Education
Innoson to UNN students; l’m not a graduate but I still made it
Today, Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma OFR received a thunderous ovation from thousands of University Students as he shared the story of Innoson.
In his lecture to the Students’ of University of Nigeria Nsukka at their Entrepreneurship Day organized by Center For Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Innoson told the students that irrespective that he didn’t have the opportunity to go to University, but through his dint of hard work built on the foundation of honesty, persevered and established a great business empire.
Innoson shared to the students what inspired his attitude to honesty. He said “One day, probably when I was aged between 6-7 years, I always go out to play with my friends outside the house, my father who I feared so much had warned me initially not to ever leave the compound for anything unless he is around. Of course knowing fully well that my father will never permit me to play outside with my friends, I always find a way to escape outside, play and return back. One faithful day, I sneaked out again to play with my friends, when my father later came to look for me, he didn’t see me. He knew I went out without informing him, so he set a trap in our compound gate that will make him know when I return. Of course, I fell into the trap without knowing.
When my father later came to my room to look for me and saw me, he asked why I went out without informing him as instructed. I denied it immediately; he told me not to lie or ever lie to him and ask me again. I denied it and even swore that I was in the compound.
My lie got my father angry and he beat me that day mercilessly as if I wasn’t his son. The entire plea from my mother to him to forgive me fell on deaf ears. My father left me to sleep outside the house that night. In the morning, he sent for me and consoled me.
He made me understand the consequences of lying, he told me to always say the truth in every circumstances no matter who ox is gored. That particular incident made a turning point in my life and I vowed within myself that no matter what I will always say the truth and always be honest”.
Speaking on how he grew Innoson Nigeria Ltd into an industrial giant, Innoson said “our Company IVM Innoson Group started as a single company in 1981 by trading in tyres, motorcycle, motorcycle parts and accessories. We made huge success of the business that by the turn of the 90s, our products had become a well-known brand and in high demand, both in Nigeria and the sub-region of West Africa.
At that period there were only five (5) known motorcycle brands in Nigeria, which were; Leventis: Known for the Honda brand; Boulos: known for the Suzuki brand; Yamaco: known for Yamaha brand; CFAO- known for the Kawasaki and Mobylette brand and Innoson: known for Jianshe and Innoson brand
Of all these major brands, Innoson Nigeria Ltd controlled the largest market share because we succeeded in bringing down the price of a brand new motorcycle from N150, 000 to N60, 000. We were able to do this by being the first indigenous company to start the local assembling of motorcycles.
Stating further on what made him to venture into Local Assembling? “Based on my experience as a major motorcycle and spare parts dealer, I studied the major reasons why motorycles were expensive, and I discovered that a 40ft container with a complete knock down (CKD) of motorcycles parts will contain more motorcycles than a container with completely assembled motorcycles.
For example, a 40ft container with completely assembled motorcycle can only contain between 36-40 units, while the same 40ft container with the complete knock down (CKD) can contain between 220-230 units of motorcycle.
Based on this analysis, we started bringing the complete knock down (CKD) of motorcycles in the container and started assembling them in Nnewi, thereby reducing gradually the prices of motorcycle from N150, 000 to N80, 000.
Hence we became the first indigenous company to fully assemble a motorcycle in Nigeria and subsequently started producing some of its motorcycle parts in our factory.
How Do We Start Producing Some Motorcycle Components? During the period of our motorcycle assembling, I found out that most of the motorcycle parts and components are plastic, I therefore set up Innoson Technical and Industrial Company Limited located at Emene Enugu to start producing all the plastic components and parts of our motorcycles.
I also established General Tyres which also were producing tyres for our motorcycles using Nigeria rubber.
By this singular effort of producing the components, we further reduced the price of motorcycle from N80, 000- N60, 000. We did not just stop at producing only motorcycle components, we also ventured in the production of some motor components.
It was based on our experience in the production of some of the motor components that I ventured into vehicle manufacturing now known today as Innoson Vehicle manufacturing (IVM) Company Ltd located in Nnewi, Anambra State.
What we do today at IVM is to manufacture the full body of a vehicle, and then we buy engine, gear-box and the electrical components to put in these vehicles. The plastic components of our vehicles are produced at our Plastic factory. That is why we can comfortably call our vehicles Innoson. By the Grace of God, we are the only vehicle manufacturing company in Nigeria today. We have a full production plant that can produce different ranges of vehicles”.
The Center For Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria Nsukka, was created with a mission to promote entrepreneurial culture and mindset, skill acquisition, self-employment, economic independence and self-actualization. The center is supervised by Prof Chika Oguonu as the Director.
The Center organizes an Entrepreneurship day for the students and this year Entrepreneurship day has Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma as its Guest Speaker. Other dignitaries present at the lecture includes; Prof Charles Arinzechukwu Igwe, Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka; Benjamin Okpukpara Ph.D, Chairman of the event; Prof Stella Nwizu, Dr Amachi Ofomata; Cornel Osigwe, Head of Corporate Communications Innoson Group etc.
Education
South East Educators Conference (SEEC) 2025 Set to Transform the Future of Education in Nigeria
“…SEEC 2025 will equip every stakeholder to not only adapt to change—but to drive it,” says Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro.
A new wave of educational transformation is coming! The highly anticipated South East Educators Conference (SEEC) 2025 is set to take place from May 2nd to 3rd, 2025 at the prestigious Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, under the powerful theme: “Advancing Education: Innovation, Leadership & Transformation.”
Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, Convener of SEEC, said this year’s edition promises to be the most impactful yet, gathering a dynamic blend of visionaries, thought leaders, innovators, educators, and policymakers to drive conversations, collaborations, and commitments that will shape the future of education in Nigeria and beyond.
Keynote Speakers
The Convener said the keynote speakers include; His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke – former Governor of Cross River State and Founder, the Bridge Leadership Foundation and a statesman passionate about youth development and sustainable leadership, is among the pious keynote speakers.
Also, “Mr. Paul Onwuanibe – CEO, Landmark Group – a trailblazing entrepreneur whose insight into innovation and infrastructure development will challenge educational stakeholders to think big and build boldly”.
Other Speakers include;
Rotimi Eyitayo – CEO, Teammasters & Education Business School, Chinoso Ogbogu – Co-Founder, Sabi Writers, Rhoda Odigboh – Education Thought Leader & Regional Director Kizazi, Dr. Joy Isa – President Isa School Of Education & Educational Strategist, Fisayo Oludipe – Education Consultant & Leadership Coach, and Susan Charles – Learning Innovator, Moyo Lifematics – Mathematics Educator & Content Creator, Eben Odetola Israel – EdTech Advocate, Mr. Ogunsola – STEM Educator, and Yinka Ogunde – CEO, Edumark Consult. “…and many more voices of influence across Africa’s educational and leadership landscape!”
Highlights to Look Forward to:
“Gala Night – A celebration of brilliance, impact, and community; Movie Night – A night of reflection and bonding through storytelling; Educator Awards – Honoring those who go beyond the call of duty to inspire change; Breakout Sessions & Masterclasses – Practical, hands-on learning experiences, and Exhibitions & EdTech Showcases – Featuring tools, innovations, and solutions for the future-ready educator.
“SEEC 2025 is not just a conference. It is a movement—a call to action for educators, school owners, government stakeholders, parents, and youth advocates to come together and reimagine the future of learning, teaching, and leadership in Africa.
“We believe education is the engine of national development. SEEC 2025 will equip every stakeholder to not only adapt to change—but to drive it,” says Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, added.
To participate at SEEC2025, register via the link and secure your slot. www.southeasteducatorsconference.com.
Follow the conversation online using #SEEC2025 and tag us @southeasteducationconference on all platforms. For sponsorship, media partnerships, or exhibition opportunities, contact us at [email protected]
… As Mbah canvasses higher admission quota for ESUT Law Faculty
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says the state government will soon commence the construction of an ultramodern auditorium for the Augustine Nnamani campus of the Nigerian Law School at Agbani in Enugu State, stressing his administration’s readiness to support the campus to excel as a citadel of legal education in Nigeria.
Mbah made this known when he received a team of the Council of Legal Education at the Government House, Enugu, on Monday commending the Council for its work in guiding and nurturing teaching and learning in the Law School.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, equally canvassed for an increase in the admission quota of the Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, to create more opportunities for the increasing population of the state’s indigenes and residents wishing to study Law.
“Quite frankly, the expansion in the number of campuses of the Law School makes their management and coordination more challenging, but that is inevitable because of the increasing number of our brothers and sisters, who seek to become lawyers.
“I want to assure you that with respect to the commitment of our government and our state to enhance the facilities at that Law School, Agbani, the date for the groundbreaking ceremony for the auditorium will be communicated to you sooner than you would imagine.
“This is also an opportunity to request that you consider increasing the admission quota of the ESUT Faulty of Law because of the teeming number of our people that want to study law. On our part, we are determined to put all necessary infrastructure and human capital in place to make it one of the best Law faculties in the entire country because in Enugu, we prioritise education,” the governor stated.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, commended the Governor Mbah Administration for its commitment to the development of legal education in the country.
“Sometime ago, the governor hosted a delegation of the management saff of the Augustine Nnamani campus of the Law School here at the Government House. On that occasion, the governor sought to know the urgent needs of the Campus at Agbani. Upon hearing the request, he, on behalf of Enugu State Government, offered to build an ultramodern auditorium for the Nigerian Law School at Agbani.
