Nigerian Professor to Run Varsity in Benin Republic

A Nigerian Professor, David Iornem, has secured a license from the government of Benin Republic to run a private university, Ecole Superieure Universitaire, in Cotonou, the country's capital. Prof. Iornem, who spoke with journalists in Abuja, said the varsity would specialize in Business Management with commencement of its academic activities in October. The university, which will use English and French languages to impart knowledge, according to him, would be expanded to include other courses like Information Technology (IT). He said his decision to operate a university abroad was because it was cumbersome for individuals to secure licenses and accreditation to operate private universities in Nigeria due to what he described as high level corruption. He lamented that corruption, which is deep rooted in the education system in the country, was the reason why most Nigerian students found it difficult to gain administration into universities in the country. "The name of the university can be translated as School of Higher Education. I decided to seek for a license outside Nigeria because in this country only the rich can get license and accreditation," Prof. Iornem said. He however urged the Minister of Education to look into the issue, saying, "at the end, it is children of the poor that suffer. Let's open up the space."