Chancellor and founder of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Chief Gabriel Igbinedion on Friday, pledged the university’s efforts at revolutionizing Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
Igbinedion said the university showcases the commitment to academic excellence and the consistent production of well- rounded individuals across the country and the world.
The founder and chancellor of the university made the remarks while delivering the 22nd convocation address of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Edo State.
Represented by a former governor of Edo state, Lucky Igbinedion, the Chancellor said the 22nd convocation ceremonies highlights the institution’s contribution to society through staying faithful to the pursuit of the highest academic ideals at all times.
The Chancellor, who noted that considering that the University was founded at a time of zero inclusion of private institutions into the higher education sector, said, “What we achieved in twenty-five years can be better appreciated. Our growth trajectory interms of stature, visibility, acceptability, and quality service delivery reflects the leadership burden that the University has had to shoulder over these many years.”
He added that the number of existing private universities and their success stories remain an indisputable testament to how the university has successfully lived up to the onerous responsibility of pioneering a monumental revolution.
Igbinedion who congratulated the graduating students on their success story, charged them to be good Ambassadors of the institution and to remember that education is a life-long journey.
“My dear graduates, remember that education is a life-long journey. You are going into a world replete with numerous challenges and exciting possibilities. Embrace the challenges with a spirit of excellence and courage, seize the possibilities with the best of your creative and innovative capacities.
“Above all else, you should be guided at all times by the ideals of diligence, uprightness, and selfless service. ” Igbinedion said.
In his speech, Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye said that as a university , our relationship with and contributions to society has constantly been sustained through the Town and Gown interface.
The Vice Chancellor noted that a total of 855 students comprising 717 undergraduate and 138 postgraduate students will be added to the list of distinguished graduates spread across the seven Colleges.