A total of 49 out of 602 students bagged First Class degrees in the 2017/2018 academic session. The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sam Guobadia made this known during the 14th Convocation Ceremonies. According to him, 84 students were awarded Second Class (Upper Division) degrees, 318 received Second Class (Lower Division) degrees while 52 got Third Class degrees.The University also awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) degree, 60 Masters degrees and 38 Postgraduate diplomas.

He charged the graduating students to effect total change in the style of governance by implementing ideas of other successful democracies around the world. “The world right now needs credible leaders who actually have the interest of its citizens as priority. The old style of governance has failed, the situation is chaotic and the hunt for credible leaders is on. We implore you to go out there, and be the hope of our country. We are very confident that you all have been raised as such leaders, worthy in character, in learning, and as effective disciples of Christ, that will change Nigeria.”

Prof. Guobadia, however, encouraged the students to be brave and never despair as they have been empowered with life set skills that will make them contribute immensely to the development of Nigeria. He also urged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the University wherever they find themselves.

Highlighting the achievements of the University, he mentioned that all degree programmes offered at the University have been accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other regulatory bodies like the Council of Legal Education (CLE) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), among others.

He also revealed that the University would be introducing the Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences. The Faculty will offer degree programmes in Nursing and Medical Lab Sciences, precursors to a full Medical School. Speaking on the development at the Legacy Campus, the Acting Vice Chancellor said the Dr. Chris Oyakhilome Faculty of Engineering Complex, the Bishop Matthew Okpebholo Road and the on-going construction of the main access road had reached 90 per cent completion. These projects, according to him, are due for commissioning at the commencement of the 2018/2019 academic session.

The President of Benson Idahosa University, Bishop F.E.B. Idahosa urged the students to be the generation that will take up the task to really change Nigeria.  According to him, Nigeria’s current situation has forced a responsibility on them. He said: “When you leave campus and hit the real world, you will not get everything handed to you on a silver platter.  The real world will hand out a dose of seriousness that will sober you. Do not talk about your dreams, chase them into the future and drag them into your present. Do not hope for them because hope is not a business plan. 

Speaking at the ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor, Engr. (Dr.) G.O Isibor while congratulating the students, admonished them to go out, increase and inherit the earth. He said the “Class of F.A.M.E” is the University’s secret weapon to change Nigeria, for the good and for the better.

The Pro-Chancellor who is the Chairman of the University Governing Council, urged the students to be professionals and entrepreneurs who will be effective disciples of Christ.

Delivering her Valedictory speech on behalf of the graduating class, Juliet Ezekiel, the overall best graduating student said that persistence through failure is the story of her success.

She said: “Failure makes you hungry and humble. Failure forces us to confront our fears. Failure has made a lot of us great and powerful mentors today.”

“Fellow graduates, we have all made sacrifices to be where we are today but I must admit that my experiences have given me an inner security that I would never have attained easily passing examinations. Failure made me discover that I have a strong will, more discipline and determination than I ever expected”

Juliet Ezekiel, a graduate of Computer Science who recorded a Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA) of 3.95 said she faced a lot of challenges while in school but focused on her priorities.

In her speech, Juliet expressed gratitude to God for making her feat possible and promised to always strive for excellence. She advised her fellow graduands to be of good behaviour anywhere they found themselves.

The occasion was graced by dignitaries across the country, including the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice (Mrs.) Esohe Ikponwen, NUC’s Director of Accreditation, Dr. Noel Salihu , and Vice-Chancellors of various universities across the country and traditional rulers.