The University of Benin (UNIBEN) will graduate a total of 14,083 students, including 198 first-class graduates, at its 51st and 55th Convocation and Founders’ Day ceremonies scheduled for this week.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie, announced this on Monday during a pre-convocation press briefing held at the Senate Chamber of the institution in Benin City, Edo State.
Significant Expansion and Academic Growth
Omoregie highlighted the remarkable growth recorded under his administration, noting that five new faculties have been established, while 15 new academic programmes have received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He also disclosed an unprecedented increase in postgraduate output.
“This quantum leap represents over 600 per cent increase from the figure of the last convocation which stood at 241 graduands at the higher degree level,”
the VC said.
He attributed the surge to deliberate efforts to strengthen and modernize UNIBEN’s postgraduate training system. A key part of the reform was the upgrade of the Postgraduate School to the College of Postgraduate Studies, designed to make the university a hub for advanced academic training and innovation.
Digitisation and Administrative Reforms
Since assuming office, the VC said the institution has introduced major administrative reforms, including:
- Establishment of a Directorate of Examinations and Students’ Records, led by a professor of Engineering
- Full digitisation of students’ academic records to improve transcript processing and alumni services
- A renewed focus on seamless examination operations and data management
Omoregie assured that the university is committed to achieving a fully automated, efficient system that meets global best practices.
Commendation of Federal Government Initiatives
The Vice Chancellor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a major intervention that will expand access to higher education for millions of students.
