The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Washington Osifo, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Edo State University, Iyamho, and other higher institutions to advance quality education and sustainable development in the state.
Osifo made the commitment when he received the management team of Edo State University, Iyamho, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victor O. Adetimirin, during a courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry’s headquarters in Benin City.
Speaking earlier, Adetimirin congratulated Osifo on his reappointment as Commissioner for Education and commended him for what he described as his open-door leadership style.
The Vice-Chancellor pledged the university’s support to the Commissioner, noting that Osifo had consistently demonstrated willingness to respond whenever the institution sought his attention.
Adetimirin also highlighted some of the achievements recorded by the university since he assumed office, including the payment of salary arrears owed to pensioners and measures taken to block financial leakages.
According to him, these interventions have contributed to making the university stronger and more financially stable.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir Enodolomwanyi Otamere, for his interventions in the affairs of the institution and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him.
He, however, appealed to the Commissioner to assist the university in securing some of the interventions earlier promised by the Edo State Governor, while expressing appreciation to the Governor for fulfilling most of his commitments to the institution.
Reflecting on his relationship with Edo State, Adetimirin said the state had given him “the best of her daughters” in marriage, adding that he could never repay the state for its kindness.
Responding, Osifo commended the Vice-Chancellor and the Permanent Secretary for maintaining stable family lives, while acknowledging Otamere’s contributions to the Ministry.
“If you are not good at home, you cannot be good outside,” the Commissioner said, urging the Vice-Chancellor to ensure that women are adequately supported within the university.
On the requests presented by the university management, Osifo assured the delegation that the Ministry would look into the issues and work toward addressing them.
“Our work is the legacy that will speak for us when we have left the stage,” he said, adding that he was determined to surpass the record he established during his previous 13 years as Commissioner.
The Commissioner also reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with tertiary institutions across the state in pursuit of improved educational standards and sustainable development.
The meeting ended with the presentation of a congratulatory photo album to Osifo by the Vice-Chancellor.
Those present at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary, Sir Enodolomwanyi Otamere; Prof. Victor O. Adetimirin, Vice-Chancellor, Edo State University, Iyamho; Prof. Samuel Serike, Deputy Vice-Chancellor; Mr. Vincent Eragbe, Acting Registrar; and Mr. Peter Omionawele, Director of Higher Education, among others.
