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  • UNIBEN Alumni Council honours Achankeng, others with distinguished awards

    UNIBEN Alumni Council honours Achankeng, others with distinguished awards

    The University of Benin Alumni Association has honoured His Imperial Majesty, Prof. Fonkem Achankeng I— the traditional ruler of the Atoabechied Kingdom in Cameroon and a distinguished academic—as one of the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

    The council selected Prof. Achankeng for his outstanding accomplishments in academia, his exemplary service to society, and his significant contributions to the development of the alumni community. The award is one of the association’s highest honours, reserved for graduates who have made extraordinary impact in their fields and upheld the ideals of the University of Benin both locally and internationally.

    The honour was formally presented during the 2025 Global Homecoming Celebration held at the University of Benin, Benin City, at an investiture ceremony last Saturday.

    Read Also: Senate panel grills ambassadorial nominees, clears three after intense screening

    The traditional ruler and Nyatema of Atoabechied, a respected custodian of the Nweh culture of Cameroon, was in August, this year, honoured by the Mayor of the City of Appleton, Jacoh Woodford, who proclaimed him for his scholarly distinction, cultural stewardship, and dedication to elevating the city to the global stage.

    The event turned out to be an African cultural jamboree, which brought together kings, princes, princesses and leaders from Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa and others, drawing participation from residents of Appleton and beyond. His Royal Majesty of Ogoniland, The Ikpo Mene Senewo of Ogoniland, was part of those who attended the event.

    Speaking to The Nation in an interview on the UNIBEN alumni award, the traditional ruler said: “My reaction to this honour can only be one of profound gratitude and humility. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is a very great honour from the Council of the Alumni Association of the University of Benin. To have the Distinguished Alumnus Award of any institution, and particularly a great institution like the University of Benin bestowed on anyone, is a very big honour and, indeed, a big blessing to be recognised.

    “In that regard, I consider this award a celebration of the individual I am, my scholarship from UNIBEN and beyond and other numerous accomplishments made possible by God’s grace.

    “This honour bestowed on me by UBAA, therefore, comes to add to other distinguished awards I continue to receive. The honour, I would say, represents the individual God created and how the world perceives me.

     I am forever most grateful to God Almighty for His numerous blessings and the possibility of recognition.”

    On the fond memory of his days in the university, he said: “The fond memories I have of my student days at UNIBEN are numerous. They are in the areas of knowledge acquisition, student union politics, and campus traditions. UNIBEN was always a great place to learn as the authorities spiced the curriculum in the different disciplines with all kinds of activities to expose students to knowledge production and acquisition. One specific area in this regard was student clubs and club activities. Members of different clubs on campus were encouraged by UNIBEN to organise many activities, including invitations to guest speakers, to promote the image of the respective clubs and to enhance learning.

    “I did learn a great deal of new knowledge from sitting in different lectures by many guest speakers of the different clubs on campus. Student Union politics in UNIBEN when the seasons came, there were very interesting events and great apprentice- ship opportunities in terms of planning, organising, campaigning, strategising and conducting elections.”

    However, the award has attracted commendations from senior academics and colleagues across Africa. Emeritus Professor Raymond Elaho of the University of Benin described Prof. Achankeng as “a trailblazer and a pride to the Faculty of Arts,” noting that he was the first student in the faculty’s history to graduate with First Class Honours.

    “I am not surprised by this recognition,” Prof. Elaho said. “Prof. Achankeng has distinguished himself globally in scholarship while simultaneously fulfilling the responsibilities of a revered traditional ruler. His achievements represent excellence in its purest form. I am proud to have a mentee like him. Grandes félicitations!”

    Professors Carl and Stella Anyangwe, from Pretoria, South Africa, also congratulated the honouree, describing the award as “a testament to the universality of his academic and cultural prowess.”

    “You have left gigantic footprints in the sands of academic scholarship… “You have seamlessly merged the ancient and the modern, navigating your roles as academic and traditional ruler with uncommon grace. The University of Benin must be proud to have an alumnus of your calibre, and we are proud to call you friend.”

    Widely respected for promoting the role of African traditional institutions in modern governance while engaging actively in global scholarly discourse, Prof. Achankeng is often cited as a model of intellectual depth, cultural dignity, and transformational leadership. His life and work, colleagues say, embody the values the Distinguished Alumnus Award seeks to honour.

