198 UNIBEN Students Graduate with First Class Degrees

A total of 198 students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, graduated with First Class degrees out of 14,083 students at the institution’s 51st Convocation and Founder’s Day ceremony.

Speaking at a pre-convocation press briefing in Benin on Monday, UNIBEN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, said 4,217 students earned Second Class Upper, 7,928 received Second Class Lower, while 578 obtained Third Class degrees.

Prof. Omoregie described the results as a reflection of the commitment of both staff and students to maintaining the university’s upward trajectory. He also announced that 15 new programmes approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) will begin in the 2025/2026 academic session.

He highlighted that the Veterinary Medicine programme, which had faced accreditation challenges prior to his tenure, has now been fully accredited by the NUC.

“The wheel of progress is steadily moving at the University of Benin,” Prof. Omoregie said. “Our administration is dedicated to effective teaching, practical learning, research with measurable outcomes, and impactful community service.”

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing NELFUND, noting its role in reducing financial barriers for students. “We encourage students and parents to fully utilize this federal initiative,” he added.

The VC further revealed that Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, will deliver the Founder’s Day lecture on “Reforms for a Shared Prosperity”, while Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, former VC of Igbinedion University and current Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, will deliver the Convocation Lecture titled “Making Our Universities Great.”

In related news, President Tinubu called for sustainable and realistic funding models for Nigeria’s universities, emphasizing that national development will remain elusive unless tertiary institutions become hubs of innovation and knowledge creation. Speaking at the University of Ibadan’s 77th Foundation Day, Tinubu, represented by NUC Executive Secretary Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, praised UI for its enduring excellence and contributions to national progress.

“University of Ibadan continues to hold its place as a leader in Nigerian and global academia,” the President said, describing its milestone as a testament to commitment, growth, and transformation.