No fewer than five hundred and ninety-four (594) students were weekend conferred with First, Masters and Doctorate degrees at the 19th Convocation ceremony of the Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City, Edo state.
Of this number, 52 had First Class, 181 bagged Second Class (Upper Division), 178 Second Class (Lower Division), 8 had Third Class, while 175 postgraduates degrees were awarded three Doctorates, 111 Masters and 61 Postgraduate Diplomas.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Sam Guobadia while speaking at the occasion said he was glad to announce that the institution was graduating the pioneer set of Masters in Law students of the University, adding that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had approved the Master of Laws (LLM) programme of the Benson Idahosa University Faculty of Law in 2021.
To the glory of God, according to him, the first set of graduates of that programme is convoking today, while the second set of students of the programme just wrote their first semester examinations.
“By the grace of God, we will be commencing the Ph.D. programme in the Faculty of Law very soon. I am filled with immense pride, joy and a sense of optimism for the future. Our graduates have exhibited dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge that has brought them to this momentous occasion”.
Guobadia also spoke on the progress so far made since becoming the VC of the University, revealing that “on the eve of me becoming the Vice Chancellor of our great university, we had a Staff strength of 376 and today, the number stands at 629”.
He said the Faculties were 6 then, but today they have 8 (including the College of Medicine), Undergraduate Programmes were 29 then, 34 today PGD: 3 then, 7 today, Masters Programmes: 15 then, 18 today Ph.D: 5 then, 9 today, Inaugural Lectures: 7 then, 22 today,
Overall Student Population: 2,668 then, 5,436 today.
“Also, since then, we have mounted programmes in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), and Medicine which are highly subscribed”, he said.
The Vice Chancellor however expressed his deep appreciation to the parents who he said, have nurtured, mentored, and believed in the institution’s graduates, adding that “behind every graduate sitting here today, there are parents who have sacrificed their time, resources, and efforts to ensure that you reach this significant milestone in your lives”.
“Your commitment to their education has not only enriched their lives but has also contributed to the betterment of society as a whole.
“So, let us all take a moment to honour and thank the parents who have stood by their children, your dedication is an integral part of the success we celebrate today”.
To the graduating students, the VC said, “As you step out into the world, I urge you to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
“Be the catalysts for positive change, innovation, and progress. Your education has equipped you to be leaders, not only in your respective fields but also in society.
“In this era of rapid technological advancements, do not lose sight of the human touch. Your actions and decisions should always be grounded in ethical considerations and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, he declared.
In her address earlier, BIU Chancellor, Most Rev’d Dr. (Mrs.) Margaret E. Benson-Idahosa urged the graduands to bear in mind that as they step into the next chapter of their lives, they should remember the values that have been instilled in them during their time at Benson Idahosa University.
“Seek the truth, not only in your chosen fields but also in the wider world,
Embrace diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the richness that different perspectives bring to our shared human experience. Be compassionate and empathetic, extending a helping hand to those less fortunate.
“In this rapidly evolving world, the challenges we face as a global community are more complex and interconnected than ever before.
Climate change, social inequality, technological advancements, and geopolitical shifts demand innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
“You, the graduates of this esteemed university have been equipped with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to tackle these challenges head-on and I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion and become the agents of change that our world so desperately needs” she added.
Also admonishing the graduating students, Rt. Rev. (Dr) F.E.B Idahosa 11, President, of Benson Idahosa University remind them that their graduation was merely the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in their lives, adding “the road ahead will demand more from you, calling forth the inherent qualities that make you exceptional individuals, propelling you towards greatness.
“As you leave this great institution and embark upon the next chapter of your life, I want you to know that it is a world fraught with so many uncertainties. You will face challenges, when you do, remember that your greatness is still inside you.
“The education you have received here at Benson Idahosa University has prepared you well for the challenges ahead. These challenges will help lift you to heights you never knew existed. When these challenges come, know that you are about to rise higher than ever. My father called it “a knockdown for2 lifting”.
“The looming global economic recession, and an accelerating de-globalization, have once again laid bare Africa’s helplessness in the global scheme of things,” he also declared.
Okwudiafor Genevieve Chukwudubem (Miss) who had a CGPA of 4.90 was presented with the overall best graduating students Award after which she paid glowing tribute to God who she said gave her the wisdom to excel in her academic pursuit.
