His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State
His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II. The Oba of Benin Kingdom
The Iyase of Benin Kingdom
The Proprietor, Benson Idahosa School of Basic of Applied Studies
The Chairman, Governing Board
Members of the Governing Board
Other Principal Officers of the School
The Convocation Lecturer
Visiting Vice Chancellors/Rectors and Provosts
Visiting Former Director, SBAS, Benson Idahosa University
Visiting Former Rector, BISBAS
My Lords, Spiritual and Temporal
Members of the Academic Board
Heads of Departments and Units
Members of Congregation
Other Members of Staff
Graduating Students
Parents and Guardians
Gentlemen of the Press
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
In the Name that is above every other name, the Name of Jesus Christ, I welcome you all to this epoch-making event of the 1st Convocation Ceremony of Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies.
Like every other dream, Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies started as a concept, it got nourished and today, it is a tangible reality.
The two pioneering graduating sets today constitute the Class of Destiny Activators. They are blessed to have opened the womb of this great vision. They are the strength of this institution. The Excellency of our might.
This address has three titles: The fulfillment of Destiny, the Actualization of a Vision and the Glory of a Story.
Appreciation
In Proverbs 29:18, the scripture says: Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Without a vision, there cannot be a direction. Without a vision, focus and instruction are truncated. It is in this regard that I salute the apostolic wisdom and vision of the Proprietor and Visitor to the School, Bishop FEB Benson- Idahosa II for setting up this institution, with a clear mandate, distinct from the University arm of the Mission.
Since it is also true that without the right set of people in place, vision can vanish, it is important to place in context those who published this vision and prevented it from still birth.
It is in this respect that I pay glowing tributes to Professor Sam Guobadia, who, in his capacity as Director of Benson Idahosa University Consultancy Services Limited and Director, School of Basic Studies of the same Institution, midwifed the birth of Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies, with the approval of the National Board for Technical Education, in 2014.
In the same vein, I applaud the laudable efforts of the Pioneer Rector, Dr. Peter Ekunwe and his management team for kick starting the school as an innovation enterprise institution.
The current leadership anchored by the Chairman of the Governing Board, Professor C. L. Igeleke is also commended, not only for continuing with the robust platform erected, but also for building and expanding on the credible foundation met on ground.
I salute you all partners in dynamic progress!!!
The Beauty of Innovative Enterprise Institution
Innovative Enterprise Institutions (IEIS) are institutions approved to provide a veritable alternative route to higher education. They are products of a reform initiative of the Federal Government. Innovative Enterprise Institutions and Vocational Enterprise Institutions offer technical, vocational and professional education and training to equip school leavers and working adults with vocational skills and knowledge to meet the increasing demands for technical manpower by the various sectors othe nation’s economy.
The major aim is to widen access to technical and vocational education and training (TVETs) and serve the needs of the industry and self empowerment of the nation’s citizens.
Target Groups
Innovative Enterprise Institution is expected to be a credible alternative form of education that will cater for the interest of:
- School leavers who wish to acquire practical skills
- Persons seeking for career paths that do not need University degrees
- Persons without time for full-time study but want skill enhancement
- Persons wishing to go into self-employment
- University graduates seeking employable skills and
- Adults seeking opportunities to re-skill themselves
The Task Before Us in Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies
- We have a responsibility to build our brand and brandish it in a way that will attract the required number of students, no matter the cut off mark approved by JAMB.
- The truth of the matter is that while IEIs, NIDs and NDs are programmes of equivalent ranking, IEIs are better and more critical in packaging for the labour market, as they are skill equipping institutions.
Two issues arise from this discussion. (i) The need for us to develop modular certification programmes that will confer on the artisans on the streets a certain degree of professional and intellectual identity. (ii) The second point here is that employability and proper job placement should not be a crisis if we truly live up to the tenets of our innovative structure and system. Besides, the Ministry of Education and the Federal Civil Service are already working on correcting the possible misconception in this area.
