EDO STATE: Toba Owojaiye reporting
In a groundbreaking move that underscores Edo State’s commitment to educational advancement and investment attraction, the government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, has granted approval for the establishment of Nigeria’s first Loyola Jesuit University.
The prestigious institution will be sited in Ewatto Community, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement made available to Truth Live News, The Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, made this announcement while handing over the official documentation to the Head of Jesuit Education Worldwide, Rev. Fr. Joseph Christie S.J.
The approval marks the culmination of a decade-long pursuit, now realized through the unwavering support of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who not only granted the approval but also waived fees amounting to over N200 million.
In her remarks, Omo highlighted the significance of this achievement: “This approval was pursued for a decade, and His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, in his commitment to education and development, graciously granted it while waiving the fees.
“Rather than a cash payment, it was agreed that the University would provide scholarships and amenities to the Ewatto Community equivalent to the approval fees over time.”
Rev. Fr. Joseph Christie S.J., who traveled from the Vatican in Rome for this historic moment, was accompanied by Fr. John Okoria S.J., the director of Loyola Jesuit Education North West Africa.
The commissioner further disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the terms of the waiver will soon be signed between the Edo State Government and Jesuit Education Worldwide.
Looking ahead, the university’s groundbreaking ceremony, set for August 2024, will be performed by Governor Obaseki, just in time to add to the celebrations of Edo State’s 33rd anniversary.
This milestone development is yet another testament to Governor Obaseki’s visionary leadership in attracting transformative investments as his successful tenure draws to a close.