President Bola Tinubu will lead other eminent Nigerians, including former president Goodluck Jonathan and former military head of state, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar to the 25th anniversary celebration of Nigeria's Premier and Leading University, Igbinedion University Okada (IUO).
The Vice Chancellor, IUO, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye confirmed this at a World Press Conference and Unveiling of the anniversary logo at the University Campus in Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Professor Ezemonye explained that President Tinubu would be the special guest of honour, while former President Jonathan would be chairman the event and Abubakar would be a special guest of honour.
He listed other guests to include 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.
According to the him, the anniversary chronicles 25 years of academic excellence, advancement of knowledge and creation of opportunities at IUO, a beacon of intellectual repository, crucible for innovation and nurturing ground for future leaders and game changers.
“Over the years, IUO has been able to provide value and significance in the higher education landscape. We are the first private university in Nigeria to produce Medical Doctors, Pharmacy and Law graduates.
"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.”
The Vice Chancellor outlined other activities for the anniversary to include Medical Outreach to communities in Okada and environs, inter-university football tournament, Law Students Moot Court Competition, Chancellor's Photo Gallery Exhibition, Alumni Réunion ad Engagement, Commissioning of legacy projects, Founder's Day, among others.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the 25th anniversary logo by the Vice Chancellor and other management staff of the university.