During the 48th Convocation and 53rd Founders’ Day ceremonies at the University of Benin, the Chancellor, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing long-lasting legacies in the education sector. Addressing the graduating class, Prof. Ayatse highlighted the university’s ongoing progress, acknowledging the challenges but noting its unwavering commitment to quality education and responsive training that meets societal needs. He applauded Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lilian Salami for her effective leadership over the past four years, which, he said, has fostered positive strides in UNIBEN’s growth and reputation.

Prof. Salami, in her remarks, congratulated the 14,254 graduating students, which included 178 First Class honors, and urged them to embody the values and high standards of UNIBEN in their future endeavors. She provided a breakdown of degree classifications awarded, including Second Class Upper (4,353), Second Class Lower (8,607), Third Class (400), and others across diploma, distinction, and credit categories, signifying a strong cohort of graduates poised to contribute meaningfully to various sectors.

Highlighting her administration’s achievements, Prof. Salami emphasized a commitment to continuous academic growth and excellence, noting recent upgrades to ICT facilities, a revitalized library, and an enhanced health center for staff and students. These advancements, she noted, were achieved with support from the federal government, TETFund, and various philanthropic contributors. The improvements reflect the institution’s dedication to creating an enriched environment that enhances the educational experience and reinforces UNIBEN’s position within the academic community.