We Have Produced Over 350,000 Graduates, Says UNIBEN VC

Authorities of theUniversity of Benin, has disclosed that the institution has produced over 350,000 graduands since its inception in 1970.

Vice Chancellor of the University,  Prof. Lilian Salami, stated this during an interactive session with newsmen in Benin City, preparatory to the school’s 50 years Founders’ Day anniversary.

She added that the UNIBEN in its 50 years of existence had trained and graduated over 350,000 men and women of integrity, who have excelled at home and in the Diaspora in their various fields and disciplines, and could compete with graduates of foreign universities globally.

“In fact, the University of Benin tops the number of employees in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. We have done very well in trying to achieve the mission and vision of the University. I think we are doing quite well,” she posited.

According to VC, “UNIBEN prides itself with where our graduates are placed right now. A lot of them are CEO’s of big establishments, we have had governors and ministers.

“The institution came into existence in 1970 when it was Bendel institute of technology. In 1971 the federal government took over, and in 1973, it became University of Benin.

“At that time, the pioneer founder and visionary was initially for manpower and technological development. Beyond that, it was expanded to include the production of quality marketable and innovative graduates.

“I am the 10th Vice Chancellor of this institution. These persons (founders) have worked tirelessly to bring the University of Benin to where it is right now.

“If you are in my own generation, and you look back, you will agree with me that we have done a lot since then. The view of most persons is that most foreign universities have actually done better, but we are not doing badly in the country.

“But at the same time, Nigerian universities can do much better. Part of the problem that has brought us to where we are in Nigeria is the fact that funding has continued to be the problem of our development.

“Otherwise, Nigeria’s educational system would be comparable to that of other parts of the developed world. I can say that whatever you contribute in terms of demanding quality, the input must be commensurate to it to achieve the best,” Prof. Salami, stated.

She lamented that Nigerians were quick at looking at other countries and using them as a yardstick, adding that most of the foreign countries people use as yardsticks actually went through the same process the nation’s universities are going through now.

She further explained that at UNIBEN, professors and lecturers could measure up anywhere in the world, lamenting that sometimes, the universities lacked equipment and tools to make them work efficiently

“I think that’s where our issues are. Once our universities are adequately funded, I think we should be able to get to where others that we envy today are. I am sure in the very near future, we should get there.

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