By Odomero Igbodo
Speaking at the institution on the sideline of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Zonal Meeting hosted by the university, Professor Eze highlighted the unique features of Renaissance University, which was founded in 2005 as the first private university licensed by the Federal Government east of the Niger.
According to him, Renaissance University operates under the American College system, with a fully residential and community-based model that ensures all students live on campus and are catered for by the institution.
“We make extra efforts to ensure our students are morally guided, academically focused, and graduate on record time. This is why we have no history of cultism, no strikes, and we maintain a safe and conducive environment for learning,” Professor Eze said.
The VC outlined the academic structure of the university, noting that it runs five fully accredited colleges: Law, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, and other specialized programmes such as Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science.
On the broader state of education in Nigeria, Professor Eze expressed concern that quality is declining nationally, but maintained that Renaissance University has continued to uphold high standards through well-trained staff, conducive facilities, and effective student support systems.
Turning to national education policy, he lauded the Federal Government for sustaining the SIWES stipend for students on industrial training, but urged for a review of the payment to align with inflation and current economic conditions.
“The stipend has remained static for years despite the rising cost of living. We commend the government’s courage in sustaining it, but we appeal for a reasonable upward review so that students can cope better during their work experience,” he said.
Professor Eze further noted that Renaissance University has a long-standing partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), actively participating in its programmes and student outreaches, which, he said, informed the choice of the university as host for the ITF Zonal Meeting.
He also emphasized the diversity of the student body, pointing out that the institution attracts learners from across Nigeria – the Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, and North Central – and has produced graduates excelling both locally and abroad.
“We are proud of our heritage and the kind of holistic training we give our students. Employers recognize this quality, and they hardly let our graduates go,” he concluded.
