… tours the Buratai Center For Contemporary Security Affairs.
History was made today 25TH November, 2023 at the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, where Ambassador (Lt General Rtd) Tukur Buratai CFR, Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, and Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin was conferred with the award of Honorary Doctorate Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies, at the Institution’s just concluded 21st Convocation Ceremony.
The Betera of Biu, who had weeks ago been honoured with an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Letters by the Prestigious Nigerian Army University Biu. He was today honoured alongside former Edo Chief Judge , Justice Joe Acha (rtd.), who bagged the Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law.
The institution management said the honour bestowed on the former Ambassador to Benin Republic and the retired judge is a reward and apprciation for their service to humanity.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and a former two term governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume, the Guest Lecturer, who deliver the second convocation lecture, entitled: Public and Private Sector Intervention in Tertiary Education in Nigeria: Stimulus for Innovative Research and Development” said tertiary education needs strengthening particularly in the area of funding and infrastructural development.
Senator Akume said frequent strikes in public tertiary institutions by academic and non-academic staff also disrupt learning in the tertiary education landscape.
Senator Akume called for collaboration between the Public and Private Sector players to help fund and upgrade facilities in public tertiary institutions in the country.
Senator Akume equally urged alumni of various institutions to be responsive by way of supporting infrastructure and research initiatives towards a thriving tertiary education system.
In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor of the Igbinedion University Okada (IUO) Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye said the University since inception has graduated over 16,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
“To improve on the visibility of the University in the area of research and innovation, the university has also joined the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Research gate and Academia to increase the international visibility of all research work done by academic staff.
“Based on the success of 2023, IUO is now planning an expansion into other education regions to better strengthen its internationalization strategy. As such, four major international partnership and engagement trips are planned for 2024.”, Ezemonye said.
In his goodwill message, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by Chairman House Committee on tertiary education, Hon Abubakar Hassan Fulata hailed the institution for providing world-class education to Nigerians.
Speaking after the conferment of the Honourary Degree on the awardees, Ambassador Buratai said the award is a testimony of his hardwork, dedication and unwavering commitment to service of Nigeria and humanity at large.
Ambassador Buratai also lauded the Esama of Benin, Sir Chief Gabriel Igbinedion CFR for being a visionary who scored first with many landmarks in education, aviation and others. He also appreciated the Esama of Benin, for being a detribalised Elder Statesman and philanthropy. Ambassador Buratai also appreciated the Emir of Biu for leading a high powered delegation to witness the epoch event. The second awardee, the Former Edo Chief Judge, Justice Joe Acha (retd.), appreciated the institution for the prestigious honour.
In his own remarks, the deputy chancellor of the prestigious institution, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Lucky Igbinedion showered encomium on Amb Buratai attesting to the fact that Amb Buratai has been one of the most supportive partners of the university.
After the award programme, Ambassador Buratai, led other dignitaries including the Emir of Biu, to tour the Buratai Center for Contemporary Security Affairs.
