Members of the Imo State House of Assembly have urged the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, to declare a state of emergency on Imo State University (IMSU) Law School and others which have lost their accreditation or are not yet accredited. They did this through a motion sponsored by the member representing Ezinihitte Mbaise State constituency, Hon. Obioma Ekennia.

The lawmakers also resolved that all materials and equipment required for the smooth running of the institutions be put in place to ensure that those faculties are given accreditation.

Kick-starting the debate, which did not have any dissenting voice to it, Hon. Ekennia pointed out that the law faculty of Imo State University was de-accredited by the Council for Legal Education due to inadequate teaching personnel and inadequate facilities. He pointed out that even though there are lots of projects going on in the state, it is equally important that the issue of accreditation of courses in the university receives urgent attention. Ekennia stressed that the de-accreditation of the law school is a source of embarrassment to the government and to all citizens of the state.

Other lawmakers who spoke unanimously supported the motion, urging the Okorocha administration to rise up to the challenge and present itself as a government that is responsible and responsive to the yearnings of the people.

Consequent upon that, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, directed the standing committee on Education to interface with the management of IMSU and then furnish the House with all the details of what has prevented the law faculty and other faculties from being accredited to enable the House interface with the Governor to ensure that the declaration of state of emergency is carried out.

•Photo: Speaker Uwajumogu.