MUDIAME UNIVERSITY, IRRUA, COMMISSIONED, MAIDEN MATRICULATION HELD

 Mudiame University Irrua Commissioned, maiden matriculation held

By: Oriaifoh Godwins

Amidst pomp and pageantry, the commissioning and maiden matriculation ceremony of Mudiame University, Irrua was held at the premises of the university in Idumabi-Irrua, in Esan central local government area of Edo state on Saturday, the 18th of June 2021, where people from different walks of life were in attendance to grace the occasion.

Speaking during the commissioning of the University, the Proprietor/Chancellor of the University, Professor Sonny Eboh Eromonsele, who is also the Managing Director, Mudiame conglomerate, said; ‘…There are Universities in Nigeria, both private and public. But as an industry player, we saw many loopholes and cannot afford to fold our hands, especially when we know the dangers ahead…’ continuing, Professor Eromonsele said in the oil and gas outfits of Mudiame, requisite skills are imported to explore the existing mineral resources, especially crude oil and natural gas. He said, the inadequate skills and technological gap prevents value addition leading to the inability to harness existing resources to the advantage of the nation's 200 million people. The direct implication of this, according to him, includes unemployment. Saying, the insecurity rate, directly linked to economic hardship and unemployment, is alarming. These grim statistics, he said, are the reasons for the establishment of Mudiame University, as the University is poised to bridge the gap that exists between the classroom teaching and real world. 

The Chancellor, Mudiame University, said, ‘…the mission of this prestigious University is to contribute to the sustainable welfare of society with expertise in science, technology and business. This is to be achieved through teaching, research and community service.’ With this, he added, the university is aiming at becoming a world-leading institution for technology and innovation that will eventually address the challenges of agriculture and food safety, energy, health, manufacturing, oil and gas, security and transportation on a regional and global scale.

Speaking on the choice of Irrua as a location for the University, the Chancellor said, Irrua, in Esan Central local government area of Edo state, has offered everything needed for the setting up of and smooth operation of the university, including vast expanse of land, peaceful environment and strategic location.

On his part, the Vice chancellor of the University, Professor Ernest Izevbigie, a renowned US inventor and United States’ National Academy of Inventors, NAI-Distinguished Professor of Biology and Biochemistry, said; Mudiame University prides itself with distinguished academic staff of proven integrity and that, contrary to what obtains in other universities in the country, recognition and awards in Mudiame University will not be based on just paper and book presentations and publications respectively, but emphasis will be laid on lecturers with novelty ideas and innovations that adds values to the quality of life.

Continuing, the Vice Chancellor said, the University will in the course of time be highly rated in Teaching, Researching and Community service, adding that, all the first class graduates of the university will automatically and unconditionally be offered employment after graduation as Mudiame is a conglomerate with establishments in Porthacourt, Lagos and Ghana that are ever ready to absorb graduates from the university.

Conduct of researches that are aimed at solving the country’s problems as the vision of the university is aimed at  addressing challenges in Agriculture, Health, Energy, Oil and Gas Industry, Transportation, rail and roads construction, etc.

The Acting Registrar of the University, Mr. Olusegun Johnson, in his address, said; ‘…a new beginning has emerged, the beginning of new standards, new orientations, new outlooks, philosophies values and paradigm shifts…’ he added that, what Mudiame University is offering, is a total departure from devalued education to a standard education, from infinite days in schools, to specific and well monitored university calendar with dates. Mudiame university, he said, is creating a departure from the old order to creating mind of innovation into graduates, a departure from the state of un-employability of graduates to a realm of uniquely breaded employable graduates, a departure to a world of science and technology that currently rule the world. 

Dignitaries present at the occasion include Gen. (Dr) Godwin Abe rtd, one time Minister of Defense, Bishop Mathew Okpebholo, CEO, Ray Royal Construction, The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, who joined via zoom, Edo state Commissioner of Police, who was represented by Irrua Area Commander, ACP B. Benafa, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Engr. (Chief) Nnnana Ukaegbu, the Chairman, Zinox computer and CEO of KONGA Mr. Leo Stan, who also joined via zoom, the Okaijesan of Esanland and the Ojirrua of Irrua, Alh. W. O. Momodu II, JP, CON, who was represented by High Chief Abudu Ugbesia, The Onojie of Ugbegun HRH, Obade II, the Enijies of Ewu and Igueben were represented. Others include, a one time Speaker, Edo state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, the APC Senatorial Candidate for Edo central, Hon. Monday Okpebholo and a host of others.