Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday in Benin gave the Edo University, Iyamho 12 months to enter into partnership with a world class institution to sustain its present tuition adding that the university was conceived to compete with world class institutions.
The Governor said all stakeholders must go back to the dream that gave birth to the university, adding that the university was conceived by the immediate past Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole with active support from him.
The Governor gave the ultimatum when the Governing Council of the University led by its Chairman, Prof Pat Utomi visited him at his request in Government House, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki said.
Obaseki said his administration’s support for the institution would be contingent on the partnership the institution would be able to draw from her partners preferably a world class institution.
He said:” My call to you today is that you have 12 calendar months to have a partner, preferably a world class university.
“I want to say that our support for the university will be contingent on partnership from world class university so that the institution can sustain the tuition presently been charged. This institution was conceived by my predecessor with active collaboration and support from me because we believe that we need to create a new paradigm in university education in Nigeria. I must say that I am very pleased with the work done so far by the Governing Council of the University”.
He also said that that the previous administration had tried to provide world class structure for the University, though lots of work and construction were still ongoing and government will ensure that they complete all the construction work.”
He further asked the institution to return to the core basis of its establishment which was science and technology, adding that he was aware the National Universities Commission (NUC) would have given license to the university before its diversification to other field of discipline.
“As you are aware we have tried to provide world class structure for the University, though lots of construction and work is still on going. The reason for establishing the institution is that the State could join in endowing a university of excellence and partnering the university with people who understand the business of university.
“I will also implore you to return to the core area of specialization which is Science and Technology before branching off to other areas. As much as possible, let’s go back to the dream when we started”, Obaseki said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council of Edo University, Iyamho, Prof. Pat Utomi congratulated Governor Obaseki on his recent inauguration as the Governor of Edo State and assured him of their commitment to his success. He said, “On behalf of the members of the governing council of Edo University, Iyamho, I would like to first congratulate you on your being formally sworn-in as the Governor of Edo State. We want to assure you of our passionate commitment to your success in this role. We believe that at the root of any modern advancement is the quality of education provided in that community, state, country or region of the world.”
He said, “We have been working assiduously since this council was inaugurated by your predecessor to ensure that Iyamho will rise to the centre of excellence, and is focused in scholarship, and that will make lasting difference to the quality of life people live in this part of the world.”
According to Prof. Utomi, “We want to assure you that we are very close by, and we will cherish your input to align in the direction that the institution is travelling with your vision for the state so that they will help you achieve optimal outcomes.
I want to say that we are pleased that you also desire some consultation with us, and we hope we will get the chance to put before you some of the ideas that we have been engaged with which we think will add enormous value to your tenure.”