The University of Benin: A Legacy of Knowledge and Service

The University of Benin (UNIBEN), a prominent public research university in Nigeria, has a rich history rooted in a commitment to knowledge and service. From its humble beginnings as an Institute of Technology to its current status as a comprehensive university with a wide array of programs, UNIBEN has played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape of Nigeria.

Foundation and Early Years

The University of Benin was founded in 1970. It started as an Institute of Technology and was accorded the status of a full-fledged University by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 1 July 1971. In April 1972, the then Military Governor of Mid-Western State, Col. S. O. Ogbemudia, formally announced the change of the name of the Institute of Technology to the University of Benin.

Initially situated at the Ekehuan Road Campus, the university expanded its facilities and established a main campus at Ugbowo. These campuses provide a conducive environment for learning and research, equipped with modern facilities and resources.

Academic Structure and Programs

UNIBEN offers courses at various levels: Postgraduate, Undergraduate, Diploma, and Certificate. With 16 faculties, the university offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs to its students. These faculties include: arts, agriculture, basic medical sciences, dentistry, education, engineering, environmental sciences, law, life sciences, management science, pharmacy, physical science, medical sciences, medicine, and veterinary medicine.

College of Medical Sciences

The UNIBEN College of Medical Sciences is a cornerstone of the university, dedicated to teaching medicine and awarding professional degrees to physicians and surgeons. The college comprises several schools, including the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, and School of Basic Medical Science.

School of Medicine

The School of Medicine was established in 1973, then Faculty of Medicine to Medicine to run a 6 year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB.BS) full-time degree program. The first Dean of the School was Professor T. Bell-Osagie. He was Dean from 1973-1975. With the exit of Professor T. Belo-Osagie, Professor K. Diete-Koki became the Dean of the School. Since then, the School has had various Deans and Heads of Departments in the last 30 years. The immediate past Dean of the School was Prof. Dr.(med.) P.O. Abiodun, MD, FAF Paed, FWACP, FMCPaed. The present Dean of the School of Medicine is Professor A.O.

School of Dentistry

The School of Dentistry coordinates courses and curricula within the College leading to the award of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. The School of Dentistry (as it was known then) started in 1976, and the first batch of students were admitted in the 1976/77 Session. It was established as an integral part of the College of Medical Sciences in 1975 by amendment to the Edict establishing the University of Benin. In 2012, with support from the International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA), donations from the University of Texas at Houston School of Dentistry, and the Owen family, Dr. Mbachan Collins Okwen BDS. (Benin), DDS., MBA. St. T.M. Victor F. St. Erastus B.O.

School of Basic Medical Science

The School of Basic Medical Science was established in December 2003 from the College of Medical Sciences and finally took off in January 2004. The school undertake undergraduate programs for B.Sc.

School of Postgraduate Studies

The School of Postgraduate Studies of the University of Benin was established in October 1981. The Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, in conjunction with the Board of the School, exercises overall review and supervision of postgraduate programs conducted in all colleges, faculties, and institutes of the University. The aim of the School is to be identified with the highest standards and traditions of postgraduate training, scholarship, and research that will lead to major advances and breakthrough in various disciplines of learning.

Library Resources

The university's main library, the John Harris Library, was named after the pioneer university librarian, Prof. John Harris, from New Zealand. The library began with the inception of the university in 1970 at the Ekehuan Road Campus. John Harris Library is an ultra-modern building with central air conditioning. The building is designed to seat about 700 readers. It provides photocopying, duplicating, laminating, and binding services. The library has been computerized. With the high increase in student population, the library has embarked on an expansion programme with the establishment of faculty libraries; the Ekehuan Road Campus Library, Medical Library, Law, Engineering and Pharmacy Library are functional. A John Harris Library extension is awaiting commissioning.

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The library, which holds large volumes of collections in print and non-print format, is situated directly opposite the clinical Student Hostel, popularly called 'Medical Hostel', within the university premises. The books acquired and shelves in the library cover all courses being offered at the university.

Leadership and Administration

The University of Benin has been guided by a succession of accomplished leaders who have contributed to its growth and development. In 1985, Grace Alele-Williams became Nigeria's first female Vice-Chancellor when she was appointed to head the University of Benin. The current Vice-Chancellor is Prof.

The university's administrative structure includes various officers and units responsible for overseeing academic affairs, student welfare, and infrastructural development. The Registrar serves as the chief administrative officer, while the Bursar manages the university's finances.

Institutes and Centers

As part of the restructuring and institutional reforms in the education sector, the Federal Government, in 2006, approved the establishment of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) in fifteen selected major innovation-generating institutions in the country. In the following year, 2007 another eight IPTTOs came on stream with the University of Benin significantly included.

The National Centre for Energy and Environment (NCEE), an agency of the Energy Commission of Nigeria was established on 12th March 2009 through the accent of the 2009 appropriation bill by the late President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Umaru Musa Yar’adua, GCFR. This bill provided the legislative provision for the establishment of the Centre which is currently located at the University of Benin, Benin City.

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Notable Alumni

The University of Benin has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including academia, government, business, and the arts. These alumni serve as ambassadors of the university, exemplifying its commitment to excellence and service.

Challenges and Opportunities

Like many universities in Nigeria, UNIBEN faces challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and student accommodation. However, the university has consistently strived to overcome these obstacles through strategic planning, resource mobilization, and collaboration with stakeholders.

The university also has numerous opportunities for growth and development, including expanding its academic programs, enhancing its research capacity, and strengthening its partnerships with industry and other institutions.

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