The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has issued a firm directive to its newly admitted students to avoid social vices and focus squarely on academic excellence and personal development. The warning was delivered by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, at the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony held at the Akin Deko Auditorium on the Ugbowo Campus.
Addressing a gathering of parents, guardians, staff and the 15,077 matriculating students, Prof. Omoregie emphasised that UNIBEN’s leadership would not tolerate behaviours that undermine the core values of scholarship and discipline. He made clear that the university forbids all forms of social vice, including cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice and any other conduct deemed detrimental to academic focus or institutional integrity.
“Students must commit themselves to the pursuit of knowledge, ethical conduct and positive engagement within the university community,” the Vice-Chancellor said. “There is zero tolerance for activities that distract from learning or jeopardise the safety and well-being of others. Offenders will face the highest sanctions, including expulsion.”
The matriculation ceremony highlighted a notable expansion in student intake compared with the previous academic session, with many of this year’s entrants being the first cohort in 17 newly introduced courses and academic programmes across faculties and schools. This growth, Prof. Omoregie said, brings increased opportunities as well as heightened responsibility for students to maintain exemplary standards of conduct.
In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor also encouraged students to take full advantage of the university’s academic and extracurricular offerings. He urged them to build strong relationships with lecturers, participate in sporting and cultural activities, and contribute positively to campus life.
Several matriculants and parents expressed joy at gaining admission into the institution’s varied programmes. A student admitted into the newly established Faculty of Communication and Media Studies described the occasion as a milestone and said the Vice-Chancellor’s message set the tone for what they hoped would be a productive and disciplined stay at UNIBEN. A parent in attendance said she was delighted that her child had been given the opportunity to study at one of Nigeria’s leading universities.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the success, safety and moral uprightness of the students as they embark on their academic journeys.
