The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has announced an outstanding academic milestone as 198 students emerged with First Class honours during its 51st Convocation and Founder’s Day ceremonies. The achievement was unveiled by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, during a pre-convocation media briefing that showcased not just the strength of this graduating class, but the institution’s renewed drive toward academic innovation and quality improvement.
A Breakdown of the 14,083 First-Degree Graduands
UNIBEN’s convocation encompasses a total of 14,083 first-degree graduands, reflecting one of the institution’s largest graduating sets in recent years. A detailed classification released by the management shows:
- 198 – First Class
- 4,217 – Second Class Upper
- 7,928 – Second Class Lower
- 578 – Third Class
- Others fall under various non-classified degree categories depending on faculty and programme structure.
This tally places UNIBEN among Nigerian universities with a strong upward trajectory in academic performance, particularly in the number of students attaining top honours.
VC Omoregie: “The Wheel of Progress Is Firmly on Course”
Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Omoregie described the 51st Convocation as a “significant turning point” in UNIBEN’s mission to restore academic vibrancy, emphasizing that the results are a reflection of:
- Improved teaching quality
- Consistent academic discipline
- Upgraded learning environments
- Renewed staff dedication
- University-wide reforms geared toward excellence
According to him, the Honourable Minister for Education’s recent push for revitalized standards across Nigerian universities is already yielding visible outcomes in institutions like UNIBEN.
Expansion of Academic Capacity: 15 New Programmes Approved
A major highlight of this year’s convocation briefing was the announcement of 15 additional academic programmes approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). These new programmes, scheduled to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session, underline the university’s determination to broaden its academic offerings and meet emerging professional needs.
Among the key approvals is the long-awaited full accreditation of Veterinary Medicine, a programme that had previously faced regulatory challenges. With this approval, UNIBEN repositions itself to train a new generation of veterinarians equipped for both local relevance and global competitiveness.
A Renewed Academic Direction and Strategic Vision
Prof. Omoregie reaffirmed the university’s commitment to:
- Practical and industry-aligned teaching
- Results-driven, impactful research
- Community service that directly influences development
- Student-focused policies that reduce barriers to academic success
He noted that these reforms are deliberate steps to position UNIBEN as an institution with the capacity to compete favourably within Africa’s top-tier university system.
The NELFUND Boost: Supporting Students for Academic Success
In his remarks, the VC praised the Federal Government for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), calling it one of the most transformative education policies in recent years. He encouraged both parents and students to take advantage of the loan scheme, stressing that access to stable financial support has a profound impact on academic outcomes.
The administration, he said, is doing everything possible to ensure that UNIBEN students are well informed and adequately supported to access the fund without difficulty.
Convocation Lecture: A Gathering of National Thought Leaders
This year’s convocation will host two high-profile lectures featuring notable national figures:
- Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development, will address the theme “Reforms for a Shared Prosperity.”
- Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, renowned scholar and former Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, will deliver the convocation lecture titled “Making Our Universities Great.”
These lectures aim to stimulate national discourse on how Nigerian universities can reclaim creativity, credibility, and global relevance.
Contextual Analysis: What 198 First Class Degrees Signify
While the number of First Class graduates is significant in absolute terms, it represents approximately 1.4% of the total first-degree graduands. This proportion points to a balanced and rigorous classification system that rewards excellence while maintaining academic integrity.
Some key interpretations include:
- Improved student performance, driven by more stable academic sessions.
- Strengthened internal assessment processes that filter and identify true academic distinction.
- Higher faculty accountability, encouraged by external regulatory standards.
- Better academic resources, especially with recent infrastructural upgrades.
For a federal university with UNIBEN’s population size, 198 First Class awards indicate a healthy academic environment where excellence is achievable but not diluted.
What This Means for UNIBEN, Stakeholders, and Nigeria’s Education Sector
For the Graduates
The 198 First Class awardees have successfully secured one of the most respected academic distinctions in the Nigerian system — a credential that enhances mobility for scholarships, graduate studies, and competitive job opportunities.
For the University
This convocation cycle strengthens UNIBEN’s profile as an institution that combines tradition with a renewed passion for innovation. It also positions the university for local and international partnerships.
For Parents and Prospective Students
The results demonstrate that UNIBEN continues to maintain academic credibility, a progressive learning atmosphere, and an expanding programme base for incoming students.
For Policymakers
The data reinforces the importance of:
- Continued investment in public universities
- Accreditation reforms
- Funding mechanisms such as NELFUND
- Staff development programmes that support modern teaching methods