  • UNIBEN is keying into my template on TVET, says Tinubu

    UNIBEN is keying into my template on TVET, says Tinubu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended management of the University of Benin for keying into his administration’s template on technical and vocational education in tertiary institutions. 

    President Tinubu said the implementation of the Artisan Training Programme, in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund, reflected the spirit of transformation and education hallmark of his administration.

    Represented by Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, President Tinubu, commended UNIBEN Vice Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie, for mainstreaming of Vocational literacy and introduction of various technical training programmes in the institution.

    He said the forward-looking initiative aligned with his administration’s programme designed to cultivate practical skills, enterprise and innovation. 

    On his part, the UNIBEN VC said the past eleven months have witnessed quantum leap in the successful delivery of set goals in the spheres of academics, infrastructural development, staff and students welfare and in community service.

    He said his five-point agenda constituted the road map of his administration.

    Prof. Omoregie said a 198 bagged the First Class degree out of a total of 14,803 graduands that were awarded first degree.

    He said 4,217 bagged the Second Class Upper, 7,928 bagged Second Class Lower while 578 got the Third Class.

    His words, “This result is a marked improvement over those of previous years and, therefore, indicative of the increased seriousness of staff and students in ensuring that our University marches on with vigour.

    “We have also greatly enhanced the University’s results management software through the acquision and deployment of a brand new intranet server system dedicated solely for the purpose.  

    “Students enrolment into the Nigerian Education Trust fund (NELFUND) rose astronomically to 6,560 in the 2024/2025 academic session. Enrolment is expected to double in the fresh 2025/2026 academic session, judging by the awareness created about the fund and ease of access.”

  • 198 bag First Class in UNIBEN

    198 bag First Class in UNIBEN

    A total of 198 students of the University of Benin, Edo State, have bagged the First Class degree out of 14,083 students to be awarded a first degree at the institution’s 51st Convocation and Founder’s Day ceremony.

    Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, who announced this at a pre-convocation press briefing, said

    4,217 students bagged the Second Class Upper, 7,928 got the Second Class Lower, while 578 bagged the Third Class degree.

    Prof. Omoregie said Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh would deliver the Founders’ Day lecture with the topic, “Reforms for a Shared Prosperity”.

    The UNIBEN VC said Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and Former Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, would deliver the Convocation Lecture on the theme, “Making Our Universities Great.”

    Omoregie said the result was indicative of the seriousness of staff and students in ensuring the institution marched on with vigour.

    READ ALSO; NELFUND’s disbursements hit N116b for students’ fees, upkeeps

    He said 15 new approved programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) would commence in the 2025/2026 academic session.

    Prof. Omoregie said the Veterinary Medicine programme, which earlier suffered an accreditation hiccup before he assumed office, has been accredited by the NUC. 

    According to him, “The wheel of progress is on course and moving steadily in the University of Benin. This administration is poised to deliver on its mandate of effective, practical teaching, sound learning, result-oriented research and impactful community service.

    We must applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing NELFUND, and by so doing, significantly reducing the financial stress of students in the process of acquiring tertiary education. We encourage students and their parents to take full advantage of the federal government’s benevolence in instituting the fund.”

  • UNIBEN: Faculty of Pharmacy holds maiden public lecture

    UNIBEN: Faculty of Pharmacy holds maiden public lecture

    • By Good luck Nwabor

    The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Benin(UNIBEN), has held its maiden public lecture, marked with series of intellectual engagement to bridge the gap between academic and pharmaceutical sciences.

    The Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Ighodaro Igben, decried the knowledge gap between ideas generated in academic laboratories and its application in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries in the country. He assured them of using the lecture series in stimulating dialogues that would chart new directions for further practical research.

    “For too long, there has been a disconnect between knowledge generated in our academic laboratories and its applications in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, bridging this gap is not just an academic exercise, it is the moral and professional imperatives.

    Speaking on the theme of the lecture: Translational Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences: Bridging the Gap between Academic and Industries,”the guest lecturer, Prof. Martins  Emeje, who is also the Director- General of Nigeria Natural Medicine Development  Agency (NNMDA), frowned at  the restrained collaboration among scholars in the 21st century, which he said originated from hatred and jealousy. He urged UNIBEN lecturers and students to work hand in hand to enhance more innovations in the faculty.