- We have a responsibility in BISBAS to develop or improve our curriculum in a bid to meeting contemporary needs and In this way, we will not only be relevant as an academic fortress, but also an innovative bank in a professional palace.
- BISBAS is also at the forefront of initiating a formidable voice for all TVETs in Nigeria. We strongly believe that with a thick united bloc, we can easily address issues of mutual interest and thereby locate our place in the national educational scheme of things.
GIANT STRIDES OF A YOUNG INSTITUTION
It is true that we are a young institution that is barely three years old and therefore perceived to be fragile. But then, from that seemingly elastic platform, we have strategically positioned ourselves for greatness:
Partnership with NABTEB
In August 2016, Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies entered into a working relationship with the National Business and Technical Board in terms of modular certification and remedial programmes. The partnership is beginning to produce fruits.
Accreditation of Programmes
The accreditation exercise carried out in March 2017 in our School was successful. Virtually all the programmes received full accreditation status. The resource verification for Early Child Care and Management programme also sailed through.
Commencement of Part-Time Programmes
With the successful outcome of the accreditation exercise and in consultation with the regulatory body, we have commenced part-time programmes in Banking Operations, Computer Software Engineering, Films and Television Production and Paralegal Studies.
BISBAS Entrepreneurship Development Centre
As part of efforts aimed at building capacity and generating revenue internally, we have commenced BISBAS Entrepreneurship Development Centre where, apart from the development of skills, school funds are boosted from platforms such as Computer/Business Centre and possibly JAMB CBT centres.
New Programmes set to Take-off
In response to contemporary needs and with a view to adding value to manpower capacity drive, we have developed curricula in line with regulatory standards for two additional programmes, namely, Petroleum Geoscience and Electrical Electronics. We are looking forward to receiving NBTE for resource verification exercise before the end of this year or early in 2018.
Recognition and Appointments
Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Innovative and Vocational Institutions, Edo State Chapter. This is a divine platform, not only for us to play the role of innovative leadership in the lives of other sister institutions, but also for us to soar as eagles. Congratulation, Proprietor and Visitor.
BISBAS Website Now Live
As part of our efforts at rebranding the institution and putting it on the electronic world map of visibility, we now have the BISBAS website live. By just clicking on www.bisbas.edu.ng, you will be on to our world.
Staff Development
Manpower development is close to the heart of the leadership. This explains why in the last one year, staff of the School have been sent on professional training programmes and conferences. We intend to do more of this in the subsequent years.
Strengthening of Statutory Boards
With the NBTE Executive Secretary’s Representative now on our Governing Board and the expansion of our Academic Board with the recent appointments of Head of Quality Assurance Unit with that of the Remedial and Vocational Studies Unit, the school is better positioned for a strategic flight in stardom, not only in creative policy generation but also in quality assurance dynamics and the exploration of the various opportunities in innovation and vocational studies.
PRESENTATION
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my singular honour to present to you all the pioneer graduating students of Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies, the combined Class of Destiny Activators for the 2015/2016 session and the 2016/2017 academic year.
MY CHARGE
You are the products of a prophetic declaration. You came on purpose. So you cannot decompose. Vision gave birth to you and the vision; you must fulfill and continue to activate. While I am aware that some of you are already distinguishing yourselves in the higher institutions you are currently in, and a few of you already at international platforms, I like you to urge you all to excel in all that you do, for as you know, the best is yet to come.
By training, you have been exposed to the practical and hands on application, not only in your specific disciplines, but in the various aspects of human endeavour. You are to go out there and create jobs. You are to strike a match of illuminating creativity in the midst of thick darkness.
The National Innovative Diplomas you are about to receive reflect a formal validation of the quality exposure that you have enjoyed from this prestigious institution. However to be the best in life that God has destined you for, you need to stir up the giant in you.
There will be obstacles in the journey of life. But remember that with God on your side, you only fight from the standpoint of victory. Therefore, every challenge surmounted, takes you to championship. Let God lead you, let him be your barometer, your guide and banner. He never fails.
Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for your listening attention.
Dr. Mark Osama Ighile
Rector,
Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies.