Igbinedion University Okada, an academia-industry platform, has called for solutions to address the private sector’s critical but often under-emphasised role in enhancing the long-term viability, resilience and relevance of universities as centres of learning and innovation in an ever-changing higher education landscape.
The Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye made this statement in his welcome address at the Institution’s 6th Council Retreat on Wednesday, April 3, at Kada Plaza, Benin City, Edo State.
The retreat with the theme: “Managing the Demands of Sustainability in Tertiary Institutions: The Private Sector Intervention”, offered the platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, explore new ideas, and strategise for future endeavours.
According to Prof. Ezemonye, “On its part, Igbinedion University has over the years sought to forge strategic partnerships with relevant industries for hands-on experience in favour of the students under the auspices of the academia-industry interface.
“The University has also forged alliance with world-renowned universities and other establishments for collaborative research, joint training, faculty and student exchange programme, curriculum development, etc.
“The ultimate goal is to provide our students with a truly global education that prepares them to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world.”
The Vice-Chancellor stated that industry professionals are invited from time to time to participate in the delivery of Master Classes to students in various disciplines as part of the academic curricula.
“Similarly, in order to enhance meaningful research that speaks to the needs of the industry, one out of the two supervisors for each postgraduate student usually come from the industry,” he added.
Prof. Ezemonye noted that the retreat offers a valuable opportunity to interrogate the role of the private sector in enhancing the sustainable demands of private universities, especially in the face of the ever-changing higher education landscape.
Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the Founder and indefatigable Honourable Chancellor, His Excellency, Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CFR, Esama of Benin Kingdom, for his visionary and philanthropic roles that have laid the foundation for the institution, noting that through the retreat, his legacy is being honoured by advancing Igbinedion University toward excellence, innovation and societal impact.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of IUO Council, Prof. Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah, OON, stated that IUO is strategically looking inward to proffer solutions to dynamics in the education space without compromising standards.
He added that interdisciplinary approaches can bore actions, luring the boundaries between academic disciplines and fostering innovations.
Prof. Abdullah further expressed that in sustainability, three elements must be recognized. These are the environmental availability factor, the economic factor, and the societal factor, noting that sustainability is the fact that we can maintain, sustain, and predict continuity, He also stressed that in sustainability, there should be the mastery of these elements.
Also, in his opening address, the Hon. Chancellor, His Excellency, Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Esama of Benin Kingdom, who was represented by the Deputy-Chancellor, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, said the 6th council retreat of IUO is organised as part of council’s strategic goals of enhancing the capacity of its members for optimal performance.
“The council has kept this tradition going for years now, to be precise for the past 6 years, and has contributed to the growth and progress of our university.
“I’m aware that retreat such as this serves as a vital opportunity for people to disconnect from their daily routines and create space for reflection, collaboration, and skill building while nurturing a sense of unity and purpose among colleagues.
“The theme of the retreat is particularly pleasing to me to make a deal of its relevance in contemporary times.
“Speaking, as an entrepreneur, I make bold to say that managing the demands of sustainability in tertiary institutions will coerce collaborative efforts from various stakeholders including the private sector by leveraging their resources, expertise and networks.
“The private sector can support academic institutions in addressing sustainability challenges effectively. Through strategic partnership, innovative solutions, and shared commitment, the private sector can play a vital role in advancing sustainability in higher institutions and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future.
“I’m confident that various speakers will address this and other issues relating to the theme of the retreat for the overall benefit of our great university,” he maintained.
Following, were panel sessions, with distinguished members of the council as panelists, who presented submissions on varied topics, namely Prof. O.A. Afolabi, CFR; Prof. A.O. Ilesanmi OON, FIPM, NPOM; Lady Celerina Ojomoh; Prof. A.S. Sambo OON, FAS, NPOM, and Engr. Greg Ogbeifun.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the participants by Prof. Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah.
In his reassuring concluding remarks, the Deputy Chancellor, Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion said, “Prof. Afolabi kicked off this morning and I will just summarize what he said with one word – a meal ticket. That is what all of us are all here for. Whether you are the lecturer, if you are not paid you will not come and if you are a student, if you don’t have a future, you won’t even attend.
“Prof Ilesanmi spoke about the japa syndrome. That is a National problem, and it is something that we seriously have to find a solution to. Our Motherboard, Lady Celerina Ojomoh, spoke about diversity and inclusion. She also answered the question through other various speakers that said Igbinedion University is diversified and all-inclusive both in terms of religion and state.
“I want to appreciate our vice chancellor for ensuring that Igbinedion University reaches far and wide, and of course, as a businessman, the one that captured my full attention even though all of them captured my full attention is what Prof. Sambo came to deliver, to say we should have our own energy company. I have always maintained that because how do we sustain the growth of Igbinedion University? How do we sustain the quality of Igbinedion University? Without money, we cannot sustain it.
“When Prof Ilesanmi gave his speech, he compared how much medical students pay in Nigeria against those outside the country. How can you provide the same quality if funds are not available?”
The Deputy-Chancellor added, “We have to think outside of the box or think inwards, How do we generate revenue? Not just by relying on tuition fees alone. Hence I find Prof. Sambo’s lecture adequate, acceptable, and highly encouraging.
“I was even more impressed when he said he is going to donate his own time be it virtually to ensure that we can create that avenue for us to have Igbinedion University Energy Company especially now that the energy sector has been diversified or deregulated.
“Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, a grassroots man, spoke practically about how important it is not only to be classroom-smart but to be street-wise.
Furthermore, Lucky Igbinedion commended all participants, emphasizing that IUO has, and is improving on infrastructures and staffing to support more quota. He noted that quality, as well as a good maintenance culture, are very critical to growing to the next level.
The 2024 Council Retreat of IUO is significant as it coincides with its 25th Anniversary. Twenty-five years in the life of an individual, any organisation such as Igbinedion University, is a critical milestone that cannot be wished away.
Igbinedion University Okada has come of age in the pursuit of its avowed mission of promoting excellence in teaching, research and scholarship.
