For the 2025–2026 academic year, the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has admitted 15,077 students, an unparalleled number in the school’s history.
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Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the university’s vice-chancellor, said this on Thursday at the matriculation ceremony speech in Benin.
According to Omoregie, a Senior Advocate from Nigeria, the matriculation was especially important because many of the new students were pioneers of roughly 20 recently launched courses and programs.
“A total of 15,077 students are being formally admitted into the various Faculties, Schools, Centers, and Programs at this ceremony,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the pupils were admitted only on the basis of merit and encouraged them to maintain excellence during their time in school.
“You were admitted based on merit. Merit and excellence should therefore be your guiding principles during your academic career at the University of Benin, according to Omoregie.
The Vice-Chancellor described UNIBEN as a first-generation university and one of the most sought-after in Sub-Saharan Africa, stating that the school has maintained its reputation for excellent teaching, learning, and significant research during the last 55 years.
“The University of Benin has worked hard to uphold its reputation for excellence in teaching, learning, and significant research over the last 55 years of its existence.
The V-C pointed out that the university’s motto, “Knowledge for Service,” embodied these ideals.
He went on to say that the school was dedicated to generating graduates who would be beneficial to society and themselves.
Omoregie emphasized that the university had a zero-tolerance policy and cautioned the students against participating in cultism, drug misuse, exam malpractice, and other social vices.
“You are prohibited from participating in activities related to hidden cults, the sale and use of illegal drugs and alcohol, prostitution, exam malpractice, and other types of immorality and social vices at the University of Benin.
He issued a warning, saying, “Anyone caught will be shown the way out.”
The vice-chancellor advised the matriculating students to stay focused, interact well with instructors and staff, and utilize the academic, athletic, and extracurricular resources offered by the institution.
“Learning what you don’t know and unlearning any bad habits that could hinder your progressive aspirations in the university is your business here,” he stated.
Omoregie also expressed gratitude to sponsors, guardians, and parents for their faith in the organization.
“I am grateful to our esteemed parents, guardians, and sponsors for their trust in entrusting us with their children and wards,” he stated.
In addition to formally welcoming the new students to the university and congratulating them, Omoregie prayed for their academic success and heavenly guidance.
