Okpebholo pledges N2bn, Buses for Edo Varsity
….hails VC’s sacrifice
The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged a sum of N2 billion to support infrastructural development in Edo University, Iyahmo, commending the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victor O. Adetimirin, for his sacrifice and commitment to advancing the institution.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Ehi-Agenmonmen Business Administration E-Library and performing the ground-breaking of a State-of-the-Art Health Centre and an Ultra-modern Fitness Centre at the University, the governor lauded the Vice-Chancellor for his initiative, particularly his decision to donate his first full month salary towards the building of the State-of-the-Art Health Centre.
The Governor said if the VC can donate his first full month salary towards building the State-of-the-Art Health Center, then the government will have to do much more. His Excellency thereafter announced a donation of N2 billion, 2 Toyota Hiace Buses and 2 CNG buses to the University.
“I want to sincerely thank the Vice-Chancellor of this university,” Okpebholo said, noting that such sacrifice demonstrates dedication to educational development.
The governor also expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued interest in the education sector, stating that the President’s consistent inquiries into the state of education in Edo reflect the ideals of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the donation of the Business Administration E-Library and commitment to build the Ultra-modern Fitness Centre deserve commendation and are worthy of emulation.
In a major announcement, Okpebholo said the state government would match the Vice-Chancellor’s gesture with significant funding.
Responding to requests made by the university management, he said, “You have asked for buses; we will give you two Hiace buses and two CNG buses. I will also add more as we progress.”
Okpebholo also called on the first Visitor and Founder of the University; former governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, to contribute to the project.
“This university is dear to my heart,” he added, while assuring the academic community of sustained government support.
He expressed appreciation to staff and students of the university for their commitment, assuring them that greater days lie ahead for the institution.
A business magnate and philanthropist, Ehi-Agenmonmen, donated a Business Administration E-Library while Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, a businessman and Philantropist is funding the Ultra-modern Fitness Centre.
Also speaking at the event, former Governor and founding visitor to Edo State University Iyamho, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, commended the Governor for his commitment to the development of education in the state.
“I thank you, Mr Governor, for increasing the subvention to the university. I initially thought it was N150,000,000 not knowing it was raised to N250,000,000” he said.
Oshiomhole noted that the governor’s support for education has become widely acknowledged, citing interventions across institutions in the state, particularly the revival efforts at Ambrose Alli University.
He further praised Okpebholo for addressing long-standing challenges affecting medical students in Ambrose Ali University, stating that issues that had lingered for years were resolved within weeks of his assumption of office.
“But for Governor Okpebholo, the challenges faced by medical students in Ambrose Alli University, which the system had allowed to persist, were resolved within weeks of his assumption of office,” he added.
The former governor offered prayers for continued success, expressing hope that the administration would sustain efforts to correct past shortcomings.
“May the Almighty God continue to use you to right the wrongs of the past. Your name will be written in gold for resurrecting dreams that were once thought dead,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Victor Adetimirin, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support to the institution, describing his visit as historic and timely.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the governor’s presence at the event marked his first official visit to the university, despite his busy schedule, a gesture he said is deeply appreciated by the management, staff, and students.
According to him, the university community remains grateful for what he described as a considerate and responsive leadership style demonstrated by the governor.
Recounting his personal experience, the Vice-Chancellor spoke of his first meeting with the governor, stressing his humility, meekness and openness to addressing the needs of the institution.
He disclosed that a request for increased subvention by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing, Prof. Olusegun Akinyinka yielded swift results, noting that within 20 days, the allocation to the university was increased from N100 million to N250 million.
His words, “On February 19, vehicles were also provided to support my official duties,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of the institution, stating that he would not relent until the university attains world-class status.
He also acknowledged the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development, particularly his presence to commission and perform ground-breaking ceremonies for ongoing projects.
He further revealed that the proposed health centre is being supported through donations, noting that he personally contributed his full salary toward its realization.
“Our students and staff deserve the best, and we are determined to complete these projects in record time,” he said.