Michael and Cecilia Ibru University established to reduce poverty, says promoter

IN what could be described as a momentous occasion last week in the serene and pristine town of Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Council of Delta State, the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University was unveiled to the state government and the world at large with Nigerian and foreign academics, legal luminaries, politicians, civil servants, parents and prospective students of this international higher institution of learning attending the ceremony.

The co-founder, Dr. (Mrs.) Cecilia Ibru, averred that the varsity was established to reduce poverty by raising well rounded graduates who will be builders of any society in which they find themselves. She added that the focus of the university was the well-rounded development of the individual member of the university community without discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity or religion.

Working in fruitful synergy with the university are the Michael and Cecilia Foundation Training Institute, College of Education and the Michael and Cecilia Demonstration Schools. The training institute is a one-stop shop for information technology training.

The university boasts of facilities that are of world class. All teaching and learning is e-based with solid linkages and exchange programmes for staff and students with universities in Europe and North America.

Mrs. Ibru assured the large crowd of dignitaries that the institution would always be remembered as a place where excellence and godliness was preached and practised by all students.

One of the highlights of the colourful event was the offer of scholarships to students from Delta State with a commitment from the state government to give out same number.

Notable academics associated with the varsity are the Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo; the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prof. Onigu Otite; Pro-Chancellor, Joop Berkout; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uvie Tobore Igun.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented at the event by a power delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government, Ovie Festus Agas and the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Joyce Overah, government’s partnership with the university, lauding the bold initiative of the promoters for finding it worthy to help to interpret the SMART agenda of the current administration in the state geared at bringing prosperity to all Deltans.

The ivory tower, with the motto, “Knowledge Alleviates Poverty, “ has  its full academic activities commencing on October 12, 2015.