“In addition to that, he also offered to appeal to Pinnacle Oil and Gas to build a Moot Court for the Augustine Nnamani Campus as part of his infrastructural support to the institution.
“So, we made it a point that before we set out to other places, including a visit to other law faculties that require accreditation, our first port of call would be to come to the Government House to pay our respect to the government and people of Enugu State to say thank you for the offer the state government has made,” Ngige said.
Stakeholders at the Values for Daily Living International [VDLI] inaugural annual conference have recommitted to continuing efforts in promoting ethical values and moral principles, inspiring positive change in individuals and communities worldwide.
The VDLI inaugural annual conference convened by Sandra Ani, was a resounding success, bringing together students, parents, scholars, educators, and community members to engage in meaningful discussions and celebrate achievements in value-based education.
The conference, held at the at The Parliament Hall, Post Primary School Management Board, Enugu State, attracted more than 1000 participants from various sectors, including education, business, healthcare, and government online and on-site.
The theme, “Take It Back: Building Today for a Greater Tomorrow” resonated deeply with attendees and speakers alike.
Prof. Peter Ndubueze Mbah (Ph.D.), the Hon. Commissioner of Education, Enugu State, in his keynote address emphasized the importance of integrating core values into every aspect of life, from personal interactions to professional endeavors.
He highlighted the need for a collective effort in nurturing a society grounded in respect, empathy, and honesty.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions.
During the panel session, discussants reiterated the role of the church, school, and home in restoring values to society was a key topic of the panel discussions.
This interactive session provided deep insights into shared responsibilities in moral value restoration.
These narratives provided a powerful reminder of the impact that integrity and compassion can have on society.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a renewed commitment to fostering values in their personal and professional lives. “This conference has reignited my passion for ethical leadership and community service,” said one participant. “I leave here today inspired and ready to make a difference.”
Sandra Ani, the convener, in her address expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of the conference. “Together, we have taken a significant step towards building a more compassionate and ethical society. I am confident that the conversations and connections made here will continue to inspire positive change in our communities.”
The event served as a platform for open dialogue and interactive learning, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in nurturing moral values within the community.
Other notable speakers included Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike, the chairman of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State; Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, CEO of Evergreen Group; and Mr. David Folaranmi, an advocate of drug abuse and addiction recovery.
Essay Competition
Highpoint of the conference includes an essay contest which focused on senior secondary school students from both government and private schools on the topic: “What are the common reasons why teenagers might be tempted to experiment with drugs, and what strategies can they employ to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices regarding substance use?”
The contest attracted over 500 entries, which were narrowed down to 100 students for the second stage, and finally, 20 students made it to the finals.
During the conference, the top 20 essay writers were invited to receive an award of excellence. The top three essay winners were each given an award plaque, a gold medal, a certificate of excellence, and a cheque of 200,000 NGN for the second runner-up, 300,000 NGN for the first runner-up, and 500,000 NGN for the overall winner.
These students came from Anambra State, Osun State, and FCT Abuja, respectively. The remaining 17 students, representing Benue State, Kwara State, Ireland, Ebonyi State, and Enugu State, were awarded a gold medal and a certificate of excellence each.
Brand Ambassadors
All top 20 essay contest finalists were appointed as brand ambassadors of VDLI. Their faces will appear on billboards in five states of the country. As ambassadors, they are expected to uphold and promote the moral values advocated by VDLI in their various environments.
Awards and Recognitions
All speakers were presented with recognition awards from the organization. The Hon. Commissioner of Education received an award for his profound impact on enhancing education; Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike was recognized for empowering youths and transforming communities; Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro received an award for her outstanding contribution towards advancing education; and Mr. David Folaranmi was acknowledged for his efforts in creating awareness on drug abuse and helping people overcome addiction.
Special Presentations
A notable presentation on the role of the girl child in upholding Nigeria’s values and ethics was made by Akpem Comfort Msuurshima from Jewel Model Schools, Makurdi, Benue State.
Additionally, a cultural display by students of Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Enugu, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
About Values for Daily Living International Conference:
Values for Daily Living International (VDLI) is an organization dedicated to the global promotion of ethical values and moral principles. Founded in 2019, VDLI has been at the forefront of inspiring positive change in individuals of all ages. Through innovative programs, impactful initiatives, and engaging resources, VDLI strives to encourage individuals to lead more fulfilling lives, guided by morals such as honesty, integrity, and respect.
The mission is to use the teaching of values to change minds, thereby transforming lives.
VDLI’s vision is to cultivate a society deeply rooted in strong moral values, ensuring individuals contribute meaningfully to society.
The Organization emphasizes values such as Integrity, Leadership, Compassion, and Respect guide all aspects of VDLI’s work, from program development to community engagement.
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