Dr Godwin Maduka, a United States of America-based medical doctor aspiring to be governor of Anambra State in 2021 has denied saying he would build 21 universities in the State if elected Governor.
Maduka, who is aspiring for the top job on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been quoted as saying if he were elected Governor of Anambra, he was going to establish higher institutions of learning so that Ndi Anambra could have greater access to university education.
The governorship hopeful reportedly made the statement in his Umuchukwu country home in Orumba South LGA during a youth summit his foundation, Godwin Maduka Foundation organized for the youths of the state.
He was quoted as saying, “If given the opportunity, I will build one university each in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. Education is key all over the world. We shouldn’t have a few scattered universities here. It is not that hard to set it up.
“In other places of the earth, some towns have up to six universities. It should be as easy as ABC. We will start with only 21; one per local government.
Asked how was going to fund them if that were to be, he queried: “Do you ever know what comes to the governor’s house in terms of funding? Any frugal governor can take care of that. There are some things that we can let go.
“And there are some things that we can bring in. It is a matter of priorities. There should be a new negotiation about funding education. After all, that’s why I am here now.”
However, the PDP Governorship hopeful has denied the comments, saying he only said he would ensure all the local governments in Anambra state gets at least one extension campus of the state University to make education closer and accessible to the masses.
A statement by Onwurah Chinonso Anthony, Media Aide to Dr Maduka reads: “Dr. Maduka has said he’ll strengthen our education system to help empower the Youths, also our curriculum should be changed to accommodate more of entrepreneurial courses to help empower our Youths when they come out of school.
“Dr. Godwin Maduka didn’t say he’ll build 21 universities rather he said that he’ll ensure each local government in Anambra State gets at least 1 extension campus to make education easily accessible, he also said that he’ll ensure our education system changes to offer more of entrepreneurial courses that will offer self employment to our Youths when they leave university and not moving around the country in search of job.
“Similarly, Dr. Godwin Maduka said he’ll bring down the cost of education in the state such that even a small scale business man or woman and the youths can comfortably afford the cost”.