Twelve of 59 Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) beneficiaries, who graduated from the Benson Idahosa University, bagged First Class Honours.

Twenty bagged Second Class Upper Division and 29 Second Class Lower Division at the 13th Convocation Ceremony of tBenson Idahosa University at the weekend.

The best Amnesty delegates who made the list of best graduating students  are Mr. Bolei Gideon, (Department of Agronomy and Environmental Management), Mr. Azebi Oyeikurokaemo Marcodinho, (Geopphysics), Miss Febaide Mabel Ebiere, (Banking and Finance) and Miss Guwor Egbedetimi Williams ( Political Science and Publice Administration).

The Management of Benson Idahosa University led the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11.

Speaking during the visit, the Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof Ernest Izevbigie, who introduced the principal officers said Governor Fayose came to deliver the convocation lecture of his university, and that the Management of the school felt that would not be complete without a visit to the renowned monarch.

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II who received the delegation charged Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State to eschew conflicts and embrace peace for the overall interest of the State and the country at large.

He noted that no meaningful development could take place in a rancorous atmosphere.

The Monarch, who stressed that all hands must be on deck in the ongoing battle against the economic woes currently bedeviling the country, gave assurances of royal advise and support to the Governor.

“‎The indefatigable Governor of Ekiti State, I welcome you heartily and warmly to the palace. I want to commend those who escorted you here and made the visit possible. You spoke and confirm my observations that you are a leader.”

“We thank God for having you here today and coming to deliver the lecture at BIU. We have been following some of your political wars. We are in support of resolving conflicts peacefully, and we always pray for peace and we strive for it in Benin here,” he said

“I want to reassure you that this palace is your home and you can come officially and privately. We can then have confidential discussions and exchange ideas,” Oba Ewuare II assured Fayose.

He also informed his visitor that he has scheduled a nation-wide post coronation tour, with a view to strengthening the relationship with, and ensure peace among the various ethnic and different cultural groups in the country.

“I am about to embark on post coronation nationwide tour and we will visit The Presidency first and Ekiti is one of our points of call.

“I salute your commitment to democracy and good governance out there and we say keep on doing the good work in spite of the adversities being faced,” the Monarch said.

Governor Fayose, told Oba Ewuare II that he was at the palace to seek royal advise and blessings ahead of the 10th Convocation Lecture of Benson Idahosa University, holding on Friday.

“I came in the name of the people of my State and I felt it would only make sense if I pay courtesy visit to you Sir, before going to BIU for the lecture.”

“You are a man of this generation and your support and advice would be invaluable, Ekiti is a stone’s throw away to Benin. The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti has close affinity with this palace. We would expect you in our State,” he said.

Also at the visit were the Council Chairman, Engr. Goddie Isibor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sam Guobadia, The Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Bamidele Sanni, Dean of Arts and Education, Prof. Innocent Umejisi, and the Deputy Registrar (Admission), Mr. McDonald Uwaifo.

60 out of the 721 graduating students have bagged First Class degrees at the completion of their studies for the 2016/2017 academic session.

The Vice chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, announced this at a pre-convocation world press briefing for the institution’s 13^th convocation ceremonies.

Prof Izevbigie stated that 144 students got Second Class upper division, 364 bagged lower divisions while 38 graduands would receive third class degrees.

He said that 115 higher degrees would also be awarded as Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, would deliver the institution’s convocation lecture.

He added that an honorary degree would be conferred on the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1 and Engr. Emmanuel Egbagbe.

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the university had continued to demonstrate capacity in research and learning‎, disclosed that work was in progress at its permanent site in Okha in order to expand its scope.

According to him, the graduating students, nicknamed the “Titans,” had been trained in line with the vision of the university to produce global leaders.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sam Guobadia, however condemned reports that the institution has increased its tuition fees to about N1m stating that there was no reason for the increase.

“Reports about increase of tuition fees in the institution is untrue. We have not raised any of our fees. We are here to serve the students. The economy is in recession. We do not think this is the time to raise tuition fees.” he said