Why we named college after ex-President Jonathan — Igbinedion

THE Esama of Benin and chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, has given reasons for naming the institution’s College of Arts and Social Sciences after former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Igbinedion, who spoke at the formalisation ceremony of the naming of the College of Arts and Social Sciences after the former president said that the action was based on his remarkable outstanding performances as president of the country and his humility as a person.

An elated ex-president Jonathan showered encomium on Chief Igbinedion for pioneering a private university education in the country.

The former president called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the examples of Chief Igbinedion who he said had excelled in all aspects of human endeavours.

He said the gesture spoke volume of the high esteem in which the university held him, noting that “naming a college after a person is the highest honour a university can possibly give to an individual.”

The vice chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Professor Ikechukwu Ezemonye, said the former president was found deserving of the honour because of his invaluable contribution to the development of the country, with particular reference to his democratic ideals that drew both national and international respect and recognition.

Professor Ezemonye said that the school insisted on qualitative education so that its graduates would come out as best in the country, just as it believes that research and innovation drive the economy of the whole world.

“The fundamental essence of today’s activities cannot be overemphasised, having waited for 21 years, and having gone through due diligence and having received the blessings of our chancellor,” he said.