     Emeje equally stated that translational research required people with diverse medical skills to work together and team to make real impact.

    Read Also: UNIBEN wins national EV design competition as NADDC targets 60% local content

    “Sadly, most lecturers here do not like themselves, they are envious, jealous of themselves and backbite against one another, how do you want to be innovative? You must be willing to submit to  superior argument even though you may be high above.

    “Today we have professors who hide under teaching and have not produced anything, according to Health Strategy Document for NEPAD, Africa remains far too dependent on importation of essential drugs, while Nigeria is the owner of malaria in the world. You can’t have translational research without having people of diverse background. Students should do projects that will make people look for them over an unsolved issue, do things that will make you indispensable,” he said.

    The Deputy Vice Chancellor who is also a professor of Pharmacognosy, Prof. Buniyamin Ayinde,  applauded the  lecture and urged lecturers in faculty of Pharmacy to sit up and work beyond the laboratory.

     “Medicinal plants are the basics of all the medicines we take, as a professor of Pharmacognosy, there is the need for us to look for short ways to project the utilisation of these herbs beyond the four walls of the university, so that whatever we have discovered that’s of real value to our people, we can find a way of putting them into production and administration by our people, particularly those  found not to be toxic to the vital organs.”

  • UNIBEN wins national EV design competition as NADDC targets 60% local content

    UNIBEN wins national EV design competition as NADDC targets 60% local content

    The University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Friday emerged winner of Nigeria’s first national Electric Vehicle (EV) design competition, clinching the top prize of N5 million at the conclusion of the design phase of a project to develop an eight-seater electric campus shuttle bus.

    The varsity outshined other contestants with a design that featured biomimicry inspired by the boxfish and incorporated market-relevant innovations.

    The competition, organised by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), marked the end of a two-day event held at the University of Lagos, where 12 federal universities showcased their innovative EV concepts tailored for intra-campus transportation.

    Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) emerged as the first runner-up, receiving N4 million, while the University of Abuja clinched the second runner-up position and N3 million.

    With the design phase concluded, the project now transitions into the prototype production stage, which aims to deliver a fully functional electric shuttle bus using at least 60 per cent locally sourced materials.

    According to the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, the production phase of the electric vehicle project is set to commence in the coming weeks.

    He explained that the initiative is a core part of the Council’s strategy to domesticate automotive manufacturing and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported components.

    READ ALSO: FG applauds Owolabi Salis as first Nigerian to travel to space and return

    “At least 60 per cent of what we need must come from within. We want our engineers, our welders, our software developers, and our parts suppliers to take ownership of this,” he said. “This is a Nigerian vehicle, designed and made by Nigerians for Nigerians.”

    He added that the Council will consolidate all 12 university teams into a single national technical team that will collaborate with government experts and private sector players to build a working prototype.

    “We are not dropping anyone. We’ll bring together the best ideas and form one unified national team to build our first fully Nigerian electric bus.” Osanipin assured.

    He further emphasized the need for diverse collaboration, “We need engineers, technicians, designers, electricians, economists, even artists. This is how real industries are built, not in isolation, but in teams that reflect the nation’s talent.”

    In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, represented by Adedamola Odusanya, said the Electric Vehicle design competition demonstrates Nigeria’s capacity to drive industrial growth through homegrown innovation and sustainable technology

    He emphasised two critical pillars of Nigeria’s industrial future—innovation and local content—stating that “the future of Nigerian industry will be clean, vibrant, and unmistakably Nigerian.”

    He noted that the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) places these elements, alongside clean mobility, at the centre of the country’s transformation agenda, with the EV design competition serving as a practical demonstration of how national policy can translate into homegrown technological advancement.

    He added that the EV competition is a “practical demonstration of how we can successfully scale indigenous excellence” and position Nigeria as a future hub for electric mobility in Africa.

    Dr. Usman Ibrahim, Director of Legislative Matters and representative of the Chairman, House Committee on Industry, Dr. Enitan Dolapo-Badru, noted that the initiative aligns directly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government, which aims to boost local innovation, industrialisation, and self-sufficiency in key sectors like automotive technology.

    “This programme is about more than just building a vehicle, it is about building capacity, synergy, and national pride,” he added. “Great Nigerian students are leading this, and they are not just designing vehicles, they are helping Nigeria shift from dependency on imports to becoming a producer and potential exporter.”

