… holds Founder’s Day Colloquium
… as Jonathan calls for recalibration of Nigeria’s educational system
“Knowing it is not easy running and sustaining a university for 25 years”, the Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) Nigeria’s premier and leading private university, celebrates its 25th Anniversary on Friday, May 10, at the University’s Main Auditorium, Okada, Edo State.
Established on May 10, 1999, the anniversary celebration of the university commemorates 25 years of shaping minds and shaping the future of the nation’s academic space.
The event was held at the university’s main auditorium and was a vibrant tribute to a quarter-century of academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, commended the Founder of the University for his courage and vision.
“It is not easy to pioneer an establishment or innovation anywhere in the world or in our environment. It took him years of will-planning to get the approval for the establishment of this university.
“Because Igbinedion University Okada is a success story, that is why successful governments continue to approve the establishment of private universities.
“There is always resistance when one starts something new, but with your commitment and dedication, your efforts in the last 25 years are commendable.
“All founders of private universities in Nigeria need to celebrate you for opening the door for them,”
Furthermore, Dr. Jonathan called for the recalibration of the nation’s educational system to focus more on technology and innovation. The former President described the focus on acquiring only certificates as damaging to the economy.
He stressed that the attitude should be discouraged by emphasising knowledge and skills acquisition to produce graduates that would pilot the economy.
According to him, “Nigeria needs to recalibrate its educational system, right from the primary school level to produce people who are technologically savvy to pilot the economy.
Delivering the welcome address of the Founder and Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Sir Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CFR, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, the Deputy Chancellor of IUO and Former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky N. Igbinedion expressed gratitude to the management staff of IUO, students, parents and guardians for their immense contributions towards the university’s achievements.
The Esama also appreciated the Edo State government for their support and partnership over the years and to the Federal Ministry of Education and professional regulatory bodies such as the Medical and Dental Council, Pharmacist Society of Nigeria, and Council of Legal Education Council among others.
“We want to thank the Federal Minister of Education for providing strategic guidance and support through the National University Commission as a regulator and the university has partnered with the Commission in shaping the quality of academic programs and by extension the quality of graduates,” the Esama said.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of IUO, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, paid homage to the Founder’s indelible legacy, underscoring his unwavering dedication to empowering future generations through education noting that his extraordinary vision and love for human development led to the establishment of the first private university in Nigeria.
Prof. Ezemonye also highlighted the University’s achievements over the years, as well as projects recently unveiled and commissioned which include the Petrol Minibus designed and developed by the College of Engineering for use as a project vehicle; a project scheduled for completion before the end of next year.
He also noted the University’s multi-million Naira Oil Palm Processing Mill with an installed capacity to process Palm Oil at the rate of 2 Tons/hour with provision for future expansion; A collaborative project between the Central Bank of Nigeria and Igbinedion University, as well as the newly completed Okunozee ultra-modern 5-Star Hotel (a Division of IUO Holdings) which boasts of state-of-the-art facilities which he explained is expected to change the tourism landscape of Edo State.
His Excellency, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, Former Head of State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in his goodwill message, applauded the institution for the journey so far since being issued its license 25years ago to establish the first private university in Nigeria.
Gen. Abubakar also lauded the efforts and support of the Edo State Government and Okada community for their important roles in ensuring peace and adequate security for the university to flourish.
Following the ceremonial homage, the spotlight turned to the intellectual centerpiece of the day: The 25th Anniversary Colloquium with esteemed scholars, thought leaders, and experts converged to explore the theme: “Re-Imagining Tertiary Education for Africa’s Present and Future Realities”.
The colloquium sessions provided a platform for lively discourse with the key speakers of the event. The Keynote speakers for the colloquium sessions include Prof. Tahir Mamman, Hon. Minister of Education, His Excellency, Shri. G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Abosede Alimi George-Ogan (IUO Alumnus), Jonathan Ikeolumba Obinna (IUO Alumnus), the Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Victor Obong Attah.
Also present at the event include the Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.
The high points of the anniversary celebrations were the Launching of the 25th Anniversary Compendium (Coffee Table Book) and the cutting of the significant 25th-anniversary cake by distinguished personalities led the the Founder and Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Sir Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CFR, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.
Notably, the Esama recognized and thanked Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR, Former Head of State, Federal Republic of Nigeria for their unforgettable instrumental support and contributions towards the establishment of IUO.
