The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami, on Friday, said 14, 254 students have bagged first degree, with 178 bagging First Class, while one got distinction.

She stated this at the 48 Convocation and 53rd Founders’ Day ceremonies of the university for the award of first degrees, diplomas, and certificates to the 2020/2021 graduands.

She said,” This administration has, in the last four years, been consistent in its pursuit of academic excellence and maximum growth in all spheres as a way of rewriting the narrative of the university for the better.

“This drive has placed us on a high pedestal in the comity of higher institutions and attracted a lot of respect to the institution and its graduates. That is why today (Friday), we are proud to turn out men and women adjudged worthy to earn the university’s degrees and diplomas at the first-degree level.

“These graduands, 14,254 in all, have distinguished themselves and are today wearing the UNIBEN purple robe of honour. We are proud of you all and are confident that you will be worthy ambassadors of this great citadel of learning.

“That you have weathered the storms in the period of your sojourn as undergraduates shows how resilient you are. Therefore, as you proceed to the next level of your endeavours, ensure to be shining light to others. If you must be a role model, you must lead by being a good example. Gladly, you have been equipped sufficiently for that role.

“The University of Benin continues to hold its head high as Unibest. This is because of our commitment to standards set for us by the founding fathers and standards that we have maintained and elevated.

“In this regard, we have committed time, energy and resources to ensuring that we meet the requirements for national and international accreditation and are daily adding value to the lives of staff and students in our charge.”

In his address of welcome, the Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. James Ayatse, said the institution has continued to make giant strides in providing quality education for the teeming populace and has demonstrated commitment to the provision of modern facilities for the training of first class products who are responsive to the needs of their society.

Ayatse extolled President Bola Tinubu, the Oba of Benin, and the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, for the roles they have played to ensure the university witnessed peace and tremendous advancement.

“We congratulate all the graduands. They have every reason to be proud as products of a system that places a high premium on excellence with the adherence to best global practices.

“You are in turn expected to translate your training to being exemplary in your conduct, and to be role models to your peers. We thank your parents also for seeing this worthy dream of their children’s graduation become reality,” the Chancellor posited.