The University of Benin has admitted a total of 15,077 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, marking an unprecedented intake in the institution’s history.

The vice-chancellor of the university, Edoba Omoregie, disclosed this during the matriculation ceremony speech in Benin on Thursday.

Omoregie, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the matriculation was particularly significant as many of the fresh students were pioneers of about 20 newly introduced courses and programmes.

“At this ceremony, a total of 15,077 students are being admitted formally into the various Faculties, Schools, Centres and Programmes,” he said.

The vice-chancellor emphasised that the students were admitted strictly on merit and urged them to uphold excellence throughout their academic stay.

“You have been admitted on merit. Therefore, merit and excellence should be your watchwords in your academic sojourn here at the University of Benin,” Mr Omoregie stated.

Describing UNIBEN as a first-generation university and one of the most sought-after in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Vice-Chancellor said the institution had, over the past 55 years, sustained its reputation for quality teaching, learning and impactful research.

He noted that these values were captured in the university’s motto, ‘Knowledge for Service’, and added that the institution was committed to producing graduates who would be valuable to themselves and society.

Mr Omoregie warned the students against engaging in cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other social vices, stressing that the university maintained a zero-tolerance policy.

The vice-chancellor urged the matriculating students to remain focused, engage constructively with lecturers and staff, and make effective use of the institution’s academic, sporting and extracurricular facilities.

“Your business here is well spelt out; that is, to learn what you do not know and to unlearn any negative habit that is capable of impeding your progressive aspirations in the university,” he said.

Mr Omoregie also appreciated parents, guardians and sponsors for their trust in the institution.

(NAN)