The Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, Prof Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye has said that the Institution has escalated its internationalisation drive as a platform for knowledge exchange, research and development, noting that the University’s students participate in yearly summer programmes in conjunction with partner institutions abroad.
Ezemonye made the statement in his address on the occassion of the Valedictory Ceremony and Public Lecture in honour of the 2023/2024 graduating students of Oba Erediauwa College of Law, Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), on Saturday, July 20, at the University’s main auditorium, Okada, Edo State.
Ezemonye, who was ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raphael I. Adeghe, said the aim of the internationalisation is to expose the students to globally oriented education that will make them future ready graduates in an interconnected world. He added that the University’s curricula are infused with Master Classes involving industry experts geared towards bridging the gap between theory and practice.
“As it stands, the University has equipped the students, sufficiently well with knowledge and skills to face the future with confidence,” Ezemonye said.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that the Oba Erediauwa College of Law is a flagship of Igbinedion University, Okada, which was established at the inception of the University in 1999, stating that since then, the College has consistently maintained a commendable profile of excellence in all ramifications.
“The College has so far produced well over 3,000 law graduates who are excelling in their various callings some of whom have become Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).
“It is noteworthy that the performance of Igbinedion University Law graduates at the Nigerian Law School has been encouraging over the years.
“Last year, our law graduates recorded three First Class aside from several Second Class Upper at the Law School,” he declared.
While appreciating the Honourable Chancellor and Chairman Board of Regents, Igbinedion University Okada, Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, for his foresight in establishing IUO, the Vice-Chancellor challenged the graduates to go to the Law School not only to replicate and surpass their performance at the College, but to also stand out from the crowd as their predecessors have done.
Doing justice to his valedictory session lecture titled: “The Role of Youths in Democratic Governance in Developing Countries”, the Guest Speaker, Nureini Soladoye Jimoh (SAN) stated that giving young people new opportunities to express their views will benefit them and the larger society, as it will help to ensure that programs, policies, and social structures more effectively reflect the legitimate interests and propriety’s of developing future generations.
Jimoh further expressed that political participation is typically interpreted as a sign of integration into society, stating that although significant participation in political, civic, and voluntary efforts is not solely the path but also a good and positive start, while adding that formal and informal political participation is often a measure of commitment to an activity.
According to Jimoh, benefits of youths inclusion in democratic governance include young people bringing fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and unique perspectives to the
table; attracting a diversity of perspectives to the decision-making process; helping to build stronger and more resilient
democracies; helping to address the unique challenges faced by young people; building civic capacity and longterm community sustainability; strengthening accountability and transparency.
Other benefits are innovative solutions; democratic legitimacy; sustainable development and social cohesion.
The lecture is considered apt and germane to the anticipated delivery of democratic dividends to Nigerians and the enthronement of equity and justice in society.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Dean of Oba Erediauwa College of Law, IUO, Prof. Izevbuwa Osas George, congratulated the 2023/2024 graduating students, who he said are now fully prepared for their next level of academic and professional excellence at the Nigerian Law School. He also appreciated the graduating students’ parents and guardians for their steadfast love and supports, and encouraged that their labour would not be in vain.
On his part, the President of Law Students Association (LAWSA), IUO, Ijaodola Jamiu Afolabi, while delivering his welcome speech, on behalf of LAWSA, expressed his deepest appreciation to the Dean of College of Law, Prof. O.G. Izevbuwa, former Dean of College of Law, Prof. Rasheed Ijaodola (SAN) and all the lecturers and staff of the College of Law.
Highlights of the occassion include the presentation of Vice-Chancellor’s recognition plaque and sourvenirs to the Guest Speaker among other honourary awards, the presentation of LAWSA’s award of excellence to the Guest Speaker and the Dean of College of Law, the presentation of prizes to the best 10 graduating students, and the presentation of plaques to all graduating students.
