The university, which will be situated in the picturesque Ewatto Community within the Esan South East Local Government Area, is the culmination of a decade-long pursuit by the Jesuit Education Worldwide organization.
According to Isoken Omo, the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, “The Edo State Government through the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development has granted approval to the Jesuit Education worldwide for the development of the first Loyola Jesuit University in Nigeria.”
Recognizing the transformative potential of this project, the Edo State Government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to education by waiving the approval fees, which amounted to over 200 million naira. Instead, the university has agreed to provide scholarships and amenities to the Ewatto Community, ensuring that the benefits of this investment reach the local populace.
“This approval was pursued for a decade and His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, granted it and waived the fees of over N200 million. Instead of paying cash, it was agreed that the university would grant scholarships and provide amenities in the Ewatto Community over time to the tune of the approval fees,” Omo further elaborated.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the waiver terms will be signed between the Edo State Government and Jesuit Education Worldwide. Governor Obaseki is set to preside over the groundbreaking ceremony in August 2024, ahead of the Edo @ 33 celebrations
The Head of Jesuit Education Worldwide, Rev. Fr. Joseph Christie S.J., received the approval from the Edo State Government, accompanied by Fr. John Okoria S.J., who oversees the Loyola Jesuit Education initiatives in North West Africa.
