‘Private varsities responding to repositioning of tertiary education system’

Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Edo State, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, yesterday, declared that private universities were responding to the repositioning of Nigeria’s education system to meet international standards and compete with other institutions globally.

Speaking during the institution’s Founder’s Day Celebration with the theme: Industrialisation: The Role Of Academics, Private Sector Initiative And Government Enabling Environment, Ezemonye described the 22-year anniversary as that of growth and achievements.

He said the establishment of private universities in the country had not only bridged the gap in the nation’s quest to compete with international schools, but also attracted global competitiveness by eliminating incessant industrial disharmony and dearth in infrastructure, among others.

Former Governor of Edo State and Deputy Chancellor, IUO, Lucky Igbinedion, who represented the Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, said the institution’s 22-year milestone was a testimony to the fact that it had not only come of age, but was in the forefront of championing academic excellence.

Speaking, Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Nicolas Simard, who commented on the successes of the institution virtually, lauded the management for its commitment in ensuring quality education for students in the country.
On his part, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the President, African Development Bank (ADB), Prof. Oyelaren-Oyeyinka Oyebanji, canvassed reforms in all sectors of the economy particularly infrastructure to ensure urgent diversification of the economy.

Other speakers who joined the Founder’s Day Celebration virtually are, President, Zurich Elite Business School, Switzerland, Prof. Adonis-Emmanouil Fragkakis and Head, Chancery and Ambassador Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Republic of Sierra Leone and Seoul-Republic of Korea, Dr. Joe Nyuma.