I will Turn Nkwo Nnewi, Ose Okwodu, Main Market into Universities in Practice — Paul Chukwuma

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Sir Paul Chukwuma, has pledged to transform major commercial centres in Anambra State — including Nkwo Nnewi, Ose Okwodu, and the Onitsha Main Market — into what he described as “universities in practice” if elected governor in the November 8 governorship election.

Chukwuma made the promise during an interactive session with members of the academic community held on Tuesday at the ASUU Auditorium of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

The event, organised to allow governorship candidates to present their manifestos to the state’s academia, drew participants from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Federal Polytechnic, Oko; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli; Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe; and the College of Education (Technical), Umunze.

Addressing the gathering, Chukwuma said commerce has remained the most practical form of development and innovation in Anambra but has been neglected by successive administrations.

He explained that his vision of turning markets into “universities in practice” aims to integrate the wealth of entrepreneurial and technical knowledge within Anambra’s marketplaces into structured, skill-based education systems that can rival conventional universities.

“Anambra’s real universities are in our markets. The traders, artisans, and manufacturers who create jobs and wealth are our professors. Take Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, for instance — he may not have a university degree, but he is a professor in his field,” Chukwuma said.

He noted that modern education should combine theory with practical skill and productivity, adding that under his government, Anambra would value both intellectual and technical expertise.

“Anambra will no longer belong only to professors. Every citizen — whether in the market, classroom, or workshop — will have a sense of belonging and opportunity,” he added.

The YPP candidate, who holds first-class degrees in both Philosophy and Law, further promised to grant full autonomy to local governments in the state to enhance grassroots governance and development.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving local governments the autonomy they deserve but blamed state governors for refusing to implement it.

“The President has done well. He provides enough resources for both states and local governments. The problem we have in this state is from the state government. If elected, I will ensure that local governments enjoy full autonomy and truly serve the people,” Chukwuma maintained.

Chukwuma also criticised the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he described as worsening insecurity and poor welfare of workers despite the alleged ₦4 billion monthly security vote.

He condemned the neglect of teachers and pledged to restore teachers’ quarters in schools as part of his plan to improve the education sector and motivate educators.

“Teachers are nation-builders. It is unacceptable that those who mould the future of our children live in such poor conditions. My government will change that,” he assured.

In his vote of thanks, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu commended Chukwuma for what he called his “innovative ideas and electrifying presentation”, describing him as a “visionary leader who connects philosophy with practicality.”

The interactive forum, according to the organisers, is part of a statewide engagement aimed at enabling members of the academic community to interrogate the manifestos of all governorship candidates ahead of the November 8 election.