The long-anticipated election of two Congregation Representatives—one Academic Staff and one Non-Teaching Staff—to the Governing Council of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, was successfully held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the University Auditorium. The exercise, conducted in line with the provisions of the Imo State University Law, was widely described by participants as credible, free, fair, transparent, and peaceful.
Five candidates contested for the Academic Staff slot and they are; Prof. Gloria Ernest-Samuel (female), Prof. A. O. Ejiogu (male), Prof. Okechi Dominic Azuwike (male), Associate Prof. Vitalis C. Nwulu (male), and Associate Prof. Barr. P. K. N. Enesha (male)
At the end of the keenly contested poll, Prof. Gloria Ernest-Samuel emerged victorious, defeating her four male counterparts with a total of 199 votes. The other contestants scored as follows: Prof. Okechi Dominic Azuwike, 143 votes, Assoc. Prof. Barr. P. K. N. Enesha, 68 votes, Assoc. Prof. Vitalis C. Nwulu, 36 votes, and Prof. A. O. Ejiogu, 22 votes. Her victory marks a significant achievement, as she became the only female candidate in the category and ultimately won by a notable margin.
On the Non-Teaching Staff side, Comrade John-Anoruo Eugenia Chijiago, the sole contestant, emerged winner unopposed. She secured 446 “yes” votes, with 9 “no” votes and 10 void ballots. Her unopposed emergence was attributed to her exceptional track record, having served as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Chairman for eight years and as former NASU Chairman for another eight years.
This election marks the first time a Non-Teaching Staff representative was elected unopposed—an outcome many credited to Comrade John-Anoruo’s longstanding service, leadership experience, and strong reputation within the university community. Ahead of the election, interested candidates obtained and submitted nomination forms at the Registrar’s Office on or before November 25, 2025. On the election day, the list of eligible voters was organized on a faculty-by-faculty basis, including directorates and units, to streamline accreditation.
Voters were issued two ballot papers—one for the Academic Staff category and the other for the Non-Teaching Staff category. Accreditation and voting took place simultaneously, enabling voters to cast their ballots immediately after verification.
Before voting commenced, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. U. U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, addressed the congregation and read relevant sections of the IMSU Law. Presiding Officers—non-congregation staff nominated by the Registrar—conducted the process under the supervision of the electoral committee chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Onuh Martin Onuh.
Each aspirant was given two minutes to address the congregation. Voting was by secret ballot, and counting began immediately after voting closed. The Electoral Chairman subsequently announced the results and declared the winners. Electoral Committee Members are: Prof. Onuh Martin Onuh, Chairman, Mr. Cajethan N. Curtis Azubuogu, Member, Mr. Fidelis Njoku, Member others are;
Prof. Blessing Solomon-Uwakwe, Member, Engr. Dr. V. C. Igiri, Member and Dr. Richard Uzoh, Secretary
The 2025 Congregation Election stands out as one of the most peaceful and well-organized in IMSU’s recent history. Its outcome—particularly the emergence of two female representatives—has been discribed as historical.