    He confirmed that the House Committee on Industry, after reviewing and approving NADDC’s 2025 budget, is satisfied with the implementation of the programme and will strengthen its oversight and support.

    “There is value for money,” he said. “We have seen visible results, and we will continue to collaborate with NADDC to ensure this success scales into full production and export readiness.”

    Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Professor Wale Okunnuga highlighted the university’s early strides in e-mobility, noting that since 2019, UNILAG has developed and deployed two generations of functional electric campus shuttles—making it the first Nigerian university to produce such a vehicle.

    He commended NADDC for its pivotal role in advancing research, student engagement, and infrastructure development at UNILAG, including the establishment of a fully functional EV charging station.

     “This initiative has significantly enhanced our students’ understanding of advanced battery development, electrical machines, and control systems,” he said, urging NADDC to replicate such support across other Nigerian universities to deepen local expertise and innovation.

    Commenting on the selection process, a jury member and professor of mechanical engineering at Bayero University, Kano,

    Prof. Ibrahim Ahmed Rufai, revealed that UNIBEN stood out for its innovative use of design and alignment with industry needs.

    “They modeled their design after the boxfish, a smart application of biomimicry, and worked with industry experts to ensure real-world relevance,” he said.

    UNIBEN’s supervising lecturer, Prof. Osarobo Igodaro of the Mechanical Engineering Department, described the win as “the reward for four months of intense work and pressure.”

    “Automotive innovation is a key standard for measuring engineering progress,” he said. “We are excited that the government is shifting attention to electric mobility. This project has opened up a new world of possibilities for our students.”

    Team lead of the UNIBEN students, Emmanuel Ikegwuonu expressed excitement over the win, stating it was the result of months of intense research and hard work.

    “We really deserve this because we put in a lot of effort into research and development. We used different software tools despite major technical challenges like hardware limitations and time constraints during exam periods,” he said. “But this challenge helped us grow, and our efforts paid off.”

    The design competition launched in 2023, featured participation from,University of Ilorin, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, University of Benin, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Abuja,Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, University of Port Harcourt, Obafemi Awolowo University, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and University of Lagos.

    Each university presented an original EV concept specifically tailored for intra-campus transportation.

  • UNIBEN: NMCN inducts 146  students

    UNIBEN: NMCN inducts 146  students

    • By Goodluck Nwabor

    The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has  inducted 146  nurses of the University of Benin(UNIBEN)  into the  profession.

    The Oath-Taking/Induction held at Akin Deko auditorium, UNIBEN, with the theme: “Transformational Leadership in Nursing, Empowering Nurses to Drive Quality Health Care,”.

    It  was marked with series of activities which ushered the nurses into the profession. The event was  attended by several authorities in the profession, top-ranking lecturers, students and friends of the university.

    Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof. Christopher Osunbor, charged the inductees to commit themselves to the tradition of the profession, by keeping to the high ethical standards and best practices.

    Read Also: NAFDAC confiscates 88,560 litres of bomb making acids in Kano

    The UNIBEN VC said:  “The Bachelor of Nursing Science is a generic Nursing programme developed in response to the societal needs and demands for nurses who’re educated in an institution of higher learning and University of Benin has been graduating employable manpower in Nursing Sciences to engage in such roles. There are responsibilities you are expected to discharge in your profession, I urge you to commit yourself to the best transition into the profession by keeping to the high ethical standards and best practices of your calling.”

    Meanwhile, the Registrar of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN, Alhaji Ndaji Ai-Hassan represented by Dr Christiana Modupe, during the programme implored the inductees to embrace the character of compassion and dedication which will enable them excel in the profession.

    “As nurses, you will be entrusted with the most important aspect of human existence, you will care for the patients at the most vulnerable, console families during time of uncertainties and bring hope where there appears to be none. This trust is a significant duty you have prepared for in the years of study, I urge to go and represent the profession well.”

    One of the inductees, Nafisat Allinson, expressed gratitude to God and her family who supported her academic journey in UNIBEN and  urged her junior colleagues  to keep striving in their studies, which will prepare them for their induction.

     “It is a dream come true, backing my service to humanity that has always mattered. I urge my junior colleagues to keep striving, you can do better and I look forward to seeing you guys in the professional circle,” she said.

  • Electronics firm donates solar borehole to UNIBEN

    Electronics firm donates solar borehole to UNIBEN

     LG Electronics has made history by donating the University of Benin’s (UNIBEN) first-ever solar-powered borehole in the country.

