Edo House of Assembly admits error in changing university name, reverts to Iyamho
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Ojiezele Osezua Sunday, a lawmaker in the Edo State 7th Assembly, acknowledged that the House had made an error when it changed the name of Edo State University from Iyamho to Uzairue. Ojiezele, who had defected to the APC and was one of the 10 members sworn into the 7th Assembly, was speaking during the House’s plenary session.
He explained that the initial change made in 2020, when the university was renamed to Edo State University, Uzairue, was intended to clarify that the university was a state institution. However, upon reviewing the law closely, Ojiezele realized that the change had been a mistake. He supported the move to revert the university’s name back to Edo State University, Iyamho, which is more closely tied to the community where the institution is located.
“This very law that we are going to give another effect to today was made in the last assembly in which I was a full-fledged member. Having looked at the bill very closely, I found out that what this change sought to amend is the name of the community where the university is sited,” Ojiezele said.
The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, echoed Ojiezele’s remarks, confirming that the amendment made by the 7th Assembly was indeed an error.
The motion for the name change was initially moved by Charity Ighodalo, the House Majority Leader. She explained that the proposed amendment sought to revert the university’s name to what it was originally called, aligning with the reality that the institution is located in Iyamho. She further stated, “This amendment is in line with the reality on ground because the institution as a matter of fact is situated in Iyamho.”
The motion was seconded by Eric Okaka, APC, representing Owan East constituency.
In the past, the name of the university had undergone several changes. A bill establishing the university was first passed under Governor Adams Oshiomhole in 2014 as Edo State University of Science and Technology, Uzairue. It was later amended to Edo State University of Science and Technology, Iyamho, and finally, in December 2020, to Edo State University, Uzairue under Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
The law now looks set to revert the university’s name to Edo State University, Iyamho.
