The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State, Prof Lawrence Ezemonye, has stressed the need for deliberate investment in education and technology saying that is the sure way for Nigeria’s development.
He made the call at a press conference organised to announce the 25th anniversary and activities lined up to commemorate the ceremony, where he also announced that the President Bola Tinubu; ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and former Military Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd) are among dignitaries that will be honoured at the silver jubilee anniversary of the university, billed for the May 10, 2024.
Recall that the university was issued a licence and certificate of operation as the first private university in Nigeria on May 10, 1999 by the then Military Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd).
The vice-chancellor, however, said that the week-long activities which commenced with a free medical outreach across 10 communities within Okada and its environs would feature inter-university football tournament and a special Juma’at prayer today.
Ezemonye added that there would be a moot court competition on May 7; an exhibition and alumni reunion and engagement on May 9, while the anniversary will climax with a colloquium, titled: “Re-imagining Tertiary Education for Africa’s Present and Future Realities,” to be delivered by the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman.
According to him, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Mohamed Bellhocine, and the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, His Excellency Shri G. Balasubramanian are among other dignitaries expected to attend the event. He said: “Today, we are delighted to announce the upcoming celebration of the 25th anniversary of Igbinedion University, Okada, the premier and leading private university in Nigeria.
In fact, we must all know that for development to occur in Nigeria there must be real investment in education and technology as these are key factors that trigger development.”