    During the inauguration of the facility last Thursday, attended by the university officials, LG representatives, students leaders, and hostel residents, Corporate Marketing Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria, Mr. Paul Mba, said: “At LG Electronics, we believe in using technology to improve lives.This solar-powered borehole is not just about providing water; it’s about creating a sustainable future where renewable energy plays a key role in meeting basic needs. We are proud to support UNIBEN in this initiative.’’

    He urged the students to maintain the facility, adding that they should see it as their own.

     Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its significance in addressing the campus’s water supply challenges.

    The VC, represented by the Chairman, Security Committee, UNIBEN, Prof. Fred Ekhaise, said:

    “This project is a game-changer for our university community. Access to clean water is essential for academic and residential life, and having a solar-powered solution ensures reliability while promoting environmental responsibility. We deeply appreciate LG Electronics for this generous contribution.”

    He requested for more solar-powered boreholes to address the pressing water challenges faced by students, adding that reliable access to clean water was essential for their health, hygiene, and overall well-being.

    Read Also: iSI commits to mentoring, funding young Nigerians seeking to study abroad 

    Earlier, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Clement Ighodaro, thanked the management of LG Electronics for the gesture and appealed to the students to appreciate the opportunities provided to them. He urged everyone to take full advantage of the resources available, emphasising the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving their academic and personal goals.

    Ighodaro urged LG Electronics to continue their support, as such partnerships would enhance the learning environment.

    The Students Union Government President, Agboola Israel Timilehin, noted that water shortages had been a persistent challenge on campus.“We often struggle with water supply, especially during peak hours. This borehole will make a huge difference, and the fact that it runs on solar energy means we won’t have to worry about power outages affecting water availability,’’’ he said.

  • UNIBEN pharmaceutical students celebrate golden jubilee

    UNIBEN pharmaceutical students celebrate golden jubilee

    The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), University of Benin Chapter, marked its Golden Jubilee with the grand opening of PANS Week 2024, themed “Álághodaro: Shaping the Future of the 8-Star Pharmacist.”

    The “8-star pharmacist” framework, introduced by the World Health Organisation in 2000, emphasises key roles pharmacists play: caregiver, communicator, manager, decision-maker, lifelong learner, teacher, leader and researcher.

    The event, held recently, at Festus Iyayi Hall, featured a keynote address by Justice Omokhuae, a pharmacist and a guest speech by Ehitare Patrick, a pharmacist.

    The speakers highlighted the importance of professional growth, ethical standards, and innovation in advancing the pharmaceutical profession.

    Read Also: We are winning war against oil thieves, says Army Chief 

    The ceremony also honoured outstanding student leaders and guests, emphasising collaboration and progress within the field.

    Highlights of the week included the Dr. Maurice Molokwu Summit, which hosted the PharmaSpeak Challenge, a public speaking and debate competition involving 30 participants. Team Insurmountable emerged victorious, taking home a cash prize of N100,000.

    It also featured the Golden Designathon, where teams showcased innovative health-tech solutions. Team Trailblazers won for their groundbreaking project on transforming medical waste into sustainable resources, earning N100,000 sponsored by Emzor Pharmaceuticals.

    Dr. Allen Iboi, an alumnus of PANS UNIBEN and Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), called for improved collaboration and a more effective system within the pharmaceutical industry.

    National Chairman of the National Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP), Chief Ken Onuegbu FPSN, a pharmacist, highlighted the significant strides Nigeria has made in ensuring access to medicines and improving drug security in the country.

    He said: “Our drive to ensure access to medicine thereby creating medicine and drug security in the country is yielding good results. From about 120 drug manufacturing companies in Nigeria about 4 years ago, to about 170 as at today means that we are getting there.”

    “Moreover, the different federating units under the Association of Industrial Pharmacy practice is coming together under the umbrella of FeNPIA (Federation of Nigeria Pharmaceutical Industries Association) to have a common voice in tackling the challenges facing us as a nation.

    “For the first time, we are having an Executive Order signed by the President of our country to allow basic production machines, APIs and Medical Devices imported into the country at zero duty.”

    “PANS, as a student association has served as a platform for growth and professional development for its members. What began as a small group of students has now grown into an association with over 20,000 members, with the Faculty of Pharmacy at UNIBEN graduating an average of 160 pharmacists annually.

