Jonathan, Abdulsalami Others Salute Chief Igbinedion as University Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), have commended the vision of the Esama of Benin, High Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, in establishing the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.

The duo were among the dignitaries who at the weekend graced the 25th anniversary celebration of the university, which came on stream on May 10, 1999, as the first private university in Nigeria with Registration Number 001.

Jonathan, who was the chairman of the ceremony, while commending the courage and vision of the founder in establishing the institution, said because the university is doing well, that motivated other entrepreneurs to do same which today has increased the establishment of other private universities in the country.

He also saluted the courage of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, noting that if he hadn’t done so, the establishment of the several private universities in the country would have remained a pipe dream.

While thanking God for using General Abubakar to bring democracy to the country, he also praised former Governors, Obong Attah of Akwa-Ibom and Chief James Ibori of Delta State respectively, for gracing the 25th anniversary celebration of the institution

Jonathan, however, called for the calibration of the country’s education curriculum that would place less emphasis on certificate but much priority on skills acquisition and technology, adding that such would go a long way to hasten the development of the country.

Besides, he frowned at cultism and bullying at the country’s lower school system, and called on governments at all levels to put a stop to the menace.

The former president, who noted the challenges women were facing in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.

He recalled the challenges faced by women in the military, saying that that made him as president to direct that the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) should commence admission of women into the institution.

He explained that though there was resistance to his directive, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he had his way.

“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,” Jonathan disclosed.

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 the licence to establish this university, and the 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 that: “In the next 25 years, most of us won’t be here. I wish you well in your celebration.”

Earlier, the 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 out over 60,000 graduates since inception.

High point of the celebration was the cutting of the 25th anniversary cake by Chief Igbinedion, who was assisted by his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, Gen. Abubakar, Dr. Jonathan, and other dignitaries present.