The management of Nigeria’s pioneer private varsity, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, has revealed its desire to celebrate its 25th anniversary, with a colloquium among other activities in May.
The institution got the approval of the Nigerian Universities Commission in May 1999, thus becoming the first private university in the country, with Registration Number 01.
Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, informed that the colloquium will focus on tertiary education in Africa within the context of today’s dynamic globalised knowledge economy and tech-driven world.
Other activities line up to mark the silver jubilee of the university, as announced by the VC include: free medical outreach to Okada and neighbouring communities, Chancellor’s photo gallery exhibition, inauguration of legacy projects, special exhibition, and anniversary luncheon.
The VC also disclosed that since the inception of the institution, it has graduated about 15,000 students, noting that those who passed out from the school comprised of both first degree and post graduate degree graduates.
The VC stated that the university has achieved remarkable successes in the area of teaching, research, capacity building, innovative studies, as well as the production of exceptional graduates in diverse fields of human endeavours, who are contributing their quota to national and global development.
He said, “We are delighted to announce the upcoming celebration of the 25-year anniversary of Igbinedion University, Okada, the premier and leading private university in Nigeria.
“In 1999, history was made in Nigeria with the licensing of the first private university.
That university is Igbinedion University, Okada, with registration No. 01. By May this year, it will be exactly 25 years since that epochal event.”
Noting that the attainment of 25 years of corporate existence is a remarkable landmark worthy of celebration, Ezemonye stated that the university intends to organise a grand celebration to commemorate the event.
The Igbinedion University VC, who showered encomium on the founder of the institution, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, for his supportive role through constant funding of the institution, reiterated the call on the Federal Government to consider private universities accessing TETFund intervention, since both public and private higher institutions are playing the same role of producing the required manpower for the nation.
Story by: Philip Ike
Be the first to comment