By Simeon OSAJIE
A university don, prolific writer and the author of Ematon, Dr. Francis Ilenloa Igberaese, has appealed to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to consider the automatic job placements of fresh Ph.D holders to replace retired or contract Professors still serving in universities and tertiary institutions in the state, saying the policy would strengthen the education sector and create opportunities for young scholars.
Dr. Igberaese, a Senior Lecturer in Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Society in the state made the appeal during the public presentation of his new book titled “EMATON” in Benin City, the state capital.
He explained that the funds required to employ these fresh Ph.D graduates already exist within the university and tertiary institutions education system since the Edo State Government has continued to fund its tertiary institutions.
“I passionately appeal to the executive governor of Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo to give automatic job offer to all Ph.D holders in Edo State.
“They are not even many, the money to do that is already there, funds are being misplaced. For example why would a Professor who have spent 70 years and retired be earning from the system and retained, while those who hold fresh Ph.D are outside without jobs.
“The money to pay one of these Professors can pay three fresh Ph.Ds, and by the way, these Professors do not come to work”, with special apology to some of them. And the new brains are energetic and they work. Please let us absolve them”, he appealed.
Dr. Igberaese also urged the government to revive Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), Benin City, closed by the immediate past governor, Godwin Obaseki, describing them as part of the legacies of late former governor, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia. He regretted that unfortunately, Gov. Obaseki who closed down the Institute was a beneficiary of it and question his excuse of non-viability as if it was ever a profit making organization.
Reviewing the book “EMATON”, Professor Henry Imhonde described the 25-chapter work as a must-read, especially for those interested in leadership and governance, noting that it explores how personal interests can destroy political structures.
He explained that “EMATON” means one who strikes hard, one who cannot be bent, and one who remains solid like iron.
Prof. Imhonde said the book serves as a metaphor for political resistance and highlights the cost of governance driven by intimidation, ethnicity, and fear rather than service to the people.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, commended the author for his courage and resilience in documenting what he described as “atrocities” of the immediate past administration in Edo State despite alleged threats and harassment.
Also present at the occasion were Rt. Hon. Francis Okiye, former speaker of Edo State House of Assembly who served as Chairman of the organising committee of the public presentation of “EMATON”, academicicians, friends, family members, associates, among others.