From Tony Osauzo and Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Sir Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, tasked the graduating students of the institution to strive to make a difference and be agents of positive change in the country.
He gave this advice at the 22nd convocation ceremony of the institution held at Okada, Edo State, over the weekend.
Chief Igbinedion, who was represented by the Deputy Chancellor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, reminded the graduating students that they are entering a world replete with numerous challenges and exciting possibilities. He urged them to embrace these challenges with a spirit of excellence and courage and to seize the opportunities with the best of their creative and innovative capacities.
He further advised them to carry forward the values of integrity, self-worth, and dedicated service that define the institution.
Earlier in his address, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the University, announced that a total of 855 students, comprising 717 undergraduates and 138 postgraduate students, would be added to the list of distinguished graduates spread across the seven colleges.
Prof. Ezemonye recounted the successes of the university over the last year, highlighting that all the courses currently being offered by the institution are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the relevant regulatory councils.
He disclosed that the institution is fully digitalised, with the integration of information and communication technology across academic and administrative functions.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the University had secured an increase in admission quotas for various professional courses, including Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, and Nursing Sciences.
On his part, Mr. Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), stated that the commission would continue to encourage the establishment of more universities, despite criticisms.
He explained that Nigeria needs more universities, considering the country’s population and its low literacy level. He assured that the commission would not compromise the quality of university education in the country.
Maiyaki revealed that available statistics and studies show that Nigeria requires more universities to harness and unlock its potential.
“The commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, as a matter of deliberate policy, will encourage the expansion of our universities and approve more,” he said.
However, he urged Nigerian universities to prioritise capacity building for their staff, noting recent reports indicating shortcomings in this area.
He also expressed concern over the state of facilities in Nigerian universities and called for improved governance and management culture in the administration of university resources.
To reposition Nigeria’s university system, the NUC chief advocated for the restoration of normalcy in the academic calendar by eliminating unwarranted incessant industrial actions.
“There is also a need for the review of our curriculum, application of ICT, and massive expansion of facilities.
“Partnership and internationalisation are also necessary to join the global landscape of universities,” Maiyaki added.