The Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, yesterday, lauded founder of the institution, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, saying history will be kind to him (Igbinedion) for making an indelible imprint on the education landscape of Nigeria.
Speaking during the institution’s 24th Founder’s Day ceremony in Okada, Edo State, Ezemonye said Igbinedion’s feat in the annals of Nigeria’s education sector remains unquantifiable.
The VC said: “It is trite to say that nothing happens unless it is first a dream.
“As we celebrate the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Igbinedion, we relish the ground-breaking feat, which the establishment of Igbinedion University, as the first private university in Nigeria, represents.
“It is significant that his vision has forever altered the narrative of the nation’s tertiary education system for good. Indeed, history will be kind to the Chancellor for making such an indelible imprint on the education landscape of Nigeria. ”
“At 24, it is significant that brilliant exploits of our graduates, in various fields of endeavour across the globe, bear evidence to the quality of our products. This is predicated on IUO’s commitment to continually seek ways to advance knowledge, and educate our students to make a difference in our society and world.”
Ezemonye noted that the institution’s educational quality is reflected in the fact that the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant professional bodies duly accredit all of its 34 undergraduate programmes.
Personalities at the ceremony include: former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, who is also the Deputy Chancellor of the university, and South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thamsanya Mseleku, who delivered the Founder’s Day lecture, titled, ‘Advancing Higher Education Legacy Through Partnership: Private Sector Engagement.’
