Okpebholo pledges N2b, buses for Edo Varsity
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged N2 billion to support infrastructural development at Edo State University, Iyamho, commending Vice-Chancellor Victor O. Adetimirin for his commitment to advancing the institution.
- …hails VC’s sacrifice
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged N2 billion to support infrastructural development at Edo State University, Iyamho, commending Vice-Chancellor Victor O. Adetimirin for his commitment to advancing the institution.
The governor disclosed this during the inauguration of the Ehi-Agenmonmen Business Administration E-Library and the groundbreaking for a State-of-the-Art Health Centre and an Ultra-modern Fitness Centre at the university.
Okpebholo praised the Vice-Chancellor for what he described as a remarkable personal sacrifice, particularly his decision to donate his first full month’s salary toward the construction of the health centre.
“If the Vice-Chancellor can donate his first full month’s salary toward building the State-of-the-Art Health Centre, then the government will have to do much more,” the governor said.
He subsequently announced a N2 billion intervention fund for the institution, alongside the donation of two Toyota Hiace buses and two Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to support transportation within the university.
“I want to sincerely thank the Vice-Chancellor of this university,” Okpebholo added, noting that such gestures reflect a deep commitment to educational development.
The governor also acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in promoting education, stating that his sustained interest aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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He commended the donation of the Business Administration E-Library by philanthropist Ehi-Agenmonmen, as well as the ongoing effort by businessman Peter Omoh Dunia to fund the Ultra-modern Fitness Centre, describing both initiatives as worthy of emulation.
Responding to requests from the university management, Okpebholo assured that more support would follow. “You have asked for buses; we will give you two Hiace buses and two CNG buses. I will also add more as we progress,” he said.
He further called on the institution’s founding visitor and former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, to contribute to the development efforts.
“This university is dear to my heart,” the governor said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustained support for the institution.
Also speaking, Oshiomhole commended the governor for prioritising educational development, describing the intervention as a significant step toward strengthening the university’s capacity.
Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the staff and students for their dedication, assuring them of continued progress and improved facilities in the years ahead.
“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 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.
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“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 of 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.
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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 Council, Prof. Olusegun Akinyinka, yielded swift results, noting that within 20 days, the allocation to the university 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 at commissioning and performing ground-breaking ceremonies for ongoing projects.
He 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.
