The disclosure was made during the university’s matriculation ceremony held in Benin City on Thursday, where the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, formally welcomed the new students into the academic community.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the ceremony was particularly noteworthy as a significant number of the matriculating students are pioneers of about 20 newly introduced courses and academic programmes across the university.
“At this ceremony, a total of 15,077 students are being admitted formally into the various Faculties, Schools, Centres and Programmes,” Omoregie said.
He stressed that all admissions were carried out strictly on merit and urged the students to make excellence their guiding principle throughout their stay at the institution.
“You have been admitted on merit. Therefore, merit and excellence should be your watch words in your academic sojourn here at the University of Benin,” he added.
Describing UNIBEN as a first-generation university and one of the most sought-after institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the university has, over the past 55 years, maintained a strong reputation for quality teaching, learning and impactful research.
He added that meaningful community engagement remains one of the university’s core strengths, values which he said are embodied in the institution’s motto, “Knowledge for Service.”
Omoregie reaffirmed the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also valuable to society.
He also issued a strong warning against cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other social vices, reiterating the university’s zero-tolerance policy.
“The University of Benin forbids you to engage in activities associated with secret cults, selling and use of illicit drugs, alcohol, prostitution, examination malpractice and all forms of immorality as well as social vices. Anyone caught will be shown the way out,” he warned.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the new students to remain focused on their studies, engage constructively with lecturers and staff, and take advantage of the institution’s academic, sporting and extracurricular facilities.
“Your business here is well spelt out; that is, to learn what you do not know and to unlearn any negative habit that is capable of impeding your progressive aspirations in the university,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to parents, guardians and sponsors for their confidence in the institution and congratulated the students on securing admission into the university, wishing them success throughout their academic journey.