Our reporter
Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Nigeria’s premier private university, marked its 22nd convocation ceremony on Friday with a renewed pledge to revolutionize the nation’s higher education landscape.
The Chancellor and founder, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, lauded the institution’s pioneering role in advancing academic excellence and producing well-rounded graduates equipped to make global impacts.
Delivering his address through former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion, the Chancellor reflected on the university’s remarkable journey since its inception 25 years ago. “When we began, there was no roadmap for private institutions in higher education,” he said. “Today, the thriving network of private universities across Nigeria is a testament to the foundation we laid.”
Chief Igbinedion described the university’s growth in stature, visibility, and quality service delivery as a testament to its steadfast commitment to academic ideals. He also urged the 855 graduates—comprising 717 undergraduates and 138 postgraduates—to uphold the institution’s values as they navigate their futures.
“My dear graduates,” he said, “education does not end here. It is a lifelong journey. As you step into a world filled with challenges and opportunities, let excellence, creativity, and integrity guide your path.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, highlighted the university’s sustained engagement with society through its “Town and Gown” philosophy, which fosters practical collaborations between academia and industry. He emphasized that the graduates would join a legacy of distinguished alumni making strides globally.
With seven colleges producing this year’s cohort, IUO continues to solidify its reputation as a leading institution shaping the future of education in Nigeria and beyond.
The ceremony was a celebration not just of academic achievement but also of the transformative vision that established the university as a beacon of innovation in the country’s educational system.
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