- Kila wants private sector, government to support initiative
The Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, has said it will offer tuition-free Agricultural Science programmes for selected students.
The programme, according to the university’s Vice Chancellor Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape, is unique, as it operates on a work-study structure, ensuring students gain hands-on, practical experience alongside theoretical learning.
According to him, through this approach, students will actively participate in fieldwork, agricultural projects, and internships that expose them to modern farming techniques and innovative agricultural practices.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 10th Convocation of the university, Pro-chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Prof Anthony Kila, remarked that “the announcement is a delightful and praiseworthy initiative that gives hope to the needy and the talented and an example of how universities can be a source of solution in a country that abounds with needs and talent.”
The Convocation, held on Saturday, 6th September 2005, was attended by the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, traditional rulers, business leaders, and academics from various institutions.
Also in attendance was Elder Solomon Asemota (SAN). Honorary doctorate degrees were awarded to Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (PhD), Trinidad and Tobago-born David Raggay, a management consultant, and Mark Giwa-Amu, an architect and Royal Military Academy-trained officer, while Stephanie Adebor also won a prize and was recognised as the best graduating student.
The MCIU registrar, Dr Thomas Kolo, said the scholarship “initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the university’s Chancellor and Co-founder, Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ibru MFR OFR, to fostering sustainable agricultural development and creating opportunities for aspiring students passionate about agriculture”.
Prof Kila, noted that the MCIU scholarship for the Agricultural Science programme was an opportunity and a challenge, and he called on the private and public sectors as well as individuals to support the programme in any way they could.
