Okada, Edo, Nigeria – By Oladipo Airenakho.
Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has challenged Igbinedion University and such other institutions to further build and increase human capacity to meet the demands of the nation’s 30-year National Integrated Infrastructure Plan.
Approximately 33 million jobs are expected to be created by this venture, estimated to cost N485 Trillion – a road map which is one of the development plans, being touted by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration and is expected to bring accelerated development across the country.
According to the Minister, who spoke at the 12th Convocation ceremony of Igbinedion University Okada, Edo state last Saturday, the 30-year National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan will catalyze the provision of infrastructure, power, oil and gas, transportation.
Other areas include housing, water, agriculture, social infrastructure, Information communication Technology (ICT), and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“All these will demand the building of a critical mass of capacity in all fields, among others, to deliver to Nigerians.”
the Minister acknowledged the increasing role of Igbinedion University in the production of quality manpower which, according to him was impacting positively on Nigeria’s economy.
Senator Mohammed who was among the recipients of honorary doctorate degrees of the University, said the effort of the founder, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, has saved the nation scarce foreign exchange and reduced the exodus of its intellectuals to foreign countries for studies.
He remarked that many young Nigerians who could have travelled outside the country for educational advancement and jobs now prefer to do so here in Nigeria due to the increasing opportunities being provided by such private tertiary institutions as Igbinedion University.
‘’ No doubt the standard of learning here has made it possible for many Nigerians who could have travelled outside the country to reverse their destination.’’
Senator Mohammed drew attention to the several gains made by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, which according to him has made the country to be the next destination of choice for foreign investors.
He assured graduands at the occasion that government was working to ensure that the future holds good prospects for them.
“Our demographics, the rebasing of our economy, our GDP growth rate which is between 6 and 7% over the last five years and one of the highest in the world is expected to continue positively in the years to come, and the huge untapped resources of our nation all point to a giant on the march.”
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