… as Loyola Jesuit University debuts in Esan South-East

The reform of Edo State’s education system remains the greatest legacy of this administration, as the reform has repositioned Edo as a hub for human capital development in Africa.

Governor Godwin Obaseki said this on Wednesday while performing the groundbreaking of Loyola Jesuit University in Ewatto, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.

According to Governor Obaseki, the project would benefit not only Esan people but will also serve as a nurturing ground for the next generation of thinkers who would contribute to the development of the state.

“I am pleased to join you here today on this auspicious occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Loyola Jesuit University in Ewatto Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

“This milestone aligns perfectly with our vision of making Edo State a hub for human capital development in Africa. Education remains a top priority for us in Edo State which is why over the last 8 years deployed interventions to change the course of education in our state,” the governor said.

He said, “We focused very intensely in fixing a comatose education system which we met when we came into office in 2016 and by investing substantially in basic education transformation through our EdoBEST programmes. Today, we are proud that the course of education in Edo State has now been redirected.

“We have ensured that our educational system meets the required standards in terms of capacity for the 21st Century.”

He continued: “The reforms of our education system remain one of our greatest legacies as a government. We are proud that over half a million children in Edo State are learning in our public school system and we are seeing learning outcomes that equals what their peers are learning in other parts of the world even as far as Europe and Asia as this gives me boundless joy and a great sense of accomplishment.

“I fought to tackle learning poverty and restore education at the foundation level in Edo State and it has continued to earn us global recognition as a State and we have become a model on how sub-national can properly utilize public funds to transform the education sector and drive productivity and economic growth.

“I have not travelled to Rwanda but know that the Rwandan President has sent people to Edo State to understudy what we have done in education.

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“It’s not therefore surprising that a world-class institution like the Jesuit Order will choose its first site for a university in West Africa in Edo State. We are happy to welcome you. That is why we granted all the necessary waivers that you requested to ensure that this University takes off without hindrance.

“There is a levy that the government charges on development which is an access of N200 million and we have a waiver so they can proceed with work. I align with the projects and don’t want a delay in the project.

“The waiver is a credit note so that by the time the school starts, the money will be used as scholarship support grant for indigents Edo people and brilliant Edo children who have gained admission but don’t have the means to finance their education.”

He further noted, “Even if I have a few days left in government, I can still use my authority as governor to ensure that the road leading to this premises is constructed by the government. I will award the contract and it will be the only contract left before I leave office. Let’s pray that the next government will not cancel the contract.

“As part of the waiver agreement, Loyola Jesuit University will provide scholarships and community interventions to cover the cost of the waiver for indigenous Edo citizens.

“This project is the culmination of years of repositioning Edo as the hub for education and learning. This project aligns with our vision because after resetting and re-enacting basic education, the children we started with 6 to 7 years ago in EdoBEST are now going to junior schools.

“In a few years’ time, they will be ready to go into university and our assessment shows that they are brilliant and geniuses. Our concerns are where will they end up in Nigeria and the school to nurture their geniuses? I am happy today as we lay the foundation for the University that will absorb these children we are preparing for the future.”

Earlier, Provincial Delegate, Jesuit Tertiary Education North-West Africa, Rev Dr. John-Okoria Ibhakewanlan, in his welcome address, commended the governor for his giant strides across various sectors, especially education which is in line with the Jesuit vision of education.

According to him, “These 214.9 hectares were offered for free to build the school. We congratulate Governor Obaseki for an excellent tenure in office and celebrate his giant strides in office in the last eight years, repositioning all sectors of the state’s economy, especially education.

“Your concern for the poor is remarkable. That was why you said the N200 million we are supposed to pay to the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development be used to provide scholarships for indigenes of Edo State when the school starts.”

The proposed Loyola Jesuit University in Ewatto is to be sited on 214.9 hectares of land and is the first Jesuit University in West Africa under the Catholic Society of Uromi Diocese in Esan South East.