The Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, has revealed that the institution has escalated its internationalisation drive as a platform for knowledge exchange, research, and development. Speaking at the valedictory ceremony and public lecture in honour of the 2023–2024 graduating students of the Oba Erediauwa College of Law, IUO, on Saturday, July 20, Ezemonye, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raphael I. Adeghe, said the aim of the internationalisation is to expose the students to globally oriented education that will make them future-ready graduates in an interconnected world. Ezemonye added that the university’s curricula are infused with master classes involving industry experts geared towards bridging the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that the students are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to face the future with confidence.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted that the Oba Erediauwa College of Law is a flagship of Igbinedion University, Okada, which was established at the inception of the University in 1999. He stated that the College has consistently maintained a commendable profile of excellence, having produced well over 3,000 law graduates, some of whom have become Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). Ezemonye revealed that the performance of Igbinedion University Law graduates at the Nigerian Law School has been encouraging, with last year’s graduates recording three first-class degrees and several second-class upper degrees. The Vice-Chancellor challenged the graduating students to go to the law school not only to replicate and surpass their performance at the college but to also stand out from the crowd as their predecessors have done. The guest speaker, Nureini Soladoye Jimoh (SAN), delivered a valedictory session lecture titled “The Role of Youths in Democratic Governance in Developing Countries.” Jimoh stated that giving young people new opportunities to express their views will benefit them and the larger society, as it will help to ensure that programmes, policies, and social structures more effectively reflect the legitimate interests and priorities of developing future generations. The occasion was marked by the presentation of various awards, including the Vice-Chancellor’s recognition plaque and souvenirs to the guest speaker, the LAWSA’s award of excellence to the guest speaker and the Dean of the College of Law, and prizes to the best 10 graduating students.
