By Simeon OSAJIE
A university don and prolific author, Dr. Francis Ilenloa Igberaese, Ph.D, has appealed to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to consider the automatic employment of fresh Ph.D holders to replace retired professors still serving in universities, saying the policy would strengthen the education sector and create opportunities for young scholars.
Dr. Igberaese, a lecturer at Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, made the appeal during the public presentation of his book titled “EMATON” in Benin City, the state capital.
Dr. Igberaese explained that the funds required to employ fresh Ph.D graduates already exist within the university system since the Edo State Government continues 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, monies 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 Ph.D are outside without job.
“The money to pay one of these professors can pay three 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 College of Education (ICE) closed by the immediate past administration, describing them as part of the legacies of late former governor, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia.
Reviewing the book “EMATON”, Professor Harry 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.