to maintain humility and professionalism while engaging public office holders.

"Political office holders sometimes feel intimidated by PhD holders. We must carry ourselves with grace because we possess knowledge that should be used to serve society."

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of FOSAD, Dr. Stephen Nwala, stated that the South-East possesses abundant talent, resilience and entrepreneurial capacity but requires coordinated and sustainable systems to unlock its full developmental potential.

He identified education, agriculture, healthcare and technological advancement as the four strategic pillars capable of transforming the region over the coming decades.

Speaking on education, Dr. Nwala said the region must shift its emphasis from certificate acquisition to competence development by investing in vocational education, digital literacy, innovation and research capable of addressing local challenges.

According to him, educational institutions must prioritise the production of innovators, entrepreneurs and critical thinkers who will drive sustainable development over the next fifty years.

On agriculture, he noted that despite the South-East's fertile land and hardworking farming population, the region continues to import products that could easily be cultivated and processed locally.

He therefore called for the modernisation of agriculture through climate-smart farming, improved access to finance, storage infrastructure and agro-processing value chains capable of retaining wealth within local communities.

Dr. Nwala further stressed that agriculture should be repositioned as a profitable business venture capable of attracting educated young people rather than being viewed merely as a subsistence occupation.

Addressing healthcare, he argued that no economy can achieve sustainable growth without a healthy population.

He therefore advocated increased investment in primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, mental healthcare and digital health technologies capable of improving healthcare delivery across rural communities.

He equally described technological advancement as the principal accelerator of regional development.

According to him, innovation has the capacity to reduce production costs, expand economic opportunities and create entirely new industries in agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and financial technology.

He called for increased investment in digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and policies that would enable young people to become creators rather than consumers of technology.

Dr. Nwala further emphasised that education, agriculture, health and technology must not be treated as isolated sectors but should function as integrated components of a comprehensive regional development strategy.

He urged stronger collaboration among academics, governments, private sector leaders and development partners to translate research into practical policies capable of transforming the South-East.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants adopted a comprehensive communiqué containing key recommendations for regional development.

Among the resolutions, FOSAD resolved to champion the establishment of Igbo Research Centres in universities and other higher institutions across the South-East to promote indigenous scholarship, innovation and cultural preservation.

The conference also called on the Federal Government to prioritise the approval, funding and construction of a deep seaport in the South-East as part of Nigeria's long-term maritime and economic development strategy.

Participants urged the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to make seaport development one of its flagship regional infrastructure projects while encouraging the five South-East state governments to establish a joint regional investment framework to support land acquisition, transport infrastructure, rail connectivity and complementary facilities.

The communiqué further recommended that state governments prioritise energy infrastructure for rural agro-processing zones to enhance agricultural productivity and industrial development.

Participants also advocated the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare systems across the region while promoting greater economic inclusion for persons living with disabilities.

The conference recommended that technical education programmes should leverage existing industries, including the Nnewi Industrial Cluster and small-scale enterprises, as practical training centres for youth entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

It also called on Ministries of Education in the South-East to institutionalize play-based creative pedagogy through teacher training and curriculum reform.

In the area of agriculture, participants encouraged greater adoption of innovative farming techniques, including sack farming, increased use of organic livestock feeds and other indigenous agricultural practices to enhance food security and reduce dependence on genetically modified food products.

Finally, the conference resolved that healthcare systems across the South-East should be repositioned through strategic management reforms aimed at improving service delivery, accessibility and efficiency.

The communiqué was signed by the Secretary-General of the Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD), Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, on behalf of the conference.