Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, were among the roll calls of dignitaries that graced the 25 anniversary celebration of the Nigeria premium private university, Igbinedion University Okada ( IUO).
Speaking, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, called for the restructuring of the Nigerian education system to prioritize skills acquisition and technology, rather than emphasis on certificate as obtainable today.
Jonathan also relayed the fight during his administration to ensure physical barriers are not created for Nigerian women pursuing careers in the military, as he ensured that women were admitted to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), which he said was resisted, but being the Commander in Chief, he had his way.
He made the statement while speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State.
The ex-President explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system was the way to go to hasten the development of the country.
Besides, he frowned at cultism and bullying at the nation’s lower school system and called on government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.
He thanked former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, noting that if he didn’t do that, the establishment of the several private universities in the country would not have been possible.
Dr. Jonathan, while commending the courage and vision of the Founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom in establishing the institution, said because the university is doing well, that gave the impetus to other entrepreneurs to establish other private universities in the country.
“While I was pushing for progressive ideas as President some people were resisting them and as soon as I left office, those ideas were abandoned”, the former President disclosed.
He thanked God for using General Abdulsalami Abubakar to bring democracy to the country, just as thanked former governors Obong Attah of Akwa-Ibom and Chief James Ibori of Delta State, who grace the 25th anniversary celebration.
In his comment, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, commended Chief Igbinedion for his foresight in establishing the University, saying “25 years ago, we gave a license to establish this University and Esama has been making progress. Esama, we congratulate you”.
He also thanked the Okada Community for their role in bringing peace to the University, adding “In the next 25 years most of us won’t be here. I wish you well in your celebration”.
Earlier, Deputy Pro-Chancellor of the University, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, who spoke on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor, and Founder of the University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, said 25 years after, the noble effort of establishing the institution has paid off with the springing up of more private universities in the country.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye who reeled out several achievements of the institution in the past 25 years, disclosed that it has churned 60,000 graduates since inception.