President Bola Tinubu; former presidents of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) are among dignitaries to grace the 25th anniversary of Igbinedion University, IUO, Okada, Edo State.

Vice-Chancellor of the university,
Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, , disclosed this today, Tuesday, 30th April 2024, during a world press conference held at the institution’s campus.

According to Ezemonye, President Tinubu would be the special guest of honour, while former President Jonathan would chairman the event and Abubakar would be a special guest of honour.

Reeling out activities slated for the anniversary, Ezemonye who said different activities have been lined up for the 25th anniversary, noted that the University Founder’s Day would be held on May 10th with Anniversary Colloquium, titled: ‘Re-Imagining Tertiary Education for Africa’s Present and Future Realities’.

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He listed Hon. Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman; H.E. Professor Mohamed Bellhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, H.E. His Excellency, Shri. G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, amongst others, as guest speakers.

Speaking on the 25 years journey of imparting knowledge on Nigerians and beyond, the Vice-Chancellor said at inception, IUO started with a modest figure of 115 enrolment, but has over 7,000 male and female students on campus today.

He said: “Over the years, IUO has been able to provide value and significance in the higher education landscape.

Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye (First right) alongside other principal officers of the University unveiling the 25 years anniversary logo on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

“We are the first private university in Nigeria to produce Medical Doctors, Pharmacy and Law graduates.

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“The first to produce a First Class law graduate who repeated the same feat at the Nigerian Law School and went on to become a Professor of Law, Deputy Vice Chancellor of a university and the youngest Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

“We are the first private university in Nigeria whose First Class Law graduate also obtained First Class at the Nigerian Law School (2005).

“We pioneered entrepreneurship as an academic programme in Nigeria before it was adopted by NUC as a mandatory component of the curriculum of Nigerian universities.”

Ezemonye, while noting that IUO commenced academic activities with 5 Colleges at inception, boasted that the University has expanded to 7 Colleges and 3 Schools today.

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“The academic departments/programmes have witnessed exponential increase from 7 at inception to 85, made up of 34 undergraduate and 51 postgraduate programmes,” he added.

He continued: “We have produced over 16,000 graduates across disciplines spread across the globe, with records of stellar performances in their respective fields of endeavour.

“All courses/programmes are fully accredited not only by the National Universities Commission (NUC) but also by relevant professional bodies.

“Our admission quota for Medicine, Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science was recently increased by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) by 100 per cent each.”

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, dismissed two separate suits challenging the Peoples Democratic Party’s primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s governorship candidate for the Edo poll.

The court dismissed the suits on the premise of a lack of locus standi on the part of the plaintiffs.

Delivering judgments in the separate suits marked FHC/ABJ/CS/195/2024, which was filed by Adizetu Umoru, the second suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/196/2024, filed by Moses Alabi and Christopher Oboarer.

Justice Ekwo held that the plaintiffs failed to convince the court or show sufficient, direct and tangible personal interest that could lead the court to nullify the primary election.

The court maintained that the plaintiffs did not establish how their interests were affected or jeopardized by the primary election.

The plaintiffs had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission, PDP, Umar Damagun (acting national chairman), Setonji Koshoedo, PDP’s National Working Committee, and its National Executive Committee as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

All three plaintiffs, in separate motions filed on February 19, sought an interim order of the court restraining the defendants from using the list of ward congresses held in February. 4, to conduct the PDP’s primary in Edo State, which was held in February. 22 pending the hearing and determination of the main suit.

Justice Ekwo stated that the plaintiffs did not establish whether they were eligible to participate in the election but prevented it or whether wrongdoings were displayed during the election.

INEC had announced that the Edo governorship election will be held on Sept. 21, 2023.

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1, as public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day.

This declaration was contained in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako on behalf of the minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Dr Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, re-iterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

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He said; “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development”.

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While acknowledging the contribution of workers, he called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in the implementation of sustainable practices and policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

The Minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as he wished workers a happy celebration.