Igbinedion varsity remains Nigeria’s premier private institution – Prof Mora
*Says as 67 bag first class degrees at 23rd convocation
By KEMI KASUMU
All the graduands have demonstrated excellence in both character and learning, and in conformity with global university standards, they will receive their degrees and diplomas before this august gathering.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Edo State, Nigeria, Professor Ahmed Tijjani Mora, has described the university as a sustained glory maintaining its place as the premier private university in the country.
He stated this in his address at the 23rd Convocation Ceremony for university’s newly graduated students from across the categories of higher and first degrees as well as diploma, held in the campus auditorium on Saturday November 29, 2025.
Professor Mora, PhD, FPCPharm, OON, mni, and holder of two titles of K’ayayen Sarkin Musulmi and Wakilin Maganin Zazzau, respectively, who expressed his pleasure to warmly welcome esteemed guests, parents, guardians and, most importantly, graduands to the ceremony, described as satisfactory performances of the fresh products coming out from the university.
“Today, the University will confer degrees and diplomas on students who have successfully passed their examinations and fulfilled all other conditions set by the Senate. All the graduands have demonstrated excellence in both character and learning, and in conformity with global university standards, they will receive their degrees and diplomas before this august gathering.
“This Convocation marks the 23rd in the history of the University since its establishment on 10th May, 1999.
“Igbinedion University, Okada remains the premier private university in Nigeria. Without being immodest, we are proud of our accomplishments over the past twenty-six (26) years as a productive training ground for Nigeria’s much-needed manpower to drive the nation’s governance and economy.
“Beyond pioneering private university education in Nigeria, IUO stands out today among private universities for its national character, particularly within its top hierarchy and principal officers.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the vision of the Founder and Chancellor of the University, His Excellency Sir (Dr.) Gabriel Igbinedion, CFR, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.
“From the Chancellor to the Deputy Chancellor—His Excellency Chief Lucky Igbinedion, two-term Governor of Edo State—the Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, other principal officers of the University, the Chief Medical Director of the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital (IUTH) and several Directors, our leadership team comprises Nigerians from Edo, Benue, Delta, Jigawa, Kogi, Kaduna, and other states.
“In addition, the academic, administrative and technical staff members of the University reflect a broad national spread covering almost all the States of the Federation. Igbinedion University Okada also has one of the largest staff residential estates on campus among private universities in Nigeria, further strengthening our academic community,” he said.
He acknowledged the presence of Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafi’u, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who was at the event to deliver the Convocation Lecture titled, “Interrogating the Potentials, “Interrogating the Potentials, Challenges of ‘AI’ as the New Order in Higher Education.’”
Looking at the theme, he said topic of the lecture could have come at a better time than now.
“This is an extremely timely and well-chosen topic, and we could not have invited a more suitable personality to deliver it. More importantly, there exists a strong and interesting similarity between IUO and the NYSC.
“The NYSC, established in the early 1970s, has grown to become the largest tourism-linked movement in Nigeria. Similarly, Igbinedion University, Okada—since its establishment—has attracted students from across Nigeria and beyond, arguably more than any other private university in the country.
“It is therefore appropriate to state that the graduands of Igbinedion University Okada remain among the largest and most diverse groups contributing to the NYSC from private universities, and indeed even surpassing several state and some newer federal universities.
“To our dear graduands, I appeal to you to continue to be worthy ambassadors of Igbinedion University Okada wherever you find yourselves.” he said.
The DEFENDER reports that 67 students bagged first-class degrees as the Igbinedion University held its 23rd convocation on Saturday during which 1,050 students, in all, graduated.
Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the university, announced this at the 23rd Convocation ceremony of the university.
According to him, the surge in first-class graduates reflects the institution’s rising academic standards, the resilience of its students, and the dedication of its faculties.
He noted that 408 students earned Second-Class Upper Division, and 162 made Second-Class Lower Division.
He added that 225 others were awarded various distinguished categories, including Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees.
Three of these, he said, earned distinctions each in Community Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Bachelor of Pharmacy.
Mr Ezemonye explained that in all, 862 candidates received first degrees, representing a significant improvement over previous years.
He added that the university conferred 188 higher degrees, comprising 59 Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs), 103 Master’s degrees, and 26 Postgraduate Diplomas.
“This demonstrates our commitment to advancing knowledge and producing specialists who can drive development at the highest levels,” he said.
In his address, earlier, Professor Ahmed Tijani-Mora, the Pro-Chancellor had charged the graduates to uphold the values of the institution and project excellence wherever they go.
“Without being immodest, we are proud of our accomplishments over the past 26 years as a productive training ground for Nigeria’s much-needed manpower to drive national governance and the economy,” he said.
