Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed that several progressive initiatives he implemented during his tenure were abandoned after he left office.
Addressing attendees as Chairman during the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Jonathan reminisced about the substantial hurdles he faced as the country’s president.
Jonathan emphasized the challenges encountered by women across different professions and stressed the need to remove barriers hindering their advancement in their chosen fields.
Reflecting on his presidency from 2010 to 2015, Jonathan recalled the obstacles encountered in integrating women into the military. Despite resistance, he, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, mandated the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to admit women, subsequently enabling their inclusion in the military, with some excelling as top-notch jet fighters.
The former president lamented the neglect of certain ideas pivotal for the nation’s technological advancement post his tenure, which he had championed during his presidency. He highlighted the resistance faced while advocating for progressive policies.
Jonathan also urged for a reevaluation of the country’s educational curriculum, emphasizing a shift towards prioritizing skills acquisition and technology over mere certification, as a means to expedite national development.
Furthermore, he denounced cultism and bullying within the nation’s educational institutions, calling upon governmental intervention to eradicate these issues.
Expressing gratitude to General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, Jonathan credited the institution’s success for inspiring the creation of additional private universities in Nigeria.
Acknowledging the foresight of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion in founding the university, Jonathan praised the positive influence of the institution on the proliferation of private universities in the country.
Jonathan also thanked General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his role in bringing democracy to Nigeria and appreciated the presence of former governors Obong Attah of Akwa-Ibom and Chief James Ibori of Delta State at the anniversary celebration.
In his remarks, former Head of State Abdulsalami commended Chief Gabriel Igbinedion for his vision in establishing the university, wishing continued success for the institution in the future.
The celebration witnessed the cutting of the 25th-anniversary cake by Chief Igbinedion, assisted by his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, Abdulsalami, Jonathan, and other dignitaries in attendance.
Earlier, Deputy Pro-Chancellor of the university, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, speaking on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor and Founder, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, highlighted the significant progress made by the institution over the past 25 years, including graduating over 60,000 students since its inception.
