Education remains my administration’s priority — Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has assured that his administration will continue to accord education at all levels in the state greater attention.

This governor maintained that he will continue to ensure that university education in the state will be fully supported to play a vital role in the educational transformation of Edo and Nigeria.

Obaseki, who stated this at the 8th Founder’s Day Ceremony of the Edo State University Uzairue, commended the management of the University for providing quality education in the institution.

He said: “Under my watch as the Governor of Edo State, education at all levels in the state will continue to receive greater attention and will continue to ensure that the university is fully supported to play a vital role in the educational transformation of the state and Nigeria at large”.

The governor, who was represented at the ceremony by Prof. Theophilus Agweda, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Ambrose Alli university Ekpoma, said Edo State University, Uzaire has not only maintained standard in the delivery of quality education, but has also maintained steady calendars throughout its operations.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the university, Emeritus Professor Thomas Audu, explained that the “Founders’ Day Ceremony is a moment of reminder of the institution’s culture and principles that emphasised its mission. 

“It is a time to celebrate those who had the vision to sow a seed of knowledge that benefits others and to say we are grateful for contributing to the society. Edo State University Uzairue is a definition of good seed that stimulates growth in the Nigerian universities system”, he said.

Delivering her lecture titled “A Clarion Call For Diversity and Inclusion In University Administration”, the former Acting Registrar, University of Benin, Lady Celerina Mercy Ojomo, said that diversity and inclusion in university administration are imperative for creating an enabling environment for the people.

She stated that good leadership diversity and inclusion can be achieved in every institution in Nigeria and highlighted some importance of Diversity and Inclusion to include, reflecting students’ Diversity; enhancing decision making; promoting equity and access, setting a positive example; preparing students for a diverse world and impact on employees.

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Lady Ojomo, who was represented by Dr. Osa Oghator, Director, Institute of Public Administration, Uniben, opined that enhancing diversity and inclusion in university administration is essential for creating a welcoming and equitable campus for the students.

In his keynote, Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja who was represented by Prof. Michael Ozavehe Ogirima, said university administration needs to be guided by the concept of Diversity and Inclusion in the management of the system.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the university Engr. (Prof) Emmanuel Aluyor, disclosed that the University is ranked as the 10th best University in Nigeria, 2nd best State university in Nigeria, and the best University in the south-south geopolitical zone.

“The university in pursuit of its vision and mission has established collaborative partnerships with renowned international institutions such as Worcester state university (USA) and the university of Sunderland (UK) that can afford the students invaluable opportunity for international exchange of programs.

“The university operates its own teaching hospital, the Edo State University Uzairue teaching hospital Auchi with the aid of teaching its own medical students”, he said