History repeated itself when a total of 902 distinguished ambassadors of Benson Idahosa University were awarded higher degrees, Postgraduate diplomas, first degrees, and prizes at the 12th convocation ceremony of the Institution which was held on July 16th-18th, 2016.
In his welcome speech, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ernest B. Izevbigie who gave a rundown of the developmental strides of the Institution since its establishment, said there has been rapid increase in infrastructural development, student population and staff welfare. Speaking on courses run by the Institution, the Vice Chancellor noted that the University has 97% accreditation of all of its programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), adding that the Commission conducted the Resource Verification Exercise of its newest faculty, the Faculty of Engineering which he said, was made possible by the magnanimous donation by Pastor (Dr.) Chris Oyakhilome, President of Believers Love World.
The Vice Chancellor also used the occasion to announce that the University is in the process of collaborating with some leading Universities in Israel, particularly in the area of ‘Energyneering and Agriculture’. He said that Benson Idahosa University will be the first institution to commence studies in renewable energy solutions in the country, adding that the institution is strong academically, thus actualizing its vision. He therefore urged the graduating students to be committed to their Alma Mater, be good ambassadors of the institution and have confidence in God’s supernatural provision rather than worry about the uncertainties of their future. The Vice chancellor went on to remind the students that the world is in dire need of their skills and talents.
Also speaking, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, University Governing Council, Dr. (Engr.) G.O. Isibor enjoined the graduating students to uphold the values which have been inculcated in them to be Change Ambassadors for the institution and actually change Nigeria, and the world at large.
Meanwhile, the Chancellor and Archbishop of the Church of God Mission International, Dr. M.E. Benson Idahosa urged the graduating students to manifest the legacy of its founder Archbishop B.A. Idahosa, and all that the institution has deposited in them, impact their world and be models and trailblazers, adding that as future leaders, they are the extension of Christ on earth.
On his part, the President of the institution, Dr. F.E.B. Idahosa II, while commenting on the present economic and political challenges in the world today, told the graduands that the greatest opportunity of this generation is right in front of them. According to him, as change agents, the University has raised them to be the change, go beyond the normal, do beyond the normal and see beyond the normal. He charged them to go into the world to shine, lead with vision, character and integrity.
Climaxing the event was the award of the University’s first Ph.D. in Economics to Dr. Aisien, Nosa Leonard. Others were awarded Diplomas, first degrees and prizes.
Ogbeide Esther Omonigbo and Idehen Joshua Osahon both of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences emerging as the overall best graduating students out of the 49 first class students, wih 4.94 C.G.P.A each.