The reports on social media (emanating from a particular blogger) about an alleged “riot” on the campus of Benson Idahosa University have been largely exaggerated.  The report was neither verified with nor confirmed by the University before it was published.  As a result, a majority of the unverified article was untrue and defamed the reputation of an institution that consistently works to create a better Nigeria.  Benson Idahosa University has some of Nigeria’s best and brightest students who believe in and have exemplified a commitment to academic excellence with godliness, and our core values of integrity and accountability, and ownership mentality.  The actions of the few in this case, do not reflect the attitude of the great Benson Idahosa University students.

We greatly sympathize and empathize with the family of one of our beloved students (his name is being withheld on official university publications until the University is authorized by his family to release it) at his untimely demise due to complications arising from an undisclosed pre-existing existing medical condition.  Members of the University management, from the proprietors to the Vice Chancellor and principal officers have met with the student’s immediate family to pray for and console them during this difficult time.  As a show of support, Benson Idahosa University has also offered to assist the family of the student with as much help as we can, in any areas that we can.  We continue to stand by the family.

At this time, the University cannot verify the allegations of negligence on the part of the independent health management organization that was retained to provide doctors and nurses for the health care of our students.  However, we are thoroughly investigating the matter and are fully cooperating with the relevant medical authorities, including the NMA, so as to ensure that this matter is thoroughly investigated.  We want to ensure that the medical team provided the utmost medical and professional care in this case, and at all times.

Our students continue to remain our highest priority and we hold their safety, health, and well being in the highest regard.  To that end, after the unfortunate minor incident, the University within 12 hours provided an alternative temporary infirmary to care for the medical needs of students going forward.  The main infirmary will be restored within 7 days.

Benson Idahosa University is committed to ensuring that our University maintains the highest standards in education and overall experience for all of our students.  However, vandalization of University property by a few students endangers the safety of all and should be avoided at all times.  We continually invite any aggrieved students to use the appropriate channels of the inaugurated “Student Management Interactive Forum” to direct their grievances, as we collectively work to protect and promote the safety and well being of all students and staff.

On one of the University’s Seven Core Values, “Academic Excellence with Godliness”, organizers of the 2015 FSMS Faculty Week decided to “Opt for Divinely Inspired Career” as theme for their Faculty week”.

The Faculty’s 2015 week seminar had as guest Lecturer, Barrister Tunde Ebozoje

The seasoned broadcaster turn Lecturer who is currently in the Department of Mass Communication urged the students to package their lives for a successful career by setting cleared and achievable goals.

According to him, successful people are goal oriented. He said there is a great difference between goals and mere wishes, adding that a man’s worse enemy is his fears.

Barr. Ebozoje therefore called on the students particularly those who are faced with fear, disappointment and failure, to rise up and take responsibility for their actions, stop the blame game, pray and push through all odds, noting that one of the great things which the University does is to define, sharpens and shapes the student. According to him, great Leaders think several years into their future.

Earlier on, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Eberieme (in his welcome address) appreciated everyone for attending the seminar, saying that “as one of the biggest Faculty on Campus, the Faculty as made remarkable progress”. He therefore used the occasion to appreciate the University Management as well as staff for their great efforts in the progress of the Faculty.

On his part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sam Guobadia who spoke on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ernest B.Izevbigie-FNAI, while appreciating the Faculty said, there is a whole lot to benefit from the topic. He commended the organizers for the great achievement in putting the seminar together, adding that the Vice Chancellor is unavoidable absent.

Highpoint of the seminar was the question and answer session by participants.

Also present at the 2015 FSMS Faculty Week was the Ag. Registrar, Rev. Mike Okabgare, University Bursar, Mr. Gladday Igwabara, Deputy Registrar, Mr. Tim Diagi, Deans, Lecturers from other Faculties and invited guest.

It’s one of the objectives of the annual University’s faculty week to bring staff and students under one umbrella to be inspired in areas that could be academic or social.

The Faculty week of the Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences (FBAS) held on Monday, 6^th of May, 2015 and had as theme; “Stress Management and Life on Campus”.

Welcoming all, the Dean of FBAS, Dr. Taidi Ekrakene said, “This year’s Faculty Week Seminar is in collaboration with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing world (BIU Chapter)”. According to him, the seminar will afford both the academia and its immediate community, the opportunity to synergize and exchange ideas.

In the area of the faculty’s achievement, Dr. Ekrakene said that FBAS has made remarkable achievement in the quest for research development, adding that during the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, the Faculty produced a hand sanitizer as its own contribution towards stemming the spread of the disease. He ended with an appreciation of the efforts of the University’s Management for its vigor and determination to support staff development.

(Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ernest B. Izevbigie-NFAI) the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sam Guobadia said “seminars such as this are highly profitable”.  Upon his appreciation to the organizers for coming up with such theme, he also enjoined the students to be attentive to every speech and seminar from the speakers; adding that the theme for the Seminar is very apt.

The guest speaker, Dr. E.O Adayonfo defined stress as uncomfortable feelings which could be as a result of biological, physiological and behavioral changes. He said “though stress could cause risk and discomfort, it could also be beneficial (eustress); adding that excessive stress causes distress, e.g. ill health, lack of freedom or mobility, abuse, poor attachment etc.

Concluding, Dr. Adayonfo spoke of the need for all to avoid unnecessary stress.

On her part, Pastor Kay Benson Akigbe speaking on, “Life on Campus”, charged the students to set clear goals for their future while in school and exercise the power of Son-ship. She however spoke of the need for the students to grow beyond the Orphan identity by living a life of conviction, while frowning at the excessive use of position, passion and control.

There was a special question and answer session.

Also present at the Faculty week were the University Bursar, Librarian, Deans and Lecturers from other Faculties as well as other invited guest.