The University of Benin, UNIBEN, has admitted a total of 15,077 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, recording the highest intake in the institution’s history and setting a new benchmark for student enrolment.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, disclosed this on Thursday during the university’s matriculation ceremony held in Benin City, describing the exercise as historic and symbolic of UNIBEN’s expanding academic scope.
Omoregie, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the matriculation was particularly noteworthy as a significant number of the fresh students were pioneers of about 20 newly introduced courses and programmes, reflecting the university’s drive for innovation and relevance.
“At this ceremony, a total of 15,077 students are being admitted formally into the various Faculties, Schools, Centres and Programmes,” the Vice-Chancellor announced.
He stressed that all admissions were conducted strictly on merit and urged the new students to make excellence their guiding principle throughout their stay at the university.
“You have been admitted on merit. Therefore, merit and excellence should be your watchwords in your academic sojourn here at the University of Benin,” Omoregie said.
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, sustained a strong reputation for quality teaching, learning and impactful research.
“In the last 55 years of its existence, the University of Benin has strived to maintain its reputation of excellence in teaching, learning and impactful research,” he said, adding that meaningful community engagement remains one of the institution’s core strengths.
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According to him, these values are firmly rooted in the university’s motto, “Knowledge for Service,” which continues to guide its academic and social mission.
Omoregie further assured that the university is committed to producing graduates who will be valuable not only to themselves but also to society at large, both locally and globally.
The Vice-Chancellor issued a stern warning to the newly admitted students against cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other social vices, emphasising that the university operates a zero-tolerance policy.
“The University of Benin forbids you to engage in activities associated with secret cults, the sale and use of illicit drugs, alcohol abuse, prostitution, examination malpractice and all forms of immorality and social vices,” he said. “Anyone caught will be shown the way out.”
He advised the students to remain focused on their studies, engage positively with lecturers and university staff, and take advantage of UNIBEN’s academic, sporting and extracurricular facilities to develop themselves holistically.
“Your business here is clearly defined, to learn what you do not know and to unlearn any negative habit capable of impeding your progressive aspirations in the university,” Omoregie stated.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to parents, guardians and sponsors for their confidence in the institution.
“I thank our respected parents, guardians and sponsors for trusting us with the education and welfare of their children and wards,” he said.
Omoregie congratulated the matriculating students, formally welcomed them to the University of Benin community, and offered prayers for divine guidance and success throughout their academic journey.
