UNIBEN Achieves Historic Student Intake for 2025/2026 Academic Session
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has made history by admitting a total of 15,077 students for the 2025/2026 academic session. This remarkable figure represents the highest student intake ever recorded in the institution's distinguished history, marking a significant milestone in Nigerian higher education.
Matriculation Ceremony Announcement
Vice-Chancellor Professor Edoba Omoregie, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), officially disclosed this achievement during the university's matriculation ceremony held in Benin on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The ceremony formally welcomed the new students into various faculties, schools, centers, and academic programs across the institution.
Professor Omoregie emphasized that this matriculation holds particular significance as many of the incoming students are pioneers of approximately twenty newly introduced courses and academic programs. This expansion reflects UNIBEN's commitment to evolving educational offerings and meeting contemporary academic demands.
Admission Based on Merit and Excellence
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that all 15,077 students were admitted strictly on merit, following rigorous selection processes. He urged the new students to uphold excellence as their guiding principle throughout their academic journey at UNIBEN, maintaining the institution's reputation for academic rigor and quality.
"Merit and excellence should remain your guiding principles during your time at this institution," Professor Omoregie advised the newly admitted students during his address.
UNIBEN's Educational Legacy and Values
Describing UNIBEN as a first-generation university and one of the most sought-after institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, Professor Omoregie highlighted the university's 55-year legacy of quality teaching, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement. These values are encapsulated in the institution's motto, "Knowledge for Service," which continues to guide its educational philosophy.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Social Vices
During the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor issued a stern warning against social vices that could compromise the academic environment. He specifically cautioned students against:
- Secret cult activities
- Drug abuse and illicit drug sales
- Examination malpractice
- Other immoral acts
Professor Omoregie emphasized that UNIBEN operates a zero-tolerance policy toward these behaviors, with students found engaging in such activities facing immediate expulsion from the university.
Advice for New Students
The Vice-Chancellor offered comprehensive guidance to the incoming students, encouraging them to:
- Remain focused on their academic goals and objectives
- Engage constructively with lecturers and university staff
- Make effective use of academic, sporting, and extracurricular facilities
- Learn positive habits while unlearning behaviors that could hinder personal and academic development
Professor Omoregie also expressed appreciation to parents, guardians, and sponsors for entrusting the university with their children and wards. He formally welcomed the new students to the University of Benin community and offered prayers for divine guidance and success throughout their academic journey.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
This record-breaking admission intake demonstrates UNIBEN's growing capacity to provide quality higher education to Nigerian students. The introduction of approximately twenty new courses and programs further expands educational opportunities and reflects the institution's responsiveness to evolving academic and professional landscapes.
The University of Benin continues to strengthen its position as a leading educational institution in Nigeria, combining academic excellence with strong ethical standards and community engagement. This historic admission milestone represents not just numerical growth but also the university's ongoing commitment to shaping future leaders through quality education.
