National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Benin
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is set to confer degrees on 22,652 students during its 49th and 50th combined Convocation Ceremonies, scheduled to begin on November 20, 2024.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lilian Imuetinyan Salami, 206 students from the 2021/2022 academic session and 179 from the 2022/2023 academic session will receive first-class degrees.
This was made known during a press briefing at the Senate Chambers of the institution on Monday.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the robust academic activities of the past year, noting that the university has continued to record impressive achievements despite challenges, particularly in funding.
The week-long ceremonies include: A novelty football match between UNIBEN and UBTH on November 20; An interfaith service and a Founders’ Day lecture on November 21, to be delivered by Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former Governor of Ondo State, titled, The Poor Also Deserve Education: Our Founding Heroes’ Legacies in Educational Equity and Equality.
Also, the conferment of first degrees and prizes will be held on November 22; and conferment of postgraduate degrees, honorary doctorates, and Professors Emeriti on November 23.
“For the 2021/2022 academic session: 206 First Class; 3,658 Second Class Upper; 5,614 Second Class Lower; 237 Third Class and 54 Pass Degrees
“For the 2022/2023 academic session: 179 First Class; 3,324 Second Class Upper; 5,585 Second Class Lower and 288 Third Class
“For postgraduate degrees, 351 PhDs and 1,104 master’s degrees will be awarded across both sessions.”
She also disclosed that the university will honour seven distinguished academics with Professors Emeriti titles, including Professor Nosakhare Odeh Eghafona (Virology) and Professor Friday Ebhodaghe Okonofua (Obstetrics and Gynaecology).
Three individuals, including businessman Chief Leemon Ikpea and entrepreneur Mrs. Veronica Igbe, will receive honorary doctorate degrees.
Professor Salami highlighted the university’s strides in infrastructure, ICT development, and global visibility through its Centers of Excellence, such as the World Bank-sponsored Centre for Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI).
She, however, appreciated staff, students, and stakeholders for their dedication, which has sustained UNIBEN’s tradition of academic excellence.
