Francis Sadhere Warri
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has lauded Chief E.K. Clark for establishing the Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the University, yesterday the Governor said the establishment of the University would help in the education of more Deltans.
According to him, Chief Clark started very well by offering Scholarship and Tuition-free for first 100 Students, adding that the former Information Minister has set a very good example for other well meaning Deltans to follow.
Governor, Okowa, also challenged eminent Nigerians to always contribute to the growth of the society by investing in education.
He said, “Investing in education ensures a positive future for our children,” assuring that his administration was committed to the development of education in the state.
“You (Pa Clark) are bequeathing a legacy, you have always been a shining light; we say thank you for bringing a university to this serene town; you have set an example that many Deltans will emulate and we encourage Deltans to establish universities and engage in developmental programmes in their communities,” the Governor said
While urging the matriculants to desist from joining secret cults, Governor Okowa described joining cultism as “giving one’s life to the devil,” adding that cultism affects the society, negatively.
Governor Okowa told the matriculating students that a big burden has been placed on them, imploring them to shine out.
The Governor said; “You must study hard, stand out and make your parents and this University proud.”
Governor Okowa tasked traditional rulers to continue to promote peace in their domains, saying that; “When there is peace in all our communities, Delta State will be a better State.”
The Governor promised to fix the bad road leading to Kiagbodo, “I noticed as we were driving to the University that the road to the community is very bad, we will fix the road. We will attend to the bad road and my administration will continue to pay great attention to Technical Education.”
In his address, foremost Ijaw National Leader, Founder and Chancellor of Edwin Clark University, Chief E. K. Clark, said he set up the Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State to give adequate education to the less privilege in the society.
He said profit was not at the back of his mind in embarking on the University project, adding that education should be made available to everybody.
The former education Commissioner said I decided to set up my own University as a way of giving back to the society that has done so much for me. At my age, I have seen it all and God has been kind to me.
Chief Clark who was robed at the metrication ceremony as the Chancellor of the University, added that; In this University, we are out to help the less privilege with scholarship so that we can have educated nation. Most of our Universities are no longer providing the needed services, they are out to make profit but that is not my purpose of setting up this University.
On his part, the Vice chancellor of Edwin Clark University, Prof. Timothy O. Olagbemiro, showered praises on the founder of the University, Chief Edwin Clark, who was robed as the first Chancellor, saying that Clarks over sixty years of commitment “as a teacher, Commissioner for Education and Pro-Chancellor with a focus on educational development, production of quality students, with the required practical knowledge, skills attributes and values to address complex challenges of his immediate environment, has culminated into a university with educational philosophy, based on commitment to social responsibility in all its academic programmes, services, as well as entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Prof. Olagbemiro also lauded the Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Tuition free scholarship valued at N250,000 awarded to the first one hundred students to be admitted into the university, saying that the gesture was a landmark gesture by any one individual which has significantly contributed to the admission of most of the students in the university.
While congratulating the pioneer students of the institution, the Vice Chancellor reminded the students that the overriding goals of the institution is to inclulcate in their students all round functional education aimed at producing the total man, that combines academic excellence and sound moral training, with the fear of the Lord in all aspects of life.
He warned the students that the university will neither condone any act that is inimical to its good name, nor allow any violation of its rules and regulations that were clearly designed for the overall well-being of the entire university community.
My advice to you, my dear students, is that you should concentrate on your studies and be of good behavior, as no act of indiscipline will be overlooked without appropriate sanction. Indeed the university has zero tolerance for indiscipline, warned Prof. Olagbemiro.
Highlighting some of the universitys modest achievements since it was licensed in May 7, 2015, Prof. Olagbemiro said the management staff assumed duty on May 15, 2015 while students commenced academic activities in Septermber 14, 2015.
He also said that the university has established external linkages with Convent University in the United Kingdom and Chicago State University Illinois, USA, adding the expected benefits from the collaboration with the two reputable Universities abroad include; the capacity for the Edwin Clark University to undertake part of their studies at any of the collaborating institutions, provision for graduates of Edwin Clark University to undertake their postgraduate programmes at any of the collaborating universities, provision of Edwin Clark University to offer its dual degrees from two institutions, provision for staff and students of the institution to undertake dual programmes, and provision for developing capacity building, collaborative research and other joint initiatives.
Former Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau delivered a keynote lecture at the occasion which was attended by Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), Major General David Jemibewon (rtd), Air Commander Indongesit Akauga, Senator Bassey Henshaw, Mrs Josephine Anenih, Dr Cairo Ojougbou, Major-General David Ejoor, Dr Steve Oru, among others.
