The Minister Of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has congratulated Rev (Dr) Chris Oyakhilome and Princess (Dr) Mrs. Rosemary Osula Mku-Atu who were recipients of Honourary Degrees at the Igbinedion University Okada 20th Convocation.
Sambo congratulated the recipients while delivering a speech on behalf of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo.
The Minister also congratulated the graduands, adding that Edo State is home of great Nigerians in various fields of human endeavours.
He further tasked educational stakeholders to commit to ensuring World Class Educational Standards and making sure quality becomes the norm.
His words: “Stakeholders in the education sector should not let us down. They must passionately carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour. A strong higher education system is vital for accelerating development, building inclusive societies and promoting sustainable economic growth”
“This is why as educational stakeholders we must commit to ensuring World Class Educational Standards and making sure quality becomes the norm. Edo State is home to people who have contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria-and the Igbinedion University stands as an integral part of this contribution.”
“I want to congratulate the recipients of the Honourary Degrees, Princess (Dr) Mrs Rosemary Osula Mku-Atu and Rev. Dr Chris Oyakhilome, the graduands, their families and their friends. To the graduands, as you launch into the world of work, remember you are the future of our great country Nigeria, all eyes are on you to continue this ongoing transformation of our nation.”
He, however, charged the graduands to remember to play by the rules, work smart and hard, never give up on their dreams, live a life of integrity.
“On this auspicious occasion, I wish you many more years of success as you continue to pursue your mandate of being a centre of academic excellence through teaching, research and knowledge production,” he added.
Meanwhile, Osinbajo called for more investment in Open Universities in the country and expansion of capacities of tertiary institutions.
The Vice President said “expansion of tertiary institutions would accommodate more youths who constitute 70 percent of the country’s population”
He also inferred that the expansion would also enhance and engender quality and healthy competition with foreign tertiary institutions.
Osinbajo subsequently called on governing bodies and agencies to efficiently contribute their quota towards ensuring world class tertiary institutions are operated in the country.