By Raphael Okhiria
A total of 14,254 graduates of the University of Benin, are to be conferred with first degrees, diplomas and certificates during its 2020/2021 convocation ceremony.
Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Lilian Salami, disclosed this at a press briefing as part of activities lined up for the university’s 48th convocation and 53rd Founders’ Day Ceremony in Benin City.
The vice chancellor disclosed that out of the 14,254 graduands, 178 bagged First Class; 4,353 Second Class Upper; 8,607 Second Class Lower; 400 Third Class; five Diploma; and 576 persons who were listed as unclassified.
She stated that the management of the university will also on Saturday, November 25, 2023, confer honourary doctorate degrees on seven eminent Nigerians, including former
Lagos State Governor and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing
Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (Doctor of Laws) and Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (Doctor of Business Administration).
Others are Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Charles Owensuyi Edosomwan (Doctor of Laws), Mr. Olukayode Dotun-Adegbulugbe (Doctor of Science), Mr. Osaro Isokpan (Doctor of Business Administration), Engr. Gbenga Olu Komolafe (Doctor of Science) and Pharmacist Paul Enebeli (Doctor of Science).
Prof. Salami further disclosed that the institution now boasts of cutting-edge Information Communications Technology, Advancement of its Centres of Excellence, successful accreditation of the university’s programmes and courses by the National University’s Commission (NUC), and other professional bodies, as well as compliance with the New National Education Policy on Core Curriculum Minimum Academic standards (CCMAS).
The UNIBEN vice chancellor, nonetheless expressed sadness that many of the institution’s structures and facilities which have been in use for the past 53 years, expectedly are mostly worn out and obsolete.
She however noted that in order to move with the times and meet global trends, new and ultra-modern projects were begun from the scratch by her administration are beginning to spring up in the premises of the campuses of the university.
“The projects fall into three broad categories of those sponsored by government as capital projects, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund)-sponsored and those donated by public spirited individuals as well as organisations.
“This is in spite of the numerous challenges that have resulted in the operation of two sessions in one year in order for students not to lose valuable academic milestones. This has happened at great costs, sacrifices and commitment by all staff, especially academic staff of the university,” Prof. Salami added.
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