    “The 50th anniversary of PANS UNIBEN was truly worth celebrating, reflecting the remarkable progress and development achieved from the vision of its founding members to the current achievements of the association.”

    President, Pharmacy students, University of Benin, Clara Ikeboh, lauded sponsors and other stakeholders who were instrumental to the success of the seven-day event.

    She said: “In celebrating this 50th anniversary, the success recorded was massive, I appreciate the faculty management led by the Dean; Prof Azuka Oparah, the immediate past President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Prof. Cyril Usifoh, our numerous sponsors (Reno Stores, Moxie®, County Care Pharmacy, Emzor, NADMACO, Vanguard Pharmacy, Pharmacist Blaise Ijebor (Risk manager, CBN), Bond Pharmaceuticals and a host of many others),  the organising committee led by Obazee Fatima (600L). I am awed by what we could pull up together and I am saying Thank You to everyone who joined hands to make our 50th year anniversary as PANS UNIBEN a success.”

    The PANS week rounded off with a dinner night graced by Senator representing Edo South Senatorial district, Neda Imasuen.

  • Edo SUBEB boss gifts UNIBEN best graduate N1m

    Edo SUBEB boss gifts UNIBEN best graduate N1m

    Executive Chair of Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Paddy Iyamu, has celebrated achievements of Akoko Edo born James Allen, best graduating student of  University of Benin (UNIBEN) at his office.

    Allen got a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98/5.0, in Petroleum Engineering, the highest since the university’s founding in 1970.

    Allen shared his challenges in funding his education, which initially led him to teach before securing Bedrock Scholarship in 2022. He credited the scholarship’s financial support and mentorship programme as instrumental to his success.

    Read Also:UNIBEN produces 385 first-class graduates

    Iyamu said: “This is what we strive for – enabling young leaders to realise their potential, proving those from humble beginnings can be great.”

    He gave Allen  N1 million, acknowledging his hard work and potential in addition to the prize he won from UNIBEN.

  • UNIBEN produces 385 first-class graduates

    UNIBEN produces 385 first-class graduates

    The University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State has announced the graduation of 385 first-class students in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions.

    In the 2021/2022 academic session, 206 students graduated with first-class honours, while 179 students achieved the same distinction in the 2022/2023 session.

    These outstanding graduates, along with others, will be celebrated during the university’s 49th/50th convocation ceremonies, scheduled for this Friday and Saturday.

    The announcement was made by the university’s tenth substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami, the second female to hold the position after the late Prof. Grace Alele-Williams.

    Prof. Salami shared the news during a media briefing at the Ugbowo main campus ahead of the upcoming convocation and the 54th Founders’ Day celebrations.

    The briefing was attended by the Vice-Chancellor-designate, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, who will take office on December 1, along with other principal officers and distinguished academics from the institution.

    Prof. Salami highlighted the remarkable achievements of the academic sessions, attributing the success to the collective efforts and unwavering support of the university’s management, staff, and students. She commended their dedication, sacrifices, and commitment to academic excellence, which contributed to these significant milestones.

    She said: “On Thursday, 21st November, there will be an interfaith service in the morning, to be followed by the convocation and founders’ day lecture, to be delivered by a former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, titled: “The Poor also Deserve Education: Our Founding Heroes’ Legacies in Educational Equity and Equality.

    Read Also: UNIBEN VC mulls support for Law faculty awards

    “On Friday, 22nd November, the award of first degrees and prizes shall commence at 10 a.m., while on Saturday, 23rd November, the convocation shall climax with the award of Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and PhDs, conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Professors Emeriti on personalities who have been diligently selected and approved by the university’s Senate.

    “For the Honorary Doctorate, the Senate of the university also gave its nod to three personalities: Chief Leemon Ikpea, an oil, gas, and construction company magnate; Dr. Kingsley Momodu, a renowned Dentist; and Mrs. Veronica Igbe, a foremost entrepreneur.”

    Salami also revealed that seven distinguished professors of UNIBEN were approved by the Senate to be recipients of the honour of professors emeriti at this year’s convocation, including Nosakhare Eghafona, Felix Okeimen, Patrick Igbinovia, Ikponmwosa Owie, Augustine Obasohan, and Friday Okonofua, and V.J. Ikhatua.