Benson Idahosa University BIU Confers Change Nigeria Award on Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR. - Benson Idahosa University

BIU Confers Change Nigeria Award on Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR.

July 22, 2015

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The Benson Idahosa University’s ‘Change Nigeria Award’ was conferred on the former Nigerian President for his contribution to national transformation in the area of Governance, Education and Agriculture during the 11th Convocation Ceremony of Benson Idahosa University.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, who also doubled as the Convocation Lecturer, urged the Management of Benson Idahosa University not to relent in mustering efforts towards making the University one of the leading Universities in Nigeria, and , indeed, in Africa. He gave this charge while delivering his Lecture entitled, “Effective Educational System: A Panacea for Societal Development and Transformation”.

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The former Nigerian President identified education “as a process of updating the knowledge and skills of a person for the purpose of making the person useful to himself or herself and to the community”. According to him, education is the foundation for development, noting that education is the antidote for poverty, ignorance and the key for unlocking natural resources and human potential. He added that without quality education, our goal to have a great Nigeria will remain a pipeline dream.

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Identifying self-reliance, honesty, diligence, respect for the rule of law and dignity of labour as core values of education, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo enjoined the Management of Benson Idahosa University to stick to its “Mission of raising leaders who are complete in spirit, mind and body, thus contributing to the production of high level leadership and quality manpower for the nation and the world.

He however lamented the increased spate of youth unemployment in the nation saying that, youth unemployment makes for 20% of Nigerian graduates.

Highpoint was the conferment of the ‘Change Nigeria Award’ on the Convocation Lecturer, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR by the Chancellor, Archbishop M.E. Benson Idahosa. This was followed by the presentation of plaque to the recipient by the President of Benson Idahosa University, Bishop F.E. Benson Idahosa II.

The Benson Idahosa University’s ‘Change Nigeria Award’ was created in 2010 to recognize, encourage and celebrate selfless service, integrity, and statesmanship of men and women who have lived exemplary lives and have contributed to national transformation in different sectors of the Nigerian economy. It is the brain Child of the President, Bishop F.E. Benson Idahosa II.

 

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Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was earlier received at the Warri Airport by the University’s Management team led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ernest B. Izevbigie.

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He was then driven in a convoy to Benin City where he was warmly welcomed by the Chancellor, Archbishop M.E. Benson Idahosa accompanied by the President, Bishop F.E. Benson Idahosa and wife as well as a team of Ministers at the Church of GOD Mission Global Office (CGMi).

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