Jidenna Honours Late Dad With Launch Of Scholarship Scheme In ESUT
Nigerian-born American rap artiste, Jidenna Mobisson and his sister,
Nneka, have endowed a scholarship in Enugu State University of
Science and Technology (ESUT), named after their late father,
Professor Oliver Mobisson.
The late Professor Mobisson was one of the pioneer lecturers at old
Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH), the
parent University of ESUT.
While in the university, Professor Mobisson, working with other
Professors in Department of Computer Science and students, invented
the ASUTECH computer, the first commercially produced personal
computer in West Africa.
Speaking at the scholarship endowment ceremony at ESUT permanent
site Agbani on yesterday, Jidenna Mobisson recalled that when his
father invented a personal computer, nobody believed that an African
could do such a thing.
“He worked with professors and students of this institution to create
the first commercially produced personal computer, here in this
university.
“My sister Nneka and I want to honour those who made sure that
things were done here. So, in honour of those people, my sister and I
are going to endow a scholarship in Computer Engineering. The
scholarship will be given to the best student in third year.
“This will be done in honour of those who are making sure things are
done in Enugu” Jidenna said.
Reacting, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Luke Anike
commended Jidenna and his sister, Nneka for the gesture, saying that
what they have done was in line with what the university wants to
achieve in technology.
“We are the first university of technology in Nigeria. What you have
done is a thing of honour. Your father was one of the best staff and
he pioneered the Department of Computer Science and the Industrial
Development Centre (IDC) in this institution.
“What you have done is what your father believes in. I am sure if he
is here now, he will be happy. We hope this gesture will encourage our
young people to work hard” Professor Anike said.
